My most practical approach is to freeze for a variety of options. A good two hours of make ahead effort, can save you endless hours of time and money going forward.
Single portions such as halved chicken breasts, cod fillets or chops can be individually wrapped in clingfilm, then bagged in the freezer. 2 " slices of beef or chicken for stir fry can be frozen uncovered on a cookie sheet for about an hour (so they don't stick to each other when you bag them), then double bagged and frozen. My other 'go to' items are frozen cooked beans, soups, stews and broths stored in plastic containers. Add store bought frozen (uncooked) shrimp and frozen vegetables and you're ready to go. Similarly, a bag of meatballs has numerous possibilities.
When I am short on time, I go to the freezer and presto! I can make a meal in about a half an hour or less. Spaghetti and meatballs, Swedish meatballs with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, Italian meatball sandwiches with (store bought) spaghetti sauce and grated Parmesan cheese (salad on the side), White bean soup (defrosted in a saucepan) becomes 'Tuscan Bean Soup' when you add frozen spinach and meatballs. I can offer you chicken or shrimp stir fry with vegetables or beef stir fry with broccoli, onions and mushrooms (bowl of rice on the side). Larger cuts of beef or chicken make great stews combined with carrots, onions and potatoes (Slow cooked for 8 hours or about 15 minutes in a pressure cooker). Sliced beef strips also make a great Beef Stroganoff.
Fish can be baked, broiled or steamed straight from the freezer or can be breaded and fried. Cocktail or Tartar sauce can be store bought or prepared at home. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper
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