How to Meal Prep While Cooking from Scratch 🍲🥖

Cooking from scratch is a rewarding way to create delicious, wholesome meals, but it can sometimes feel time-consuming. The secret to making it more efficient? Meal prepping! With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen every day.

Here’s how to successfully meal prep while cooking from scratch!

1. Plan Your Meals for the Week 📅

Before you start prepping, make a plan! Choose recipes that use similar ingredients to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

Consider:

✔ Staples – Soups, stews, roasted meats, and grains that can be used in multiple meals.

✔ Batch Cooking – Make large portions of meals that reheat well.

✔ Versatile Ingredients – Roast a big batch of veggies or cook a whole chicken for different dishes.

Tip: Write out your weekly meals and create a grocery list to stay organized.

2. Prep Ingredients in Advance 🔪

Instead of prepping everything when you’re ready to cook, set aside time to prep ahead.

✅ Chop veggies – Store them in airtight containers for quick use.

✅ Make homemade broth – Freeze in portions for soups and sauces.

✅ Marinate meats – Letting proteins sit in seasonings enhances flavor and saves time later.

✅ Mix dry ingredients – Pre-measure baking mixes or spice blends for quick meals.

Tip: Using glass jars or reusable containers keeps prepped ingredients fresh and organized.

3. Cook in Batches 🍲

Cooking multiple portions at once saves time during the week.

Consider:

🔥 Roasting multiple trays of veggies at once.

🔥 Cooking grains (rice, quinoa, pasta) in large batches and storing them in the fridge.

🔥 Making extra portions of sauces like marinara, pesto, or homemade salad dressing.

Tip: Store prepped meals in individual containers for easy grab-and-go options.

4. Use Your Freezer Wisely ❄️

Your freezer is your best friend when it comes to meal prep! Freezing homemade meals means less waste and more convenience.

❄️ Freeze bread dough so you can bake fresh bread with less effort.

❄️ Make and freeze soups, stews, and casseroles for easy dinners.

❄️ Freeze chopped herbs in oil using an ice cube tray for quick seasoning.

Tip: Label containers with the date and contents so you can keep track of what’s inside.

5. Keep It Simple & Enjoy the Process ❤️

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on simple, nourishing meals and find a routine that works for you. Cooking from scratch is about flavor, quality, and love, and a little preparation can make it both enjoyable and stress-free.

By planning, prepping ingredients, and using your freezer wisely, you can enjoy homemade meals every day—without spending all your time in the kitchen!

Happy cooking! 🍽️✨