Follow these suggestions to create easy, flavorful meals while saving valuable time, money, and energy.
Cook Once, Eat Twice
Plan meals that will last longer and ease your cooking tasks for the week. Cook proteins that can easily transition into double-duty meals. For example, put aside some cooked ground beef from a chili recipe to make tacos throughout the week, or make a large batch of rice or pasta for several quick and easy dishes. You’ll save tons of time by not having to cook from scratch twice.
Freeze for Later
Don’t think you’ll eat your large batches before they spoil? No problem – freeze them! The freezer is key for saving both the integrity of your ingredients and time! Prep and freeze elements of your favorite recipes or freeze the entire dish. Simply thaw and reheat whatever you’re craving.
Choose Passive Cooking Techniques
Cooking appliances can help you prepare flavorful meals more easily. Meals made in a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, or air fryer are great for nights you want to set it and forget about it. Take advantage of these gadgets that do the heavy lifting plus alleviate cleaning stress.
Savvy Shortcuts
Slicing and dicing ingredients for meal prep is time-consuming. Pick up ready-to-cook veggies in the Produce Department at your local Price Chopper – we have prewashed greens, pre-chopped vegetable medleys, shaved Brussels sprouts, and more time-saving shortcuts. Or, rely on frozen fruit and vegetable varieties to bring flavor, nutrition, and convenience to your favorite recipes.
No-Cook Meals
Take a vacation from your oven and stovetop by creating easy no-cook meals. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent ingredient to keep on hand, as well as staples like olive oil, tomato sauce or paste, canned beans or fish, bottled dressings, spices, and seasonings. These essentials will help you create delicious pantry-to-plate meals that come together in a flash.
