20 dinners you can feel good about eating

If you’ve been craving meals that feel good – not just in a “this tastes amazing” kind of way, but in a “my body and brain are actually thanking me for this” kind of way – you’re in the right place. This collection is all about simple, satisfying dinners made with real ingredients you probably already have on hand. Think nourishing bowls, cosy one-pan bakes, quick stir-fries, and dinners that leave you feeling full but not heavy.

Whether you’re trying to get back into a rhythm after a busy season, want to feel more balanced during the week, or just need some no-fuss inspiration to break up the toast-for-dinner cycle (we’ve all been there), these 20 dinners are wholesome without being bland, and easy without being boring. Because feeding yourself and your family well shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.

Detail of crispy chicken skin

One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Prep this delicious and comforting One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes in only 15 minutes for an easy, nourishing dinner that the whole family will enjoy!

Overhead view of Peri Peri chicken and rice on a plate, set on a mat with chopsticks.

Peri Peri Chicken Bowls

Peri Peri Chicken Bowls are family-friendly, full meals in a bowl that are simple to make and guaranteed to please everyone.

Overhead shot of Sesame-Soy Dumpling Salad featuring dumplings, mixed greens, and colorful veggies.

Sesame-soy Dumpling Salad

Transform frozen dumplings into a quick, fresh and flavourful meal with this Sesame-soy Dumpling Salad. Crispy pan-fried dumplings, crunchy veggies and a bold dressing make this the ultimate family-friendly dinner or lunch.

Korean Beef Rice Bowls

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.

Meatballs in rich, smooth gravy on a plate.

Meatballs with Gravy

These freezer-friendly Meatballs with Gravy feature juicy meatballs cooked in a rich, homemade gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach and peas. This is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort!

Bang Bang Chicken Salad served in a bowl with chopsticks resting on the rim.

Bang Bang Chicken Salad

This vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Salad combines tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies and a creamy, sweet chilli dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics or a quick lunch or dinner!

One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy

One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate fuss-free wholesome family meal. Easy prep, simple, low-cost ingredients and just one pan are all that’s needed to make this crispy-skinned, tender and juicy chicken with a rich gravy.

Freshly baked Shepherd's Pie showcasing its creamy potato crust.

Shepherd’s Pie

This easy Shepherd’s Pie combines minced (ground) lamb with carrots, celery and peas in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile dish that can be made ahead or frozen, then served with your favourite steamed greens for a complete, cosy dinner.

Bowl of ramen noodles with ground meat, corn, carrots, and soft-boiled egg

Quick Creamy Miso Chicken Ramen

This Quick Creamy Miso Chicken Ramen is a flavour-packed and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with economical minced (ground) chicken, a rich miso-flavoured broth, and is ready in just 20 minutes.

Close-up of a bowl of fried rice topped with shrimp, green onions, crispy onions, and drizzled with hot sauce, served with a lime wedge on the side

Prawn (Shrimp) Fried Rice

This Prawn (Shrimp) Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s loaded with juicy prawns, frozen vegetables (easy!) and fluffy rice, all stir-fried together with savoury seasonings. This one-pan meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner that the whole family will love.

Chicken and Thai basil stir-fry with noodles

Chicken and Thai Basil Stir-fry with Noodles

Minced (ground) chicken, broccolini (tender-stem broccoli), Thai basil and a few pantry staples come together in this Chicken and Thai Basil Noodle Stir-fry to create a delicious, quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Bowl of lemon herb chicken and rice, showcasing tender chicken thighs garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices, served over fluffy rice.

One-pan Lemon Herb Chicken Rice (with Chicken Breast!)

This One-pan Lemon Herb Chicken Rice is a quick and easy meal that combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breast with fluffy, garlicky, lemony rice, all cooked in one-pan with minimal cleanup! Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknight dinners.

Coconut Dal

Coconut Dal

This rich and comforting Coconut Dal is a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavour, thanks to simple spices like turmeric and garam masala. Made with creamy coconut milk and lentils, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow-cooker Beef Stew 

In this comforting Slow-cooker Beef Stew, simple, low-cost meat and vegetables are cooked low and slow until fall-apart tender and full of flavour.

Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowls

Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowls

Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowls are a fresh, easy and flavour-packed weeknight dinner, on the table in less than 20 minutes with minimal washing up. If you haven’t tried tofu before, this is the recipe to try!

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Zoodles

Creamy Pesto Chicken with Zoodles

This quick and easy dish is as suitable for feeding the family as it is for entertaining. Only simple, low-cost ingredients, 20 minutes and one pan are required for this impressive but stress-free Creamy Pesto Chicken with Zoodles.

Juicy Thai Beef Lettuce Cups on a white plate

Juicy Thai Beef Lettuce Cups

Juicy Thai Beef Lettuce Cups are delicious, easy and infinitely variable. They are a great catch-all, nutritious, family-friendly meal filled with healthy veg and are made in one pan in just 20 minutes.

Close up of Spring Roll Bowls Stir-fry with chopsticks

Spring Roll Bowls

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!

Chicken Fajita Tray Bake

Chicken Fajita Tray Bake

Chicken Fajita Tray Bake is a fast and easy weeknight dinner, filled with familiar Mexican/Tex-Mex flavours that the whole family will love.

beef and vegetables in a glossy teriyaki sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Speedy Beef Teriyaki

This quick and easy Speedy Beef Teriyaki is a family favourite made with either homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    The Simple Dinner Edit cookbook is back in stock. Order today!

    Click to view where to order The Simple Dinner Edit book by Nicole Maguire
    Drop in your email for recipes and updates!
    As seen on
    Sunrise Channel 7 Logo
    The Morning Show Channel 7 Logo
    Channel 7 Logo
    Better Homes and Gardens Logo

    Some of the links throughout this website are commissionable affiliate links. Read full disclaimer here.

    © Copyright 2025 Simple Home Edit Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy