Meal Plan #53

If dinner feels like it takes up more brain space than it should, you’re not alone. Between busy schedules, rising grocery prices, and kids who seem to change their favourite foods every other day, it’s exhausting. That’s where a meal plan makes all the difference – one plan, seven dinners, less stress. This week’s line-up has something for everyone: Cheesy Chicken and Broccolini Rice that’s comfort food made simple, Slow-Cooker Massaman Beef Curry for a hands-off dinner, and Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Cups when you want light but flavour-packed. Add in a Hidden Veggie Bolognese to sneak in extra goodness, quick Black Pepper Beef for a fakeaway night, a Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), and Butterflied Portuguese Chicken – and you’ve got a week of dinners that are budget-friendly, minimal prep, and guaranteed family wins.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccolini Rice in bowl

Cheesy Chicken and Broccolini Rice

Cheesy Chicken and Broccolini Rice is a comforting, hearty meal made with simple, low-cost ingredients. It’s stress-free, easy to prep and, because it’s made in just one pan, it means there’s virtually no washing up.

Top view of a big bowl of Massaman beef curry with potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce.

Slow-cooker Massaman Beef Curry

You only need a few low-cost ingredients to make this family-friendly, mild and melt-in-the-mouth Slow-cooker Massaman Beef Curry. There’s minimal prep and the slow-cooker does all the work for you. It’s freezer-friendly, comforting and perfect for busy weekdays.

Hoisin chicken served in lettuce cups with vermicelli noodles, julienned carrots, cucumber, crushed peanuts, and sliced red chili, garnished with lime wedges on the side.

Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups

Dinner that feels a bit fancy but takes less than 15 minutes? Yes please. This hoisin chicken is marinated in just three ingredients, cooked in one pan, then piled into crunchy lettuce cups with noodles, veggies and a 2-minute sesame mayo. Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups is fresh, quick and completely customisable – perfect for busy weeknights or low-effort entertaining.

Bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with hidden vegetable Bolognese sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, served on a woven placemat.

Hidden Veggie Bolognese

This Hidden Veggie Bolognese is a fast, flavour-packed dinner loaded with hidden vegetables that melt into the sauce. With simple steps that build rich flavour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or freezer-stash building.

A bowl of black pepper beef stir-fry featuring tender beef slices, colorful bell peppers, and green onions, served in a rich black pepper sauce and chopsticks on side

Black Pepper Beef

Tender and juicy Black Pepper Beef in a glossy, delicious sauce, is perfect for a family dinner any night of the week. Serve with rice and steamed greens.

Top view of a Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl with crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, diced onions, and special sauce, served in a speckled ceramic bowl.

Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl

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).

Overhead view of Portuguese chicken and chips on a plate.

Butterflied Portuguese Chicken

Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is a no-fuss family dinner that delivers big flavours and serious crunch. Serve with crispy oven fries for the full fakeaway experience.

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