If you’ve ever made dinner only to be met with “I don’t like that” before anyone’s even sat down… this collection is for you. These 20 recipes are tried, tested, and genuinely kid-approved (aka not just eaten, but actually enjoyed). We’re talking folded nacho wraps, juicy beef burgers, creamy sausage pasta, and crispy baked chicken strips that taste like takeaway but are made with ingredients you already have at home.
There’s something here for every kind of eater – the noodle lover (hello Chicken Chow Mein), the slow cooker fan (Beef Stew, I see you), the nacho enthusiast (Loaded Veggie Nachos and Folded Wraps, you’re welcome), and the soup slurper (Wonton Dumpling Soup, Pumpkin Soup – both on high rotation in our house).
These are the dinners that feel familiar and fun, without you having to cook four different meals to keep everyone happy. Whether it’s a classic like Cottage Pie or a weeknight hero like Pesto Chicken Pasta, every recipe in this round-up is designed to save your sanity, stretch your ingredients, and make you feel like an absolute dinner legend – even if you’re still in your slippers.
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.
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.
Juicy Homemade Beef Burgers are a quick and easy, meal-in-a-bun favourite with kids and adults alike. You can prep and cook them in under 25 minutes in one pan, using simple, low-cost ingredients, which you can mix and match to suit all palates.
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.
Nachos Beef Folded Wraps are a fun and delicious twist on traditional nachos. They combine all the flavours you love in nachos – seasoned beef, melty cheese and crunchy corn chips – wrapped up in a soft tortilla for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
These Southern “Fried” Baked Chicken Strips deliver all the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken without the oil or mess. Served with sweet potato fries, creamy homemade ranch, and a fresh cabbage salad, it’s a healthier, guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for family dinners or weekend treats!
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!
These Big Mac Tacos are quick and easy to make and are a family favourite! Load them up with loads of salad for a fun, quick and easy dinner.
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce is the ultimate easy and satisfying weeknight dinner with family-friendly, customisable toppings.
This Crispy Honey Soy Chicken is a quick alternative to takeout, featuring tender chicken pieces in a delicious honey soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a one-pan family favourite that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
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.
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!
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.
Wonton Dumpling Soup is as comforting as it is nourishing. Even better, you can have this easy, low-stress and low-cost meal on the table in only 30 minutes.
Easy One-pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables is the ultimate cosy, nourishing family meal, made with simple ingredients. Prep is quick and easy, then the oven does the hard work in cooking the beautifully seasoned chicken until tender and juicy.
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!
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.
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!
One-pan Pesto Chicken Pasta is the ultimate fuss-free dinner for busy weeknights! It’s super quick to prepare and all cooked in the one-pan, so there is minimal fuss and minimal cleanup.
In just 25 minutes you can have these nutritious and colourful Loaded Veggie Nachos on the table, brimming with family-friendly Mexican flavours. The dish is low-stress but high-fun!
The Simple Dinner Edit cookbook is back in stock. Order today!
Some of the links throughout this website are commissionable affiliate links. Read full disclaimer here.
