Why does it feel like the moment my husband leaves for a training or deployment I completely forget how to cook? If you feel the same way, then you need these deployment cooking tips!

On a normal week, I cook for my family of 6 almost every day. It’s just cheaper for us to cook at home than to order take-out. I’m very good about looking up healthy recipes, making a weekly grocery list and spending an hour in the kitchen every night.

But it feels like the moment he walks out the door, all those cooking habits go out the window. Maybe it’s because I’m suddenly outnumbered by kids who are more interested in mac and cheese than thai chicken soup. Or it’s possible that after a day of taking care of four kids by myself, I don’t have the energy to spend time in the kitchen whipping up another homemade meal.

There’s also a complete lack of satisfaction in trying new meals without my husband there to taste, approve and compliment the dishes. Whatever the reason, I’ve learned that almost everyone struggles with the cooking situation when their servicemember is away. Whether you are now cooking for one, cooking for kids, or just struggling to find the time and energy to cook during deployment, I hear you–it’s a struggle!

Deployment cooking tips are a common request, so they’re part of the Deployment Masterclass!

I get questions often about suggestions and ideas to make cooking easier during deployment. That’s why we included a video training of simple meals in the Deployment Masterclass. It includes three recipes that are easy to throw together, but healthy enough to be go-to staples throughout the deployment. The training includes printouts of the recipes and even a downloadable shopping list to make everything easier.

You can learn more about the Deployment Masterclass here.

If you’re looking for some sanity-saving tips to help you get your cooking habits back on track while your service member is away, then keep reading! I will share ideas for cooking for one, saving time and energy, and cooking with kids.

I prepare for deployment the same way I prepare for having a new baby. (Maybe because for 2 deployments I did have a new baby!) You want to streamline your life and make things easier on yourself. One of the best gifts to give yourself is a go-to list of simple, easy meals.

Deployment cooking tips when you’re cooking for one:

If you’re used to cooking with your service member and planning meals together, then it can be a big adjustment to get use to cooking for one. It’s hard to find recipes that won’t give you tons of leftovers, and it can be very tempting to just pick up fast food on your way home…or maybe just have cereal for dinner and call it a night! We’ve all been there.

But here are some ideas to help you get back on track:

1. Cook your favorite soup, casserole or any dish that freezes well. Then freeze the leftovers in individual portions you can reheat any time. This will be cheaper and healthier than living off the grocery store freezer section.

2. Make a list of your simple favorites that you can throw together anytime. (Use the recipes in the Deployment Masterclass for inspiration!) Keep it on your fridge so you know you always have an option besides ice cream and wine for dinner.

3. Try doing meal prep on the weekend, or your day off, so you will already have some meals packed and easy to grab during the week.

4. Try a meal delivery service like Hello Fresh so you’ll get fresh recipes and ingredients delivered to your door. You can read my review of three different meal companies here.

Deployment cooking tips to save you time:

During deployment, your time is at a premium because you are the only adult responsible for everything at home. Make cooking less stressful with these time saving cooking tips:

1. Plan your weekly grocery list. Write down your meals in advance, and check the ingredients you have on hand. Not only will this help you streamline your time in the grocery store, but it will also prevent you from making multiple visits to the store each week.

2. Use a crock pot or instant pot to do the work for you. When your schedule keeps you away from home, use these to prepare your meal in the morning (Crock Pot) or quickly once you get home (Instant Pot). You can find tons of great recipe ideas online!

3. Before the deployment begins, freeze meals that can re-heat easily. I always do this to prepare for a deployment or a new baby, because having pre-made meals in the freezer feels like having gold in the bank! Freeze soup in bags laid flat. When you want to serve it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight (so it won’t be a solid block), then either microwave or heat on the stove top in a pot. You can also make uncooked dishes like lasagna, casseroles and burritos. Thaw them overnight and bake in the oven to finish the process.

4. Try doing weekly meal prep or using a delivery service (as described above) so you are doing less coking on busy days.

Deployment cooking tips when you’re outnumbered by kids

I know a lot of parents struggle to make regular meals during deployment because it seems like all the kids ever want to do is eat peanut butter and jelly or hot dogs. But mom or dad can’t live on kid food during the whole deployment! Use these strategies to keep everyone fed and happy:

1. Keep a stash of healthy adult food on hand. So if the kids are eating chicken nuggets, you can grab a protein shake, a quick salad, or a frozen salmon burger for yourself. That way you aren’t cooking two separate meals all the time.

2. When serving a dish the kids may not like, add rolls or grilled cheese sandwiches on the side. We do this whenever I serve soup. The kids may eat more carbs than me, but at least we are all getting some protein and veggies from the soup.

3. If your kids are old enough, get them involved in the meal choices and cooking. A kid’s cookbook is a great way to get them excited about cooking, and you may appreciate an extra set of hands in the kitchen. We started this when my oldest was eight and found that the younger siblings were excited to eat anything she prepare, even though they would turn their nose up at the same dish if Mom served it! Go figure. You can read more about simple meals kids can prepare on their own.

If you have been struggling to cook when your service member is away, know that you are not alone! Use these 11 cooking tips to help create better routines that will work for your household. And don’t forget that you can download a cooking video training – plus recipes and a shopping list from the Deployment Masterclass.