Are you a lazy cook? Here’s how to lighten your load through the holiday season

It’s holiday meal planning season! Let’s face it, not everyone loves spending hours in the kitchen – especially during the busy season. Between gift shopping, parties and family gatherings, meal prep often feels like just another item on the to-do list – but it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few clever tricks, you can put delicious meals on the table without the stress.

Research recipes ahead of time

Planning ahead is key to stress-free holiday cooking and researching your recipes in advance can make all the difference. Take a bit of time to find simple, reliable recipes that require minimal ingredients and preparation.

Focus on dishes that can be made in batches, repurposed as leftovers or even prepped ahead of time. Remember to consider food allergies and sensitivities your family might have. This way, when the busy holiday season arrives, you’ll have a go-to collection of festive and easy-to-prepare meals.

Kristin King from Dizzy Busy and Hungry attests to this strategy, “I look for recipes I can prep ahead, freeze or double up for leftovers or multiple gatherings,” she says. “Simple sheet pan dinners or slow cooker meals keep things quick and hassle free with minimal cleanup, so I can enjoy the season without getting overwhelmed by all the cooking!”

Choose ingredients you can freeze

To make holiday meal prep easier, focus on ingredients that freeze well, like meats, cooked grains, hearty vegetables, and sauces. Frozen veggies, shrimp and even meatballs are lifesavers when you’re pressed for time. Keep your freezer stocked with these basics to whip up quick stir-fries, pasta dishes or protein-packed salads.

Shopping ahead and freezing key ingredients means fewer trips to crowded stores, where items may be sold out and checkout lines are long. By stocking your freezer with versatile, freezer-friendly foods, you’ll save yourself time and stress when the holiday rush kicks in.

Go for recipes with overlapping ingredients

You can also make holiday cooking easier by picking recipes that share similar ingredients. For example, if you’re roasting parmesan potatoes as a side dish, boil extra for mashed potatoes and save leftovers for mashed potato waffles. Grilled chicken can serve as a main course one day and be repurposed into a cranberry chicken salad or lettuce wrap later in the week.

This tip can help you reduce the number of things you need to buy, simplifying your meal prep. You’ll have a variety of dishes without the extra work.

Create your shopping list early

One of the easiest ways to simplify holiday meal planning is to create your shopping list well in advance before needing to go to the store. Start by planning your meals and breaking down each recipe into ingredients, organizing them by section — produce, pantry items, meats, etc. 

This method saves you time during the actual shopping trip so you can quickly navigate the aisles without forgetting anything. Having a list ready also helps you stick to your budget and avoid impulsively buying. Plus, if you start early, you can watch for sales or pick up non-perishables over time.

Lean on pre-made grocery items

Pre-made sauces can be a game-changer. Keep a few go-to jars of marinara, pesto and teriyaki sauce on hand. Toss them with pasta, drizzle over roasted veggies or add them to a quick stir-fry for a boost of flavor without any fuss.

Likewise, there’s no shame in buying pre-chopped onions, peppers or broccoli. It’s a major time-saver and can make the difference between cooking at home or ordering takeout when you’re facing burnout.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about crying while cutting onions. That’s always a bonus.

Consider doubling recipes

You don’t always need an overcomplicated menu with a dozen different dishes. Another option is to double your recipes instead. Simply make twice as much when cooking a dish like a casserole, soup or baked item. I double the recipe when I make overnight breakfast casserole, and it’s the only dish we enjoy for Christmas morning!

You can serve one portion immediately and freeze the rest for a quick, ready-made meal later. Doing so not only saves you from cooking multiple times but also helps you make the most of bulk ingredients, cutting down on grocery trips.

Some recipes are already written for a large number of servings. Seek out a soup, chili or stew that serves six to eight. Then, you’ll have enough to reheat for lunches throughout the week and still freeze some for later even without doubling the recipe.

Get an appliance on your counter

Not all appliances are worthy of dedicated counter space. However, when it comes to cooking with a busy holiday schedule, some are worth their keep. Consider a slow cooker or an Instant Pot as a first choice. 

These appliances are ideal for hands-off cooking, whether it’s a one-pot stew, salsa chicken or a cozy pork roast. Just dump in your ingredients and walk away while the machine does all the heavy lifting.

Michelle Price from Honest and Truly gets it right when she says, “With everything from kids’ events to holiday parties, it can be hard to find the time to balance this with meals at home.” Her solution relies on “soups, stews and slow-cooker recipes that use a lot of seasonal vegetables and make big batches that I enjoy for a couple of days and then freeze for later.”

The payoff for her is clear: “The best part is that all these types of foods tend to not require much effort or stove babysitting. The quick prep is less stressful, and I feel better about what I’m eating because it’s homemade from scratch.” 

Prepare for a hassle-free holiday

Meal planning through the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. By researching recipes in advance, choosing freezer-friendly ingredients, leaning on pre-made grocery items and double-batch cooking, you’ll set yourself up for success. With a little preparation, you can focus on the fun and joy of the season without feeling overwhelmed by all the cooking.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.