Learn

Inspiration Stress free, quick weeknight meals

Stress free, quick weeknight meals

If you are tired of pretending you love cooking on a Wednesday night, these recipes will fix that. They are fast, packed with flavour and perfect for nights when your energy is low but your standards are still high. Each dish uses smart shortcuts, simple ingredients and big bold tastes that feel far fancier than the effort required. You will spend less time chopping, more time relaxing and absolutely no time wondering why you did not just order takeaways. Your future self will say a quiet thank you and your family will think you planned it all along.

A hand holds a bowl of beef Pad Thai garnished with lime and cilantro, against a green background.A hand holds a bowl of beef Pad Thai garnished with lime and cilantro, against a green background.

The key to quick midweek dinners is using shortcuts and one of our favourites is Jenny’s Tamarind Chutney to make this takeaway classic. Load it up with fresh vegetables and you’ve got a winner!


A lamb smash burger with tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickles, served with a side salad on a wooden table.A lamb smash burger with tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickles, served with a side salad on a wooden table.

This is a true favourite and we highly recommend using your barbecue flat plate for the smash. Line up the meatballs and go along smashing them nice and thin. It’s quite satisfying.


A beef and rice ctaco bake with corn, peppers, and melted cheese, partially served from a baking dish onto plates, one with greens on the plate..A beef and rice ctaco bake with corn, peppers, and melted cheese, partially served from a baking dish onto plates, one with greens on the plate..

All the flavours of a Mexican fiesta, this goes in the oven and comes out all gooey and delicious. Gives you more time outta the kitchen and with only one pot to wash, it’s the perfect answer for your midweek dinners.


Two bowls of beef and broccoli with rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. A pair of black chopsticks rests on one bowl.Two bowls of beef and broccoli with rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. A pair of black chopsticks rests on one bowl.

Seared beef, plenty of green veggies and a sauce that is as delicious as it is easy. Made from pantry staples, we love that this goes with both rice or noodles. Just pick your family’s favourite!


A platter of hummus topped with roasted carrots, red onions, spiced lamb, parsley, lemon wedges, and almonds, served with a green salad, pita bread, and lemon water.A platter of hummus topped with roasted carrots, red onions, spiced lamb, parsley, lemon wedges, and almonds, served with a green salad, pita bread, and lemon water.

We never say no to a mezze platter and this one is loaded with flavour, vegetables and perfect for sharing, al fresco with the kids. Wholemeal pita bread cut into triangles are perfect for dipping and scooping.


A platter of beef mince with tomatoes, and greens, served with a side salad and pita breads. A platter of beef mince with tomatoes, and greens, served with a side salad and pita breads.

This takes 15 minutes to pull together and can be as complicated or as simple as you like. We keep it simple with nacho flavoured mince, plenty of salad and a wholemeal wrap toasted for that ultimate crunch.


A vibrant bowl meal with sliced steak, brown rice, avocado, broccoli, green beans, and mixed greens, topped with seeds.A vibrant bowl meal with sliced steak, brown rice, avocado, broccoli, green beans, and mixed greens, topped with seeds.

Customisable at the table, we love puitting everything on the table and letting the team assemble their own. The crunch of the seeds is the ultimate finishing touch, just don’t skip it!


A person holds a large white bowl filled with seasoned ground meat, colorful chopped cherry tomatoes, spinach, white sauce, and fresh parsley.A person holds a large white bowl filled with seasoned ground meat, colorful chopped cherry tomatoes, spinach, white sauce, and fresh parsley.

Viral for a reason, this pasta is quick and loaded with flavour. Garlic yoghurt is a dreamy touch, making a sauce that’s punchy and delicious.


A pan of ground meat chili with red peppers, beans, four fried eggs, and cilantro.A pan of ground meat chili with red peppers, beans, four fried eggs, and cilantro.

Loaded with protein, this is a meal to keep you fuller for longer. The sauce is delicious and of course, beans in chilli sauce are a convenient hack. Just make sure you opt for low sodium options.


background-image

Posted by Kirsten McCaffrey