10 Easy Batch Cooking Recipes for Winter

1. Classic Beef Stew

Sear beef chunks in a large pot, then add onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic. Cover with beef broth, season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer until meat is tender. Portion into containers and freeze.

2. Lentil and Vegetable Chili

Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Add cooked or canned beans, lentils, tomatoes, and chili powder. Simmer until thickened. Freeze in portions for quick, hearty meals.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cook chicken pieces in a pot with onions and garlic. Add rice, broth, diced carrots, peas, and seasoning. Simmer until rice is tender. Cool, portion, and freeze for easy weekday dinners.

4. Sausage and Potato Skillet

Brown sliced sausage in a large pot, then add diced potatoes, onions, and cabbage or kale. Add a small amount of broth and simmer until vegetables are tender. Freeze in individual servings.

5. Vegetable Barley Soup

Combine chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic with barley and vegetable broth. Simmer until barley is cooked. Season with herbs like thyme and parsley. Cool and freeze in meal-sized portions.

6. Tomato and Bean Stew

Sauté onions and garlic, add canned beans, chopped tomatoes, and your favorite spices like paprika and cumin. Simmer until thick and flavorful. Portion and freeze. Great with bread or over rice.

7. Creamy Potato and Leek Soup

Cook diced potatoes and sliced leeks in broth until soft. Blend partially for a creamy texture, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cool and freeze in portions. Reheat gently for a comforting winter soup.

8. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Use leftover or cooked chicken, add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and broth. Simmer, then add noodles or rice if desired. Cool and freeze for easy grab-and-go meals.

9. Curried Lentil Stew

Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger, then add lentils, chopped carrots, potatoes, and curry powder. Cover with broth and simmer until lentils are tender. Portion and freeze. Spices intensify after freezing, so it tastes even better later.

10. Pasta and Sausage Bake

Cook pasta just until al dente. Brown sausage with onions and garlic, add canned tomatoes and seasonings. Mix with pasta in a large pot or casserole, simmer briefly, then portion and freeze. Reheat with a little extra broth or water.

These meals cover soups, stews, casseroles, and skillet dishes that are flexible, hearty, and perfect for a homestead winter. They save time, reduce waste, and keep your freezer full of ready-to-eat meals.