How to Cook from Scratch More (Without Feeling Overwhelmed as a Busy Mom)
If you’re a busy mom who wants to cook from scratch but feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, I understand.
Between caring for kids, keeping up with the house, and everything else on your plate, making homemade meals can feel like it’s spreading you too thin.
But it doesn’t have to! Cooking from scratch doesn’t mean spending all day in the kitchen.
I have found a few simple strategies, and by slowly starting to follow them, you can feed your family wholesome, homemade meals quickly, without feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s talk about ten simple and practical ways to make cooking from scratch feel doable—even on your busiest days:
1. Start Small
You don’t have to go all-in at once. Pick one or two things to make from scratch—like homemade bread, granola, or mayo—and build from there. If you’re looking for an easy homemade breakfast to start with, try my healthy homemade granola recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and makes mornings so much easier! It has also made a dinner or two easier as well. 😉
2. Meal Plan & Prep Ahead
Meal planning can help you stay on track with from-scratch cooking. Planning your meals ahead of time helps cut down on decision fatigue and last-minute stress. Take a few minutes each week to map out meals and make a grocery list. Then, prep what you can in advance—chop veggies, marinate meat, or cook a big batch of grains to save time during the week.
If you’ve tried meal planning and it’s just not for you – I understand. There are seasons it has worked for me, but right now it’s just best that I have meat thawed in the fridge, and easy veggies to add to dinner. If I have those two things, I can easily add rice, potatoes or noodles to a meal and whip something up quick!
3. Use Your Freezer Wisely
Your freezer is your best friend! Batch cooking and freezing meals like soups, casseroles, or homemade muffins can be a game-changer for busy days. You can even freeze homemade bread or pancake batter to make mornings smoother. Having freezer-friendly staples ready to go means fewer drive-thru visits (money saved!) and healthier meals on the table.
4. Stock a Simple Pantry
Having a well-stocked pantry with basic from-scratch staples—flour, oats, dried beans, rice, and broth—means you can throw together a homemade meal without needing a last-minute grocery run. Keep ingredients on hand for quick meals like homemade oatmeal, soups, or pasta dishes.
5. Embrace Quick & Easy Recipes
Not all from-scratch meals take hours. Think quick, easy, and wholesome! Sheet pan dinners, one-pot meals, and Instant Pot recipes make home cooking easier. Even something as simple as homemade mayo can elevate your meals with little effort—check out my easy homemade mayo recipe and see how simple it is to ditch the store-bought version!
6. Use Kitchen Tools to Your Advantage
A slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stand mixer can be a game-changer. Let these tools do the work for you! Slow cookers are great for making homemade broth or soups with minimal effort, and an Instant Pot can cook dried beans in a fraction of the time. The right tools can help you cook from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen.
7. Cook Once, Eat Twice
This is one of my favorite time-saving kitchen hacks. Roast a whole chicken for dinner one night, then use the leftovers for chicken salad, soup, or tacos the next day. The same goes for cooking extra rice or doubling a recipe—it saves so much time later in the week!
When you brown ground beef, make twice as much and put half in the freezer! It thaws perfectly and will cut down your cooking time significantly when you have a busy day.
8. Make Mixes & Staples in Bulk
Homemade spice blends, baking mixes, and dressings are easy to make ahead and save you from relying on store-bought versions. Prepping a big batch of homemade pancake mix or taco seasoning means you can whip up meals quickly while still keeping things homemade.
My favorite way to add bulk groceries to my pantry is through Azure Standard. They are a family-owned business that supports small businesses and organic, sustainable practices. A win-win all around!
9. Get the Kids Involved
Cooking with kids might take a little longer at first, but it pays off! Let them wash veggies, stir batter, or knead dough. Not only does it lighten your load over time, but it also teaches them valuable life skills and makes them more excited about eating homemade meals. Plus, they will be SO proud they helped put a meal on the table.
10. Give Yourself Grace
This might be the most important tip—don’t aim for perfection. Some days you’ll make homemade meals, and some days life will be too hectic, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to do everything from scratch 100% of the time—it’s to make healthier, homemade choices when you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is cooking from scratch cheaper than buying pre-made food?
Yes! Cooking from scratch can save you money, especially when you buy ingredients in bulk and avoid the markup on processed foods. Plus, homemade meals are healthier and more filling, reducing the need for expensive snacks and takeout.
2. How do I find time to cook from scratch with a busy schedule?
Start with small steps like meal prepping, batch cooking, and using time-saving kitchen tools. Freezing extra portions and keeping a stocked pantry can also help you put together homemade meals quickly.
3. What are the easiest foods to start making from scratch?
Some of the easiest foods to make from scratch include bread, granola, yogurt, broth, and homemade spice mixes. Try my healthy homemade granola recipe for an easy and nutritious start!
4. What are the must-have kitchen tools for cooking from scratch?
A slow cooker, Instant Pot, stand mixer, cast iron skillet, and a good set of knives can make homemade cooking much easier and more efficient.
5. How can I make sure my kids will eat homemade meals?
Get them involved in the cooking process! Kids are more likely to eat what they help prepare. Start with familiar meals and gradually introduce new from-scratch recipes. Ask them to taste everything! This will help them develop a palette for new foods.
Final Thoughts
Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and a few simple swaps, you can make homemade meals a natural part of your routine—without adding stress. Start small, take advantage of time-saving tricks, and most importantly, enjoy the process! It’s been such a fun adventure for me – and I love being in the kitchen now. I hope you will too.
What’s one homemade swap you’ve made that has helped your family eat healthier? I’d love to hear in the comments!
