Does it really make sense to be cooking every single dinner? Of course not! The key to saving time and money is to cook once, to eat at least twice.

In my last post I mentioned the importance of asking yourself a few important questions as you plan the following week’s meals. Once I figure out what I actually have time to cook, I then start thinking about how to minimize my time in the kitchen and one of the simplest means is to double recipes.

I have a series of “go to” recipes that are my staples. I make them every few weeks because they’re quick, simple and inexpensive. Case in point, Bean and Sausage Stew, a favorite recipe that you can access my clicking here. The recipe makes four servings, but with minimal extra work, I can easily make eight. I either freeze half or we end up eating the same thing for lunch or dinner several nights that week. Neither Bruce nor I mind eating the same thing and it makes food prep oh so easy. Other things I like to double up on: soups, quick salads, even turkey meatloaf (I’ll whip up two – freeze one for later use and back the other one immediately).

What can you do to cook less often and how will that help you save money? What are your favorite recipes to double? Share your favorites here. And tune in for the next post on the essentials you’ll want to keep in your cupboard to help you save time and money.

Filed under: Food Shopping, Healthy Meals, Meal Planning