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!
Meal planning is the easiest way to take the stress out of dinner. With a plan, you shop once, cook smarter, and avoid the 5pm “what’s for dinner?” panic. It means fewer impulse buys at the supermarket, less food waste, and more nights where dinner actually feels doable. This week’s plan is a mix of comfort, fakeaway favourites, and quick one-pan wins: Crispy Sesame Chicken that beats takeaway, Folded Beef Nacho Wraps for a fun twist on taco night, and a Homemade Chicken Stew that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl. Add in a cheesy One-pan Taco Mac and Cheese, creamy-but-simple Creamy Garlic Chicken, the viral Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl, and a slow-cooked Rosemary Garlic Lamb Shoulder with Gravy for Sunday dinner. Seven nights sorted – minimal stress, maximum flavour, and made with real supermarket ingredients.
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is the ultimate busy weeknight dish. Made with simple, low-cost ingredients, it’s on the table in less than 20 minutes and is a great alternative to takeout!
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.
This comforting Homemade Chicken Stew tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, but is actually quick, easy and all made in one pan. It’s a full meal in a bowl, so no extra sides are needed.
One-pan Taco Mac and Cheese is packed with flavour, extra creamy, and made for busy nights when you need something comforting with minimal effort. It's a one-pan wonder that combines the best parts of taco night and mac and cheese.
Crispy potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a creamy homemade burger sauce – this is a fakeaway dinner the whole family will love. It’s quick to prep, easy to customise, and perfect for those busy nights when you want something fun, filling and fuss-free. Add it to your meal plan for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that saves you money (and a trip to the drive-thru).
This no-fuss Rosemary Garlic Lamb Shoulder with Gravy is slow-roasted until it’s meltingly tender, then served with a rich homemade gravy made from the roasting juices. No searing needed – just one pan needed and the oven does all the work.
Thank you so much,your recipes, they have made there way to our table and having most of the ingredients in my cupboard is A plus and only needed to pop to the supermarket for the meat
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Marla says:
The creamy garlic chicken was a huge hit with the family!
Nicole says:
Love to hear this, Marla! Nic x
Donna says:
Thank you so much,your recipes, they have made there way to our table and having most of the ingredients in my cupboard is A plus and only needed to pop to the supermarket for the meat
Nicole says:
Hi Donna, my absolute pleasure! So glad you find the recipes convenient and easy! Nic x