I'm Nicole. Here you’ll find easy, delicious, low-cost family dinner ideas that you can make with simple ingredients, without having to spend hours in the kitchen!
If your weeknights feel like a frantic scramble between work, homework and figuring out what’s for dinner, this collection is for you. These 10 meals you can prep ahead are your secret weapon against decision fatigue and last-minute takeaway. We’re talking crispy chicken schnitzels straight from the freezer, comforting pies you can stash for later, and easy stir-fries and rice bowls that come together in minutes. Every recipe is family-friendly, packed with flavour, and designed to help you get ahead without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping on a Sunday or just doubling a batch for later, this line-up will save your sanity all week long!
You can find all of these recipes here as well as in my new book Simple Dinners Every Day which is filled with 100+ recipes designed to make our lives easier. Pre-orders are now open, make sure you pre-order to secure your copy, shipping from 30 September, while stocks last!
Freezer-friendly Chicken Schnitzel is the ideal weeknight family meal. This perennial favourite can be served with almost any side of your choice and is on the table in under 30 minutes.
The classic flavours of spring rolls … in a bowl! These quick and easy Spring Roll Bowls are packed with vegetables and come together so quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. Serves 4 with loads of leftovers!
Cheesy Chicken and Broccolini Rice is a comforting, hearty meal made with simple, low-cost ingredients. It’s stress-free, easy to prep and, because it’s made in just one pan, it means there’s virtually no washing up.
A creamy, cheesy tuna mornay stuffed into giant pasta shells and baked to golden perfection. This comforting Supercharged Tuna Mornay is packed with family-friendly flavours and pantry staples, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner or entertaining crowd-pleaser.
Cottage Pie is my go-to dinner when I need something delicious, nourishing and comforting to serve the family at the end of a busy day. My version of this classic recipe is loaded with extra vegetables.
This Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie” is a quick, comforting alternative to a traditional cottage pie, made with finely sliced potatoes as the topping instead of mash. It’s loaded with vegetables, cooked in one pan, and finished with a buttery, golden potato layer. A family favourite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
You’ll be amazed by the gorgeous depth of flavour of this easy, simple, economical dish. Filipino Stir-fried Noodles and Chicken is a one-pan wonder, just as suitable for weeknight family meals or entertaining a crowd.
Slow-cooker Chicken Nachos is a fuss-free, flavour-packed meal featuring tender Tex-Mex chicken, crunchy corn chips and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, game nights or casual entertaining, this recipe is easy, delicious and versatile!
Quick, bold and satisfying Korean Beef Rice Bowls with a creamy gochujang mayo drizzle, served with tangy kimchi and optional fresh toppings. Perfect for a flavour-packed weeknight meal. It’s also customisable.
I made the crispy potato topped beef pie last night and it was so good! Enough for lunches for everyone today too with a side salad. Love your recipes so much, Nic!
For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.
Kiara says:
I made the crispy potato topped beef pie last night and it was so good! Enough for lunches for everyone today too with a side salad. Love your recipes so much, Nic!
Nicole says:
So glad you enjoyed this one, Kiara, and happy you’re loving the recipes! Nic x
Christine says:
Would love those 10 recipes
Nicole says:
Hi Christine, hopefully you can view the recipes easily by hitting the “view recipe” button. Nic x
Susan Walmsley says:
Love all your recipes
Nicole says:
Thank you so much, Susan! Nic xxx