Does anyone else feel like the closer we get to the end of the year, the more things get added to the calendar? Between work, school, activities and everything else that needs doing, the last thing I want to be thinking about at 5 pm is what to cook for dinner. 😂 So I’ve put together seven family-friendly dinners to make life a little easier this week. There are quick options like Street-style Soy Noodles and Crispy Chicken Burgers for those nights when you need something on the table without too much fuss, plus comforting favourites like One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne and Beef and Potato Topped Pie. I’ve even included a Beef Pot Roast for a day when you’ve got a little more time. There’s plenty of variety, familiar ingredients and meals that will keep everyone happy. Because life might be getting busier, but dinner doesn’t need to get more complicated.

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Close up crispy minced chicken burger in brioche bun

Crispy Minced (Ground) Chicken Burgers

5 from 42 votes
These Crispy Minced (Ground) Chicken Burgers are juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and baked rather than fried. The patties are made with simple ingredients, coated in a parmesan-panko crumb and baked on a metal tray for maximum crispness. With minimal prep and no flour-and-egg crumbing station, they’re an easy weeknight burger that still feels like a proper fakeaway.
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street-style soy noodle recipe with chilli oil

Street-style Soy Noodles

4.95 from 17 votes
This Street-style Soy Noodles recipe is a fast, fakeaway-style noodle dinner made with pantry sauces, tender chicken and crunchy veggies. Everything comes together in one pan in under 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and family-friendly without the effort.
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Close up of Spinach & Ricotta Tortellini with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini with Creamy Tomato Sauce

4.97 from 28 votes
You only need simple ingredients, one pan and 15 minutes to have this easy but gorgeous Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini with Creamy Tomato Sauce on the table. Vegetarian tortellini is transformed into a fulfilling family meal with a comforting creamy, cheesy and tomatoey sauce.
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Finished chicken and potatoes in tray overhead shot

Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

5 from 3 votes
This Roasted Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe is made with a whole chicken coated in a Greek yoghurt, garlic, lemon and oregano marinade, then roasted over potatoes that soak up all the pan juices as they cook. It’s a family-friendly one-tray dinner with minimal hands-on time, plenty of flavour and easy leftovers for wraps or lunches the next day.
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Full beef and potato pie in one pan, with a golden flaky crust.

Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie”

4.50 from 36 votes
This Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie” is a quick, comforting alternative to a traditional cottage pie, made with finely sliced potatoes as the topping instead of mash. It’s loaded with vegetables, cooked in one pan, and finished with a buttery, golden potato layer. A family favourite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
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Top view of a pan filled with creamy Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne, topped with golden melted cheese.

One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne

4.83 from 108 votes
Tender lasagne sheets, shredded chicken, broccoli and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, all cooked in the one pan. One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is freezer-friendly, too!
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Pot roast beef recipe with mashed potatoes

The BEST Beef Pot Roast Recipe

5 from 7 votes
This easy oven-braised pot roast is made with a whole beef chuck roast, carrots, celery and onion, slowly cooked until the beef is fall-apart tender. Everything cooks in one pan with a simple homemade beef gravy made from tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and herbs – no packet gravy in sight. Serve The BEST Beef Pot Roast recipe with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comforting family dinner. The hands-on preparation is minimal and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
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