the time cost of frugal eating - any tips on reducing meal prep/cleaning/etc

I have a busy lifestyle, sometimes I only have time to quick grab food (an example is if I work late through dinner, etc).

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combine that with children/activities/etc, I only have limited time a week to relax.

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I tried the meal prep route with a slow cooker for two weeks, but it felt like I was CONSTANTLY doing dishes, or meal prepping!

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I saved a lot of money, so I want to keep doing this. any hints on reducing the following:

- grocery shopping for ingredients for meal prep

- recipe shopping

- cooking time

- packing meals for work/etc

- dishes everyday. breakfast. lunch. dinner.