Chop chop! Make mealtimes easy with bulk cooking

If you’ve ever let out a huge sigh when thinking about dinner, this one is for you! During busy seasons, conjuring up a nutritious meal on the spot can be a mission, and you're definitely not alone. We get that life is busy and the fridge may not always be inspiring after a long day, so we want to help with that. 

Bulk cooking can save the day! By making your meals in one go, you can save so much time during the week... and avoid the clean-up that comes with it... bonus! You'll have nutritious and delicious meals in your back pocket, to whip out when that sigh is coming on!

We've given you our hot tips below to make bulk cooking as simple and manageable as it can be. 

1. Plan out your weekly meals

Whether it's writing a list and sticking it on the fridge or creating a notes page on your phone.. set aside a little time before the next week commences to map out your meals. This doesn't need to be extravagant, just a simple list of basic dishes to make throughout the week. Planning ahead gives you a meal roadmap and also saves multiple trips to the grocery store!

2. Choose freezer-friendly recipes (and double them) 

The freezer is your new best friend! When you've selected your recipe, double it (or triple it) when cooking. This can be portioned out and placed in the freezer to use when needed. Not only does freezing preserve the nutritional value, your meals can also withstand time—so if you choose to spontaneously eat out that week or plans change, it won't go to waste. Think meatballs, meat patties, soups, stews, and casseroles!

3. Use simple and universal bases 

Having large batches of staples such as meat stock, cooked meats, sauces, and cooked veggies are your lifeline! If you don't have time to make and freeze an entire meal, these staples can be defrosted and combined with different herbs, sauces, or sides to create a variety of dishes throughout the week. Simple bases can make multiple meals so quickly. Think tomato sauce, meat stock, shredded chicken, veggies... you have a stew!

4. Get the kids involved

Little hands in the kitchen is such a rewarding experience... whatever they help with! Bulk cooking together on the weekend is a great way to spend quality time with your kids, teach them valuable kitchen skills, build confidence, and create a project together. This is a great task for fussy eaters, as it encourages them to eat their own meal. Kids get to see the love and work poured into these homemade meals—it's a win-win! 

5. Divide into portions 

Rather than keeping your batch-cooked meals in large containers, break them down into individual portions to freeze. This means that you can quickly adjust your meal plans during the week without having to defrost a large batch if not required. This makes it so easy to grab a ready-made lunch or dinner when needed, without having to defrost the entire meal first before dividing up your share.

6. Use appropriate storage containers 

Freezer safe and non-toxic are what we want! Look for freezer‑safe glass containers (perfect for your soups, stews, casseroles), glass jars (think broths and sauces, remembering to leave space at the top for expansion), stainless steel containers (great for storing solid meals such as meatballs, roast veggies, chicken), and food-grade silicone bags (ideal for liquids or portioning out meals).

7. Label everything 

After cooking, clearly label your meals and containers with the date and contents. It takes seconds but saves you a lot of time when you’re trying to decipher whether you've got beef stew or lamb casserole in your hand!

8. Reheat properly

We want to keep nutrition intact! Thaw gently, warm slowly (reheat on the stove over low–medium heat in a stainless steel pot) and add some liquid (stir in a splash of meat stock or filtered water to prevent drying out). For larger meals, use an oven (cover with a lid and warm in a low oven around 150–160°C to preserve moisture). Heat lunch meals before work and bring them in a thermos. Avoid microwaves and always check the temperature to ensure meals are heated thoroughly.

So there you go! By bulk cooking when you can, you can save so much time and energy, and create a more enjoyable and relaxed routine around mealtimes. This means you'll always have a nutritious option on hand when time is tight.. and let's face it, it usually is! Bulk cooking doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s about working smarter, not harder!