This week’s meal plan is all about having the right dinner for the right kind of night – because some evenings I have 20 minutes and enthusiasm is running low, while others I can get something cooking earlier and let it do its thing. Juicy Oven-baked Chicken Kebabs are brilliant for a busy night because they cook in the oven rather than needing you standing over a barbecue, while Loaded Potato Taco Bowls let everyone add their own toppings, which is always helpful when feeding a family with very different opinions about dinner. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon and Cheat’s Dan Dan Noodles are fast, flavour-packed options for nights when you need dinner on the table quickly, and Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie brings all the cosy comfort without complicated ingredients or prep. Then there’s Slow-cooker Lamb Shoulder for a day when you can get dinner started early and come back hours later to beautifully tender lamb with most of the work already done. It’s a week of simple, varied dinners designed to fit around real life – helping you shop with a plan, keep weeknight cooking manageable and avoid having to invent dinner from scratch every afternoon.

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Top view of one flatbread with topping close-up

Juicy Oven-baked Chicken Kebabs

4.91 from 22 votes
These Juicy Oven-baked Chicken Kebabs are packed with flavour, beautifully caramelised around the edges and incredibly easy to make. Served with creamy yoghurt garlic sauce, fresh tomato and onion salad and all your favourite toppings, they’re a family-friendly fakeaway dinner that everyone can customise to their liking.
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Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie Side View

Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie

4.77 from 17 votes
A dreamy pot pie with a properly thick, creamy filling, tender chicken and that classic chicken-and-leek flavour everyone loves. No pastry base to fuss with – just top with puff pastry and bake. This Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie recipe is make-ahead friendly and perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.
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Close Up of Peking-style Beef with Rice Recipe

Peking-style Beef

5 from 31 votes
Sticky, sweet and savoury minced (ground) beef cooked until glossy and caramelised. Serve Peking-style Beef over rice with cool cucumber ribbons and spring onion (scallion) for a quick fakeaway dinner that’s faster (and cheaper!) than delivery.
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close up dan dan noodles in bowl with chopsticks

Cheat’s Dan Dan Noodles

5 from 1 vote
These easy Cheat’s Dan Dan Noodles combine minced (ground) pork, thick wheat noodles and baby spinach in a rich, creamy peanut chilli sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep and made using simple supermarket ingredients, they’re a brilliant family-friendly fakeaway for busy weeknights. I love that the chilli can be adjusted or left out completely for kids, then added at the table for anyone who likes more heat.
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Side view close-up of a potato taco bowl served in a white bowl with a fork on the side.

Loaded Potato Taco Bowl

5 from 28 votes
Crispy roasted potatoes make the perfect base for this loaded taco bowl, topped with spiced beef, guac, salsa and cheese. This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl recipe is budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a fun way to mix up taco night without adding extra effort.
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Bowl of honey soy glazed salmon fillet topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a side of steamed rice and vegetables

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

5 from 17 votes
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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Delicious Slow Cooker Lamb Shoulder with vegetables, garnished and ready for serving

Slow-cooker Lamb Shoulder

5 from 13 votes
This Slow-cooker Lamb Shoulder recipe is fall-apart tender, juicy and perfect for those days when you need a set-and-forget meal. With crispy potatoes and a rich gravy, it’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that takes minimal effort.
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