10 reasons why batch-cooking will transform your life

Big-batch bolognese, fragrant vegetable tagines or slow-cooked beef bourguignon are all excellent options that reheat beautifully. Cook once, eat twice (or more) – and give yourself a night off cooking when you need it most.

Large serving recipes:

Next level caponata
Roasted cauliflower & chicken curry
Cottage pie
Chicken, sweet potato & peanut stew
Chipotle beef, black bean & cheese crunchwrap
Sausage & nduja lasagne
Spiced cottage pie
Next level veg chilli

If you'd rather not head straight to the kitchen after a long day, a slow cooker is a brilliant batch-cooking solution. Simply add your ingredients in the morning – or even the night before – and let it gently simmer away while you get on with your day. You’ll be greeted by the comforting aroma of a rich stew or hearty one-pot, ready to serve with minimal effort.

More slow cooker recipes:

Slow cooker beef pie
Slow cooker chilli con carne
Slow cooker beef stew
Slow cooker pork casserole
Slow cooker leg of lamb

2. Cut down on weekly food costs

Cooking in bulk allows you to purchase ingredients in larger quantities, often at a lower cost. Plan your meals with our budget batch-cooking recipes and watch your food shop bills shrink.

A smart way to stay on top of your shopping is by signing up for our app. You’ll get exclusive access to our app-only meal plans – perfect for every occasion, from quick midweek dinners to budget-friendly weeks designed to help you save. Each plan comes with a handy shopping list, allowing you to purchase exactly what you need and avoid overspending.

Meal plans:

30-minute meal plan
Budget-friendly meal plan
Exclusive no-cook summer meal plan
Budget meal plan for two
Meat-free meal plan

3. Reduce food waste

Batch-cooking is a brilliant way to reduce waste and stretch your ingredients further. By cooking in larger quantities, you can use up fresh vegetables that are nearing their best and make the most of storecupboard staples like tinned beans, chopped tomatoes, or dried herbs. Dishes like five-bean chilli or slow cooker ratatouille are ideal – they’re packed with fibre, freeze well and taste even better the next day. It’s also a great excuse to clear out your fridge and turn leftover odds and ends into something hearty and satisfying.

More recipes:

Chicken, spinach & bacon alfredo pasta bake
Aubergine parmigiana lasagne
Spicy chickpea stew
Veg-packed burgers

4. Always have a healthy option to hand

With homemade meals ready in the freezer, you're less likely to be tempted by takeaways or convenience food.

Healthy batch cooking recipes:

Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole
Chicken jalfrezi
Tomato, pepper & bean one-pot
Double bean & roasted pepper chilli
Goan-style vegetable curry with kitchari

Fill yours with healthy batch-cook recipes for easy, nourishing dinners any night of the week. And, if you're still craving a takeaway, our fakeaway ideas deliver all the flavour at a fraction of the cost.

5. Greater variety with less effort

Prep once, eat in several ways – base recipes are a brilliant way to get more from your ingredients. Roast cauliflower & squash, for example, can be stirred into a fragrant vegan curry, baked into a creamy cauliflower, squash & orzo gratin or turned into crisp fritters with a mint & feta dip.

6. Freezer-filled security

A well-stocked freezer means you're always ready for unexpected guests – and it’s easy to gain a reputation as the ultimate host. Try freezing portions of our spiced lentil & butternut squash soup or curried fishcakes – they reheat beautifully for a quick, fuss-free meal.

Stock up your freezer with recipes that are ready when you are. Whether you’re planning ahead or want something home-cooked to hand, our collection of freezable recipes makes mealtimes easier.

Hosting soon? Head to our dinner party hub for crowd-pleasing ideas – from elegant starters to impressive mains and showstopping desserts, you’ll find everything you need to wow your guests. And if you'd prefer to stay out of the kitchen once they arrive, explore our make-ahead dinner party main recipes – perfect for getting organised and keeping stress to a minimum on the day.

7. Less cleaning, more living

Batch-cooking means fewer pots and pans to wash each week. Cook once, clean once and enjoy more time doing the things you love.

For more recipes with minimal washing-up, check out our one-pot recipes and traybake dinner recipes.

8. Ideal for lunch prep

Batch-cooking isn’t just for dinner – it’s a smart way to get ahead on lunches, too. Whip up a big pot of soup, sizzling stir-fry or cheesy pasta bake, then portion it out for the week. Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and hello to satisfying, nutritious midday meals.

Dinners that double up as next-day lunches:

Mango, lime & chilli prawn fishcakes
Paneer, chickpea & spinach curry
Peanut butter noodles with tofu and veg
Marinated chicken with tomato, orzo & feta
Red curry pork meatball sub

9. Eat seasonally all year round

Batch-cooking allows you to make the most of seasonal produce while it’s at its peak, and often its lowest cost. Cook and freeze favourites like our summer pesto salmon & beans gratin or autumn soup recipes, then enjoy them long after the season’s over.

10. Build confidence in the kitchen

Planning and prepping meals in advance is a great way to build kitchen confidence. With less day-to-day pressure, you can explore new techniques and recipes at your own pace. Trying just one new dish a week feels manageable – and if it’s not a hit, pop it in the freezer for guests to enjoy later.

Explore our global recipe collections for a taste of something new – from comforting Italian classics, to punchy Mexican dishes and light, fragrant Thai favourites.

Discover more money saving inspiration

Budget recipes
One week of budget-friendly dinners
Top healthy meals on a budget
Budget family meal plan
Budget-friendly desserts