There was a time when I used to dread the thought of cooking dinner. I got out of work and the last thing I wanted to do was cook a meal. There was no question that takeout was the way to go. As time went on, I realized that not only was this unhealthy, but it was also making a dent in my wallet. Plus, nothing beats the savory aroma of a good home-cooked meal.

Image: epicurious.com

I knew there was a solution to this. I started experimenting and researching. Here’s what I found.

1. Set Aside Time to Prep:

This is a lifesaver: take an hour on the weekend to chop vegetables, marinate meats, and portion out ingredients. You won’t have to rush the day of the cooking.

2. Cook Once, Eat Twice:

Make extra portions of meals and store the leftovers in the fridge for future lunches or dinners. This guarantees that you’ll have something ready even when there’s no time to cook.

3. Smart Appliances:

Smart appliances like the air fryer and Instant Pot can cook food quickly with minimal effort. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t have much time. It cooks faster and more evenly than traditional methods.

Image: thecookreport.co.uk

4. Use a Slow-cooker:

A slow cooker isn’t just good for soups and stews. Many recipes, like chili, pulled chicken, even lasagna can be prepared in the slow-cooker. The best part is that you can go about your day while the meal cooks itself.

How To Cook Everything Quickly

5. Batch Cook:

Batch cooking allows you to prepare large batches of meals in advance and store them in individual containers in the fridge or freezer. On busy weeknights, all you have to do is grab a container and reheat.

There you have it: five efficient ways to save time in the kitchen while putting out delicious food. Healthy and convenient doesn’t have to be a fantasy; it’s possible with just a few quick changes.

What’s your favorite recipe? I’d love to hear in the comments below!