Any experiences out there for helping with burn-out in providing meals?

Most supermarkets have prepared foods. Can BIL get to a store and buy something? If not, try making meals in bulk and freezing them. Stews, chickens etc can all be frozen. How about rotisserie chickens and sides? A meatloaf could be used for several meals but you only have to make it once. Lasagna, baked ziti or other pasta casseroles can be made once and divided into separate portions. I never had to provide meals but these are things that come to mind.

Findingpeace, I would buy frozen Stouffer's or Marie Callander frozen dinners. I know they are high in sodium, but when you are busy or burned-out, they fill the bill.

I am hoping that your mother-in-law or her live-in son are reimbursing you for the cost of groceries or take-outs. Groceries for two extra people isn't cheap.

What about Meals on Wheels? Schwan's also delivers a variety of foods although I believe they're more like packages of foods rather than specific meals.

As to frozen foods, Lean Cuisine generally doesn't have preservatives. I don't know about the sodium content though.

Thanks so much for answers. Geewiz, I was thinking of the restaurant because I think the delis in the stores charge by the meal and might be pricier that way. One of the reasons I had to take over shopping as well as cooking was BIL was taking the grocery money we brought over there, buying a few basic items, and then pocketing the rest, so can't be trusted with cash. (Freqflyer - I use her money, as we have had POA over finances for several years. It's always been her wish to provide for him, so for now he still gets a free ride.) I do make things in quantity sometimes and freeze portions, but have mostly started doing a lot of simple skillet dishes. I do a main dish and a vegetable for the divided plates. Freqflyer, thank you for the recommendations on frozen foods. I've been looking at online ratings for various frozen meals.

Make enough for two days. They can reheat . Then cook three times a week. Let them get their own one day a week.

I've been providing my mom with evening 'microwave' meals for nearly five years, even though she's in AL. She has always flat out refused to go down to the dining room for dinner. *sigh* Long story for a different thread.

Anyhoo, when you are absolutely burnt out (been there, done that) portion out Dinty Moore hearty beef stew or cook a few egg noodles and top with Swanson's Chicken a la King. Both come canned. Tuna or chicken salad sandwiches are also easy. Starkist even makes an already prepared tuna salad in a foil pouch. Add some grapes or berries to the container and instant dinner. My mom loves the microwave White Castles burgers from the frozen section. Hormel canned chili is another favorite. Add some chopped onion and cheddar and it's actually pretty tasty. I make her fresh coleslaw twice a week which she eats every evening along with three prunes and an Activia yogurt so it's not all junk. :)

It's really difficult this time of year when my husband and I just want to grill a pork chop or something and have corn on the cob and a salad. Mom's teeth aren't so great so that doesn't translate at all into a microwave meal. I am so sick of making casseroles. The one I don't mind is Rotel's King Ranch Casserole. It's on their website. It's easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand and freezes well. Good luck! I truly understand your frustration.

Today I saw an advertisement on TV for a place that sends you all the fixings, properly measured / to whip together for a fresh meal - looks easy enough that just about anyone should be able to prepare. The name of the company escapes me, but perhaps someone else here knows what I mean and can provide the company name.

rain, maybe that is Hello Fresh, or blue Apron? They run $69 for stuff for 3 meals, for two people, and they do involve a good bit of prep. Very tasty, but maybe not for everyones taste and skill level. (Chopping fresh garlic, grating ginger.. etc. Lots of knives involved...)