Hi Reader,

Back-to-school season is almost here (not me crying over here), and if your house is anything like mine, evenings are chaotic. Between homework, practices, and just trying to keep everyone fed, dinner can feel like one more thing on the to-do list.

But here's what I've learned, a little prep here and there makes a huge difference. And no, I'm not talking about spending your whole Sunday cooking. I mean super simple strategies that actually work.

So let's breakdown my tips!

• Make one big batch of something hearty. Chili or soup takes about the same time to make in bulk as it does for a single batch-and it freezes beautifully. Try Instant Pot Chili, Crockpot Chili, Vegetable Beef Soup, or Crockpot Salsa Chicken.
• Always make extra rice (or quinoa). They freeze well and are perfect for casseroles (Cheesy Chicken and Rice), fried rice, burritos, or a simple side. Try my Instant Pot recipes for brown rice, white rice, or quinoa.
• Double up on the basics. If you're making meatballs, spaghetti sauce, or shredded chicken, make extra. They freeze beautifully and are endlessly versatile.​
• Bake Once, Snack Often. I always double muffin recipes. Frozen muffins make the easiest breakfast or snack. Our go-tos: pumpkin, blueberry, chocolate chip oatmeal, and peanut butter banana.
• Marinate once, eat twice. When meat goes on sale, grab an extra pack. Toss it all in a marinade-half goes in the fridge for this week, half in the freezer to marinate as it defrosts. Easy flavor, no extra effort. Try my marinades for London broil, pork tenderloin, or pork chops (all work with chicken too!)
• Be intentional with leftovers. Be intentional with leftovers. Got bits of taco meat, rice, beans, or chicken? Wrap them into burritos and freeze. You’ve just created grab-and-go lunches or an easy dinner with zero extra effort.

Using these tips, I'm sending my son off to college with a freezer full of his favorites--chili, homemade meatballs, bean burritos, pumpkin muffins, and marinated pork tenderloin. And the best part? It didn't take more than a few extra minutes here and there over the past few weeks.

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