Some nights dinner feels impossible – you’re tired, the kids are circling, and your brain’s whispering just order takeaway. That’s exactly where meal planning saves the day. With a plan, you don’t just know what’s for dinner – you know it’s going to be easy, affordable, and something everyone will actually eat. This week’s line-up has all the bases covered: Easy Garlic Butter Chicken that’s pure comfort, juicy Beef Rissoles that stretch the budget, Cajun Prawn Pasta for a little midweek excitement, and One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles that are faster than delivery. Add in Chicken Shawarma, my Not Spicy Not Vodka Pasta (a family favourite), and Easy Sweet and Sour Pork, and you’ve got seven stress-free dinners sorted.

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 and available now! Secure your copy here.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with mashed potatoes and asparagus

Easy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

4.93 from 28 votes
A wholesome, comforting classic made easier and more economical. Easy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken uses thigh cutlets, rather than a whole chicken, but the result is still the satisfyingly tender, juicy roasted chicken with crispy golden skin that we all love.
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Juicy Beef Rissoles

Juicy Beef Rissoles

4.98 from 36 votes
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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3
Overhead view of Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta in a pan with a serving spoon.

Creamy Cajun Prawn (Shrimp) Pasta

5 from 7 votes
Creamy Cajun Prawn (Shrimp) Pasta combines homemade Cajun seasoning, tender prawns (shrimp) and a creamy tomato-based sauce for the ultimate family weeknight dinner.
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4
Close-up shot of beef ramen noodles and a pair of chopsticks on top.

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles

4.88 from 58 votes
One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles is an easy, flavoursome stir-fry featuring juicy beef, ramen noodles and fresh veggies in a hoisin-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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5
A close-up of Chicken Shawarma served with garlic yogurt sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and onions

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce

5 from 5 votes
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce is the ultimate easy and satisfying weeknight dinner with family-friendly, customisable toppings.
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6
Not Spicy, Not Vodka Pasta served on a plate with a side fork, displaying pasta in a creamy sauce.

Not Spicy, Not Vodka Pasta

5 from 9 votes
Not Spicy, Not Vodka Pasta is my family-friendly take on the viral dish. Here, a rich, creamy, garlicky tomatoey sauce is brightened with red wine vinegar instead of vodka, then topped with burrata and and basil and finally combined with pasta to create an incredibly delicious, easy and elegant meal.
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7
Sweet and sour pork dish featuring vibrant bell peppers and a glossy sauce, served in a bowl

Easy Sweet and Sour Pork

4.91 from 40 votes
This Easy Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is the perfect homemade version of your favourite takeout! Tender pork pieces are fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy, sweet and slightly sour sauce along with capsicum (bell pepper) and juicy pineapple. Serve it over jasmine rice for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that your family will love.
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