9 Nostalgic Meal Prep Ideas Inspired by Grandma's Cooking
In a world of fast food and takeout, there’s something timeless and comforting about Grandma’s cooking. Her meals were made with simple, wholesome ingredients, cooked slowly, and filled with love.
If you’re looking for meal prep ideas that bring the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen into your busy life, here are a few to get you started. I've also included links to full recipes from the Simplify community if you want to follow a direct recipe.
I hope you enjoy this collection of recipe ideas, inspired by how my Grandma used to cook!
Table of contents
1. Hearty Soups and Stews
Grandma always had a pot of soup or stew simmering on the stove, ready to warm you up after a long day. These one-pot meals are perfect for meal prep because they’re easy to make in large batches and store well in the fridge or freezer.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Make a big batch with fresh vegetables, shredded chicken, and egg noodles. Store in individual containers for a quick grab-and-go lunch or dinner.
- Beef Stew: A classic, slow-cooked dish made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and rich gravy. Freeze portions for an easy, hearty meal on a busy weeknight.
2. Casseroles
Casseroles are another grandma staple that make meal prep simple. They’re easy to assemble, bake, and portion out for the week. Plus, they can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them perfect for cleaning out the fridge.
- Chicken and Rice Casserole : Combine cooked chicken, rice, and cream of mushroom soup, then top with breadcrumbs and cheese. This dish is perfect for reheating throughout the week.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Layer seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Bake it all together and divide into portions for a cozy, filling meal.
3. Slow Cooker Meals
Grandma’s cooking often relied on long, slow cooking methods that made meat tender and flavors develop fully. The slow cooker is a modern kitchen tool that can replicate this, giving you the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it meals.
- Pot Roast: Add a chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, and your favorite seasonings to the slow cooker in the morning. By dinner time, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took all day to make. Portion out leftovers for future meals.
- Pulled Pork: Slow cook a pork shoulder with BBQ sauce or your favorite spices. Shred the meat and use it for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or over rice for a variety of meals throughout the week.
4. Homemade Sauces and Gravies
Grandma was known for making things from scratch, and her sauces and gravies were always full of flavor. Making these ahead of time can elevate even the simplest meal prep.
- Tomato Sauce: Simmer tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil for a rich homemade sauce that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a base for other dishes. Store it in jars in the fridge or freeze it for later use.
- Gravy: Whisk up a batch of gravy using pan drippings from roasted meats. Freeze in small portions to use over mashed potatoes or biscuits whenever you need a little extra comfort.
5. Baked Goods
No one ever left Grandma’s house without a homemade treat. While baking might seem indulgent, making a few simple baked goods can actually be a great way to supplement your meal prep with easy breakfast, snacks, or desserts.
- Banana Bread: This classic loaf is perfect for using up overripe bananas and makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Slice it and store individual portions for the week.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits can be made in advance and stored for quick breakfasts or served alongside soups and stews for a complete meal.
6. Pickles and Preserves
Grandma’s pantry was always stocked with jars of pickles and homemade jams. These pantry staples are easy to prepare in batches and can add a burst of flavor to your meals.
- Quick Pickles: Use cucumbers, carrots, or other vegetables to make a quick pickle brine with vinegar, water, and spices. They’re great for adding crunch and tang to sandwiches, salads, or as a side.
- Fruit Preserves: Make a big batch of your favorite fruit jam to spread on toast, biscuits, or use in desserts. You’ll feel like you’re treating yourself every time you open a jar.
7. Roasted Vegetables
Grandma never let a meal go by without a serving of vegetables, and roasting them is a simple way to bring out their natural sweetness. Roast a big tray of seasonal veggies on Sunday, and you’ll have a versatile side dish ready for any meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Toss carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets in olive oil and herbs, then roast until tender. These can be added to salads, grain bowls, or served alongside your proteins throughout the week.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slice and roast with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a crispy, caramelized treat that goes well with almost anything.
8. Old-Fashioned Breakfast
Grandma always knew that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Bring a bit of her wisdom into your morning routine by prepping some hearty breakfast items that will keep you satisfied until lunch.
- Oatmeal Bake: Make a big batch of baked oatmeal with fruits, nuts, and spices. Slice it into portions and reheat for an easy, filling breakfast.
- Egg Muffins: Whisk together eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies, then bake in a muffin tin. These little frittatas are perfect for a quick, protein-packed breakfast on the go.
9. Freezer Meals
Grandma was all about making sure nothing went to waste, and that often meant freezing meals for later. Make a few freezer-friendly dishes ahead of time, and you’ll always have a homemade meal ready when you need it.
- Lasagna: Assemble a lasagna with layers of noodles, sauce, cheese, and meat, then freeze it for a future dinner. Just bake when you’re ready for a comforting meal.
- Chicken Pot Pie: Make individual pot pies using leftover chicken, veggies, and gravy, then freeze them for a quick, comforting meal on a cold night.
By taking a little time to meal prep with Grandma’s methods in mind, you can enjoy the simple, wholesome flavors of home-cooked meals all week long.
These dishes not only nourish your body but also bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia that’s hard to find in today’s busy world.
Let me know what recipes you've inherited from your Grandma in the comments below.
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