7 Cooking Hacks That Will Save You So Much Time And Money

Cooking can be a fun and creative way to express yourself, but it can also be a pain. It can also be a significant time and financial waste if you're not careful. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 7 cooking hacks that will save you time and money. From meal prep to grocery shopping, these tips will help you make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Use a slow cooker

If you don't have a lot of time to cook, or if you're trying to save money on your food budget, a slow cooker can be a lifesaver. 

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your slow cooker:

1. Plan ahead and prep your ingredients the night before. This will save you time in the morning when you're trying to get dinner started.

2. Cut up big pieces of meat into smaller chunks so they cook faster and more evenly.

3. Add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the bottom of the pot so they don't get overcooked.

4. Use cheaper cuts of meat that benefit from longer cooking times, like stew beef or chicken thighs.

5. Make sure your slow cooker is at least half full for best results. Otherwise, food can overcook or burn.

Meal prep

One of the best ways to save time and money in the kitchen is to meal prep. By cooking larger quantities of food at once and portioning it out into individual servings, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort throughout the week. Not to mention, meal prepping can help you save money by eliminating the need to go out to eat or order takeout.

When preparing meals, keep the following in mind:

1) The best recipes are those that can be easily doubled or tripled. This will make it easier to cook larger quantities at once.

2) Invest in some good storage containers. This will make it easy to portion out your meals and store them in the fridge or freezer for later.

3) Plan ahead! Make sure you have all of the ingredients you need on hand before you start cooking. And, if possible, try to do some of the prep work (chopping vegetables, etc.) in advance so that all you have to do is throw everything together when it’s time to cook.

Cook in bulk

If you have the time and energy, cooking in bulk can be a great way to save money and time. By cooking larger portions at once, you can take advantage of economies of scale and have leftovers for quick and easy meals later in the week. Just be sure to label and date your food so that it doesn't go bad before you have a chance to eat it!

Use leftovers

Like the majority of people, you detest wasting food. Unfortunately, cooking can often result in leftovers that go bad before you have a chance to eat them. But don't despair! There are plenty of ways to use up those leftovers and turn them into something new and delicious.

One easy way to use up leftovers is to make a frittata. Just whisk together some eggs, add in whatever vegetables or meat you have on hand, and cook it all in a pan. Frittatas are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they're always different depending on what you put in them.

Another option is to turn your leftovers into soup. Just add some broth and any other ingredients you like ( beans, rice, pasta, etc.) and let it all simmer together until it's nice and hot. Soup is a great way to use up small amounts of leftovers that might otherwise go to waste.

Finally, if you've got leftover cooked meat, why not shred it and use it in tacos or burritos? Add some salsa and sour cream and you've got a quick and easy meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Invest in a pressure cooker

If you don't have a pressure cooker, you're missing out on one of the most versatile and time-saving kitchen appliances. Pressure cookers can be used to cook anything from rice and beans to tough cuts of meat. They also work great for fast weeknight dinners or when you need to get food on the table in a hurry.

Investing in a good quality pressure cooker will save you time and money in the long run. Not only will it make cooking faster and easier, but it will also last longer and provide better results. When shopping for a pressure cooker, look for one that is durable and has multiple safety features. This will ensure that your investment is protected and that you can enjoy years of hassle-free cooking.

Use your freezer

If you cook at home often, chances are you have a freezer full of leftovers. But did you know that your freezer can be your best friend when it comes to saving time and money in the kitchen?

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your freezer:

1. Plan ahead and cook larger meals so that you have leftovers for another day. This way, you can save time by not having to cook from scratch every day.

2. When cooking, make extra portions so that you can freeze them for later. This is great for meals like soup, chili, or pasta sauce that can be easily reheated.

3. Use an ice cube tray to freeze small portions of herbs or spices. This way, you can add fresh flavor to dishes without having to buy new herbs every time.

4. Label everything clearly with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of what's in your freezer and ensure that nothing goes to waste.

Conclusion

We hope that these cooking hacks have helped you save time and money in your kitchen. With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can easily cut down on your cooking time and expenses. Do you have any favorite cooking hacks that we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below!