Meal planning is probably the main reason I can cook at home so often without feeling like we’re eating the same dinner on repeat. I love having a week where one night is Cottage Pie, the next is Drunken Noodles, then Creamy Lemon Tortellini, Italian-style Meatballs or Easy Sweet and Sour Pork. It keeps dinner interesting, but because I’ve already made the decisions and done the grocery shop, it still feels fast and efficient during the week. I usually try to mix a couple of really quick dinners with meals that can bubble away while I get on with other things, and I look for ingredients I can use across more than one recipe so nothing goes to waste. This week’s plan has that balance for me – comforting, family-friendly dinners, plenty of variety and no need to start from scratch every afternoon wondering what on earth to cook.

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Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie

4.94 from 31 votes
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.
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A bowl of Drunken Noodles with chopsticks resting on top

Drunken Noodles

4.93 from 14 votes
This quick and easy stir-fry comes together in under 20 minutes with a flavour-packed sauce, tender chicken and fresh Thai basil. A drizzle of chilli oil vinegar at the end adds a little extra zing to these Drunken Noodles!
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Creamy Lemon Tortellini

Creamy Lemon Tortellini

5 from 8 votes
This wholesome and satisfying Creamy Lemon Tortellini recipe is unbelievably fast, being on the table in just 15 minutes. It's the perfect vegetarian weeknight family dinner to make at the end of a long day.
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4
Closeup meatballs plated and cut open

Italian-style Meatballs

4.50 from 2 votes
Soft, cheesy Italian-style Meatballs gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. With no frying required and everything cooked in the one pan, this comforting family dinner feels incredibly special without the extra effort.
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5
Creamy Mustard Chicken Plated with Mash and Beans

Creamy Mustard Chicken

5 from 7 votes
Creamy Mustard Chicken is an easy 30-minute family dinner made with golden, juicy chicken breast in a rich and creamy dijon and wholegrain mustard sauce with garlic, parmesan and thyme. Serve it over buttery mashed potato with steamed greens for a comforting weeknight dinner that tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes to make.
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Sweet and sour pork dish featuring vibrant bell peppers and a glossy sauce, served in a bowl

Easy Sweet and Sour Pork

4.87 from 61 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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Overhead view of Portuguese chicken and chips on a plate.

Butterflied Portuguese Chicken

4.70 from 20 votes
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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