re: Blue Apron...only issue is we had to dirty a ton of dishes to make the meal

Blue Apron shortcuts:
1) Go ahead and buy a giant tub of minced garlic, you'll be happier in the long run. Save the heads for some roasted garlic.
2) Own a zester and a couple of really good knives for vegetable prep.
3) Read ahead, if step 4 requires you to throw x,y, and z into a pot you probably don't have to be too anal segregating those in the cutting phase