When it comes to weeknight dinners, finding meals that the whole family will enjoy can be a challenge. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, looking for comfort food, or simply wanting to mix things up, having a go-to list of family-approved dinners is a lifesaver. From hearty classics like Cottage Pie and Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy, to quick and flavourful dishes like Chicken Chow Mein and Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles, this collection of 20 recipes has something for everyone. These meals are not only delicious but also designed to save you time in the kitchen, with options like Freezer-Friendly Chicken Schnitzel and Creamy Sausage Pasta making weeknight cooking a breeze. These recipes have become staples in our home. They are meals that we not only love to eat, but that we enjoy making.
1
Cottage Pie
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.
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2
One-pan Gnocchi Bolognese
In this hearty One-pan Gnocchi Bolognese you cook the pasta in the sauce all in one pan, which means minimal clean-up!
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3
Juicy Beef Rissoles
This Delicious Beef Rissoles recipe is the perfect quick and easy family dinner. Make a big batch to freeze, ready for a rainy day!
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4
Chicken Burrito Bowls
These Chicken Burrito Bowls are a flavorful meal, made in just one pan, perfect for busy weeknights. With marinated chicken, fresh pico de gallo, and a variety of toppings, it’s a family favourite ready in less than 30 minutes.
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5
Quick Chicken Chow Mein
Quick Chicken Chow Mein is the ideal stress-free weeknight meal. Tender slices of chicken breast are stir-fried with veggies and noodles in a delicious garlicky soy sauce.
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6
Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy
Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines juicy sausages with a rich onion gravy and is on the table in less than 20 minutes.
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7
Toasty Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Toasty Roasted Pumpkin Soup is a low-maintenance version of the comforting classic. Made with simple, low-cost ingredients, this winter warmer is perfect for making a big batch and freezing.
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8
Slow-cooked Beef Ragu
Slow-cooked Beef Ragu is an economical but delicious meal, made with simple, economical ingredients. Just 10 minutes of prep, then let the stove do the rest of the work!
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9
Sticky Beef Noodles
Needing only simple, low-cost ingredients, one pan and 15 minutes to prepare, these delicious Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles are the perfect stress-free, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
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10
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon, in a restaurant-quality sticky, sweet glaze, is on the table in less than 15 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
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11
Creamy Sausage Pasta
Comforting Creamy Sausage Pasta is a delicious, flavour-packed weeknight dinner, which is on the table in less than 20 minutes. This version uses fresh lasagne strips to create thick, indulgent pasta in a luscious sauce, fast!
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12
Golden Beef Pot Pies
Simple, low-cost Golden Beef Pot Pies are filled with a rich and hearty beef and vegetable filling and topped with crispy golden puff pastry. Just as delicious as traditional slow-cooked pies, but quicker and stress-free!
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13
Freezer-friendly Chicken Schnitzel
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.
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14
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Perfectly cooked chicken in an easy, creamy garlic sauce. Creamy Garlic Chicken is on the table in less than 20 minutes!
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15
Filipino Stir-fried Noodles and Chicken
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.
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16
Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
Made with simple, low-cost ingredients, this deliciously moreish Marry Me Chicken with Risoni (Orzo) recipe is comforting and family-friendly. Taking only 30 minutes, it’s the ideal, stress-free meal for busy weeknights.
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17
One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Prep this delicious and comforting One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe in only 15 minutes for an easy, nourishing dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
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18
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!
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19
Creamy Chorizo Pasta
This Creamy Chorizo Pasta recipe is one of the easiest, satisfying and most delicious meals you can make. Filled with flavour-packed chorizo and teamed with a creamy, garlicky sauce, this is a recipe you are going to want to make again and again!
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20
Portuguese Chicken Burger
Here's a healthier, homemade version of the ever-popular Portuguese Chicken Burger. Crumbed chicken is cooked to golden perfection, then served in buns with cheese, mayo and your favourite fresh toppings. And it's all done in 20 minutes!
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Tracy-lee Barker says:
Can’t wait to try on my fussy teenager 😍
Lovel says:
OMG! Thank you so much.
This looks sooo yummy! Can’t wait to try all of them!
Sk says:
Can’t wait to try these. Thanks
Molly says:
All looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try them
Simone says:
This week I’ve made the chicken chow mein and the marry me chicken orzo and both were SO good! Thank you!
Lisa says:
Thanks so much – these look great!
POL says:
thank you!!!!
Nicola says:
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try your recipes
Leonie says:
Thank you so much, i’m always looking for new ideas and these look delicious🙂
Dee Calvert says:
Live alone but these would be great for family gatherings. Always need something new. Thanks!
Dee says:
Fabulous .Can’t wait to try them all . Thankyou Nicole