Not everyone feels at home in the kitchen—and I get that. Cooking can feel overwhelming, like it takes too much time, too many steps, or too much cleanup. In a world that rewards speed and convenience, it’s easy to see why people default to takeout or skip meals altogether. But I believe in the power of kitchen skills—not just for the perfect dish, but for creating freedom, reducing waste, and giving yourself more control over your time, budget, and well-being.
This guide isn’t about cooking more. It’s about cooking smarter. Using what you have. Stretching ingredients across meals. Eliminating friction and waste so the time you do spend in the kitchen feels purposeful—and even enjoyable.
How can you simplify your kitchen routine?
One way to simplify your kitchen routine is by planning ahead. Take some time to create a two-day meal plan that utilizes overlapping ingredients to reduce waste and save time.
What are the benefits of a two-day meal plan?
By following a two-day meal plan, you can save time, money, and energy. You'll have a clear roadmap of what to cook, which ingredients to use, and how to make the most out of your time in the kitchen.
One simple grocery list. Two days of intentional, cost-conscious meals that build off each other so nothing goes to waste. Big on flavor, small on effort.
All prices based on average U.S. grocery store costs, assuming basic pantry staples already on hand (oil, salt, vinegar, etc.).
Day 1
1. Blueberry Oatmeal – $0.85/serving
A warm start with fiber and fruit.
How to make it:
½ cup rolled oats + 1 cup water or milk of choice
Stir in ½ cup frozen blueberries
Sweeten with maple syrup, honey, or a little brown sugar
→ Make extra oats today to use in granola bars tomorrow.
2. Peanut Sesame Noodles with Cabbage – $1.50/serving
Hearty, creamy, and shockingly cheap.
How to make it:
Boil spaghetti or ramen noodles
Mix dressing: 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 garlic clove grated
Toss with shredded cabbage and green onion
Thin with a splash of hot noodle water if needed
→ Extra chopped cabbage gets used in tomorrow’s salad.
3. Chicken Cacciatore – $2.50/serving (serves 4)
A classic one-pan meal, no fancy sides needed.
How to make it:
Sear 4 bone-in chicken thighs
Remove. Sauté 1 sliced onion + 1 bell pepper + 2 cloves garlic
Add 1 can diced tomatoes + 1 tsp Italian seasoning + salt
Simmer chicken in sauce 35–40 min covered
Serve with rice, polenta, bread, or just as-is
→ Save half for tacos tomorrow.
Day 2
4. Chewy Granola Bars – $0.60/bar (makes 6–8)
No-bake, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for grab-and-go mornings.
How to make it:
2 cups oats
½ cup peanut butter
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
Melt wet ingredients, stir into oats, press into pan
Chill 1 hr, slice into bars
Optional: Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts
5. Romaine + Cabbage Slaw w/ Faux Caesar – $1.75/serving
Bright, crunchy, satisfying salad.
How to make it:
Chop romaine and leftover cabbage
Faux Caesar dressing: 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon, 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, pinch parm or nutritional yeast
Top with any protein you like—leftover chicken, canned beans, or a boiled egg
→ Extra dressing keeps 3 days in the fridge.
6. Chicken Cacciatore Quesadillas or Tacos – $2.25/serving
Dinner in under 10 minutes.
How to make it:
Shred leftover cacciatore chicken
Warm in tortillas with shredded cheese
Optional: add chili crisp, hot sauce, or jalapeños
Pan-fry until crispy or serve as soft tacos
Conclusion
By following this two-day meal plan, you can simplify your kitchen routine, reduce waste, and enjoy delicious homemade meals without the stress. Cooking smarter is all about making the most of what you have and creating a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your daily life!
