Hey there, lovely readers! 🌟 If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time in the kitchen, it’s that family meals should be simple, scrumptious, and a whole lot of fun.
Whether you’re a kitchen wizard or a newbie, I’m here to share some of my favorite family-friendly recipes that will make your life a whole lot easier, your wallet happier, and your taste buds do a little dance.
Living in the heart of Yorkshire, I know the value of hearty, home-cooked meals. But let’s face it, juggling work, school, and a hundred other things can sometimes leave us feeling like we’re in a MasterChef challenge with a ticking clock. That’s where batch cooking swoops in to save the day!
Batch cooking is a game-changer for busy families like ours. It’s about cooking smarter, not harder, and it’s a secret weapon for keeping everyone fed and smiling.
In this article, we’re diving into some of the best family meals to batch cook. These dishes aren’t just about convenience; they’re about creating moments around the dinner table that your family will cherish.
So, roll up those sleeves, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking the Yorkshire way – hearty, wholesome, and packed with love!
Family Friendly Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Batch Recipe
Introducing the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your family dinners: Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne.
This Mexican-inspired culinary delight takes the simplicity of chilli con carne to a whole new level when prepared in a slow cooker.
The magic of this method lies in the unhurried, low-and-slow simmer that allows the savoury flavours to meld and develop into a symphony of taste. Not only does the slow cooker maintain the meat’s tenderness, but it also frees you from the constant stirring demands of stovetop cooking. It’s a win-win!
But why fry all the ingredients first, you may wonder? Frying may seem like an extra step, but it’s the secret to unlocking a truly flavourful chilli. This process caramelizes the ingredients, infusing the dish with depth and richness.
And when it comes to seasoning, don’t hold back – ample seasoning is the key to letting the flavours shine. Adding a touch of chocolate may surprise you, but it’s a cherished Mexican tradition that imparts a luxurious, slightly sweet note to the sauce, resulting in a silky texture you’ll adore.
Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, this slow cooker chilli can be tailored to your spice level. And when it’s time to save some for later, follow our expert tip: freeze it before adding the finishing touches like beans and herbs for optimal taste and texture. This versatile dish can be paired with rice, used as a taco or burrito filling, transformed into a mouthwatering Mexican lasagna, or crowned with cheesy mash and jalapeno chillis for a Chilli Con Carne cottage pie.
Squash and Spinach Curry Batch Cook Recipe
Introducing a wholesome and speedy delight, the Squash and Spinach Curry. This delectable dish is not only low in fat, sugar, and salt but also a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick family meal. The beauty of this curry lies in its ability to mature in flavour over time, making it even more irresistible if you can resist diving in right away.
In just 25 minutes of cooking time, you can serve up a satisfying meal for six. This recipe boasts the perfect combination of textures and tastes, with Butternut Squash Chunks, Sliced Red Onions, balti paste, and mango chutney infusing the dish with rich, aromatic flavors. A can of chickpeas, reduced-fat coconut milk, and hot veggie stock meld together beautifully, creating a creamy and wholesome base.
The finishing touch comes with the addition of Baby Leaf Spinach, adding vibrant color and a nutrient-packed punch to the curry. Served alongside long-grain brown rice, this dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritious delight. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider pairing it with poppadoms and mango chutney – the perfect accompaniments for a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re in a rush or planning ahead, this Squash and Spinach Curry will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Perfect to come home to after a family day out: Discover the art of creating irresistibly tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with this simple and foolproof recipe. Don’t fret if you don’t have a slow cooker; this culinary masterpiece can be crafted in a low oven with equal success. With a cooking time of 4-6 hours, this recipe serves eight, making it a perfect choice for a hearty family feast or a gathering of friends.
Begin by preparing 800g of free-range pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized chunks, and combine it with chopped red onions and bashed garlic cloves for a flavorful foundation. Elevate the taste with a symphony of spices, including ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, bell pepper flakes, allspice, and dried oregano. The secret sauce? A blend of tomato purée, red wine vinegar, and a tin of chopped tomatoes, infusing the pork with rich, savory goodness.
Simply add these ingredients to your slow cooker, along with some salt, pepper, and 100ml of water. Then, let the magic happen as it simmers away on low for 6 hours (or high for 4 hours). No need to stir; you’re free to go about your day while the flavors meld and the pork turns fork-tender.
Once your creation is complete, season to perfection and use two forks to effortlessly shred the meat into irresistible pulled pork. Serve it up with a garnish of fresh coriander, zesty lime wedges, and a dash of hot sauce for those who crave a spicy kick. Enjoy this versatile dish with rice, as a jacket potato topper, or as a star player in a Tex-Mex pasta bake. And don’t forget the delicious bonus – this pulled pork is perfect for batch cooking and freezing, providing future meals that are just as delectable as the first bite.
Chicken Casserole Recipe
Indulge in the heartwarming flavours of our Chicken Casserole, a hearty meal that’s perfect for serving up to six. In just 20 minutes of preparation, you’ll have a wholesome dish that’s bound to become a family favourite.
This casserole is a delightful blend of succulent chicken, flavourful streaky bacon, and an array of fresh vegetables including mushrooms, carrots, onions, and celery. The magic unfolds as the chicken stock becomes infused with the aromatic goodness of a bouquet garnish, featuring bay leaf, thyme, parsley stalks, and black peppercorns. To achieve a luxuriously creamy texture, a generous dash of double cream is added to the mix. The best part? You have the option to cook it either in the oven or a slow cooker, making it adaptable to your schedule.
To craft this culinary masterpiece, start by browning the chicken pieces and bacon in a cast-iron casserole. Then, create a savory base by browning the onions and mushrooms before reuniting them with the chicken and bacon. Add the carrots, celery, bouquet garni, chicken stock, and wine, season generously, and let the flavors meld in a preheated oven at 170ºC for 30-40 minutes.
For the velvety sauce, whisk together a butter and flour paste called beurre manie, then add it to the casserole’s simmering sauce, thickening it to perfection. Finish with a touch of double cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of colour and flavour.
If you prefer the slow cooker method, follow a similar process but let your ingredients simmer on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Stir in the cream before serving and garnish with more parsley.
Serve this delightful Chicken Casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of its rich, savoury sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within two days, making it the perfect choice for a comforting meal any time.
Monday Pie Batch Recipe – Great Way To Use Up Leftover Roast Beef!
Introducing Monday Pie, a comforting classic that transforms leftover Sunday roast beef into a delicious mid-week meal. This dish combines thinly sliced potatoes, chopped roast beef, onions, mushrooms, baked beans, chopped tomatoes, and flavourful seasonings.
After par-boiling the potato slices, mix the other ingredients (excluding Cheddar cheese), layer them with the potatoes, and bake in the oven. The final touch comes with a generous sprinkling of grated Cheddar cheese, creating a golden, cheesy crust.
Monday Pie is a quick, easy-to-make, and heart-warming hot pot that serves four. It’s the perfect way to enjoy comfort food that’s sure to please the entire family. Serve it with your favourite vegetables for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Big-batch Family Bolognese
Prepare for a crowd-pleasing feast with our Big-Batch Bolognese, an ideal recipe for busy households. This hearty dish offers a rich and flavourful meal that’s perfect for satisfying hungry appetites.
In a nutshell, you’ll be sautéing bacon, onions, carrots, and celery until golden, then adding garlic, herbs, bay leaves, and mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. Simultaneously, brown some minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork mince) and combine it with the veggies. Pour in canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and, if you wish, a splash of red wine. Let it simmer slowly until it reaches a thick, tender perfection.
This Bolognese is versatile—great for serving a crowd or storing leftovers for quick and easy midweek meals. Enjoy it with your favourite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a time-efficient recipe that can be a lifesaver during busy days.
Aberdeen Beef Pie Family Batch Cook Recipe
Get ready to impress your family with this Aberdeen Beef Pie—a true comfort food masterpiece! This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family gatherings, especially on chilly days.
What’s so great about it? Well, picture this: tender chunks of beef, flavourful vegetables, all enveloped in a flaky pastry crust. It’s a savoury sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is not only delicious but also practical. It’s designed to serve a family, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner. Plus, it’s relatively simple to prepare, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
So, if you’re looking to treat your loved ones to a comforting and mouthwatering meal, this Aberdeen Beef Pie is a fantastic choice. It’s a classic dish that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy the smiles around the dinner table!
Conclusion
Incorporating these delicious recipes into your family meal planning is a surefire way to delight your loved ones with hearty, comforting dishes.
From the rich and flavorful Big-Batch Bolognese to the heartwarming Aberdeen Beef Pie, these recipes offer convenience, flavour, and the joy of sharing a wholesome meal with your family.
Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or hosting a special gathering, these recipes are bound to make everyone feel right at home around the table.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of home-cooked goodness fill your kitchen. Your family is in for a treat!
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