Batch Cooking for Meal Prep Wins

Let’s face it: life is busy. Between school drop-offs, work meetings, and finding time to actually sit down and breathe, cooking dinner can feel like one more thing on an already too-full plate. 

That’s where batch cooking ground beef, pork, chicken comes in to save the day—and your sanity!

Here at Edwards Family Farms, we know that feeding your family healthy, clean meat matters to you. 

That’s why we’re all about sharing tips to make mealtime less stressful and more delicious. 

Let’s dive into why batching is a game-changer and how you can do it like a pro.

Why Should You Batch Cook?

Batch cooking is simple: you’re preparing larger amounts of food at once so you can use it throughout the week. Here’s why it’s a lifesaver:

• Save Time: Spend an hour or two cooking now, and you’ll have meals ready to go all week long.
• Healthy Eating Made Easy: When you’ve got pre-cooked ground beef, pork, or chicken ready to go, it’s easier to skip the takeout and cook something quick and nutritious.
• Stress-Free Dinners: No more staring at the fridge at 5 PM wondering what to make—your base is already done!

Step-by-Step: How to Batch Cook Ground Meat

1. Pick Your Meat
   1. Grab your favorite ground meats—beef, pork, chicken, or a mix. Pasture-raised options (like ours!) are packed with flavor and nutrients your family will love.
2. Cook it Up
   1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add your meat and break it into crumbles as it cooks.
   2. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Keep it simple so you can adapt the flavors for different meals later.
3. Cool and Portion
   1. Let the meat cool completely. Then divide it into meal-sized portions.
   2. Use glass storage containers or freezer bags. Don’t forget to label them with the date—future you will appreciate it!
4. Freeze for the Future
   1. Lay freezer bags flat so they stack easily, saving you precious freezer space. Your pre-cooked meat will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Quick Meal Ideas Using Pre-Cooked Meat

Not sure how to use all that prepped goodness? Here are a few easy ideas:

• Tacos: Warm up ground beef or pork and serve with tortillas, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• Spaghetti: Mix ground meat into marinara sauce for a quick pasta night.
• Soup: Add pre-cooked chicken to a veggie soup or chili for a hearty meal.
• Stir-Fries: Sauté some veggies and toss in ground pork or chicken for a simple, healthy dinner.
• Casseroles: Layer cooked ground beef in a lasagna or toss it in a shepherd’s pie.

Tips for Batch Cooking Success

• Double Up: If you’re cooking ground beef for tacos, make double and save half for spaghetti later in the week.
• Flavor Later: Keep seasonings simple while cooking so you can customize for each dish.
• Stock Up: Having enough containers or freezer bags on hand will make your life easier. Glass storage containers with lids are perfect for reheating straight from the fridge.

Know Your Farmer, Love Your Food

When you choose meat from Edwards Family Farms, you’re not just feeding your family. You’re supporting a local farm that prioritizes transparency, animal welfare, and the highest-quality products. 

Our pasture-raised ground beef, pork, chicken are perfect for batch cooking and will make every meal taste better.

So, what are you waiting for? Stock up on our ground meats and give batch cooking a try. Your future self (and your hungry family) will thank you!

Ready to get started? Check out our pasture-raised meats here.