20 best batch-cooking family recipes
Batch-cook these winning family meals to save time and stress. From stews to bolognese, they all freeze really well – perfect for when you need dinner, fast
Prepare for the week ahead with these delicious and filling family batch-cooking recipes. Feed a hungry crowd and freeze portions for speedy meals as and when you want them. Pick your favourite from rich ragu, brilliant bolognese, super-charged veggie chilli and more.
Just getting started? See our batch-cooking for beginners guide to learn more tips and tricks. Plus, check out our vegan batch-cooking ideas for meat-free recipes. Remember, batch-cooking is a great way to save money, because you only have to turn the oven on once.
Check out our batch-cooking recipes for even more freezable recipes bursting with flavour and then try our healthy batch cooking ideas.
For more budget recipe inspiration, money-saving tips and useful guides, take a look at our family budget meal plan, vegetarian budget meal plan and budget recipe hub.
Family batch-cooking recipes
1. Child friendly slow-cooker chilli
Pack hidden veg into this chilli recipe, ideal for sticking in the slow cooker and dishing up at your leisure. With an average of six portions per batch, this freezable masterpiece is an instant family classic. Serve with rice or tacos with all the trimmings.
Find out how to make more family slow-cooker recipes for no-hassle weeknight dishes.
2. Butternut squash and chickpea tagine
This colourful butternut squash tagine couldn't be easier to make and can be plated-up in 30 minutes. It's a healthy supper that delivers four of your five-a-day and is freezable for future dinners.
Take a look at our butternut squash recipes for more satisfying suppers.
3. Easy pulled beef ragu
Gently cooked to perfection, this melt-in-the-mouth beef ragu is ideal for when you don't have time to watch a pot. It's perfect with pasta and plenty of cheese on top.
Read our helpful guide to energy-efficient cooking for more valuable tips and tricks.
4. Slow-cooker chicken tikka masala
Get this chicken tikka masala cooking in the morning and have dinner waiting for you when you get in – it's perfect for a cold winter evening. Plus, using a slow cooker saves money, as it's a more energy-efficient cooking style.
Discover m0re chicken curry recipes.
5. Burnt aubergine veggie chilli
This burnt aubergine chilli tastes just as good as it looks. It's freezable and delivers four of your five-a-day. If you're looking for a low-fat, smoky, spiced supper, you can't go wrong with a chilli and all the trimmings. Serve with mashed avocado, soured cream and grated cheddar for a real crowd-pleaser.
Take a look at our chilli recipes.
6. Double bean and roasted pepper chilli
A great low-fat, healthy bean chilli that packs in flavour and plenty of portions for freezing. This warming bowl of beany goodness is best served with Tabasco on the side for extra heat and a dollop of cooling yogurt or soured cream.
Discover more delicious healthy bean recipes.
7. Easy beef stew with sweet potato topping
This hearty beef stew with a sweet potato topping has plenty of hidden veg, so it's great for feeding picky children. The time it takes to prepare is well worth it – we'd make it ahead of time, when there's a spare moment, and freeze for a rainy day.
Discover more warming beef stew recipes.
8. Cottage pie
Make our classic meat and potato pie for a comforting dinner. This great-value family favourite freezes beautifully and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Discover more cottage pie recipes, from traditional to spicy and vegetarian.
9. Big-batch bolognese
Here's a healthy bolognese to feed a crowd. Why not cook up a feast at the weekend and freeze half for a speedy and delicious midweek meal? Or, this recipe is easily halved if you need to feed less people. Remember to sprinkle with plenty of cheese!
Try our delicious Italian pasta recipes.
10. Slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot
This glorious hotpot with slow-cooked pork cooked in cider and sage is excellent for warming your belly on a cold day. It serves six people, and if you make the hotpots in individual ramekins, you can freeze them separately – then they'll already be portioned for your next meal.
Discover more delicious pork recipes, from roasts to curries.
11. Aubergine parmigiana lasagne
Freeze this beautiful and bubbling cheesy dish before or after baking for a comforting batch-cooking fix. It's a combination of two Italian classics (parmigiana and lasagne) and is ideal for a family supper. Make our fabulous, freezable aubergine parmigiana lasagne for when you need an indulgent veggie dinner.
Discover more incredible vegetarian lasagne recipes.
12. Sausage cassoulet
Use up those cans of beans knocking around in your cupboard with our sausage cassoulet. This classic French sausage casserole is made in a slow cooker, so no sweating it out in the kitchen. Plus it's perfect for batch cooking. Serve with chunks of fresh bread for soaking up the sauce.
Discover more comforting rustic French stews with our cassoulet recipes.
13. Cock-a-leekie soup
Prunes add subtle sweetness to this traditional Scottish soup – the perfect contrast to deeply savoury chicken broth. Healthy and low in calories, this soup makes an excellent dinner for six and pairs beautifully with a crunchy roll.
Discover more traditional Scottish dishes with our Burns Night leftovers recipes.
14. Carrot & parsnip soup
Freezable soups are a great way to pack veg into your family's diet. This creamy carrot & parsnip soup makes for a warming supper, perfect for busy nights when all you crave is a great big hug-in-a-bowl. Enjoy with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.
15. Celery soup
This fresh and healthy low-calorie celery soup makes a great lunch or dinner. It can be prepared in only 15 minutes and is easily doubled so you can feed a crowd of up to eight people.
Check out more of our soup recipes ideas.
16. Tofu & spinach cannelloni
Tofu adds plenty of protein, iron and creaminess to this comforting family meal that everyone will love. Try more of our favourite tofu recipes.
17. Big-batch lamb stew
Serving eight people, this recipe is perfect for batch-cooking and freezing or feeding a crowd. Using lamb shoulder makes it a budget-friendly option that's full of flavour from garlic, bay leaves and rosemary. Try more of our tender lamb recipes.
18. Pulled chicken & black bean chilli
This quick and easy to prep, Mexican-inspired stew simply simmers away for 40-50 minutes until you have perfectly tender chicken. Serve with fluffy rice, coriander and feta and wrap in soft tortillas. Try more easy Mexican recipes.
19. Coconut cashew & butternut squash curry
Blitzed cashew nuts add flavour and extra nutritional benefits to this creamy vegan curry. Serve with rice, naan and pickles for a satisfying family dinner. Try more of our favourite vegan curry recipes.
20. Slow cooker ratatouille
Is there anything more summery than a ratatouille? This version makes the most of your slow-cooker for a hands-off family meal that delivers four of your five-a-day. And with six portions, you can freeze any leftovers for busy weeknights. Discover more of our summer slow cooker recipes.
Like these recipes? Check out our other family dinner collections and guides:
Healthy family recipe collection
Top 5 family pasta recipes
Vegan family breakfast menu
Top 10 quick after-school suppers
What's your go-to big batch recipe? Let us know in the comments below...
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