After a long day, cooking can feel like a chore. But with a few smart strategies, you can whip up tasty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are seven cooking-tips to save time on busy weeknights:

1. Plan your meals ahead – Knowing what you’re making in advance eliminates decision fatigue and makes shopping more efficient.

2. Batch prep ingredients – Chop veggies, marinate proteins, and cook grains in advance to save time each night.

3. Use one-pot or sheet-pan meals – These recipes minimize dishes and cook everything together, cutting both prep and cleanup time.

4. Embrace leftovers – Make extra servings and repurpose them into new meals the next day.

5. Stock your pantry wisely – Keep basics like canned beans, pasta, spices, and broth on hand for quick meals.

6. Cook in bulk and freeze – Double your recipe and freeze portions for future dinners.

7. Use kitchen gadgets – Slow cookers, pressure cookers, or air fryers can speed up or simplify cooking dramatically.

With a little organization, weeknight cooking becomes less stressful and more enjoyable.