Help me with inspiration for family meals

[aleC4]

Help! I need some inspiration for family meals for 2 adults and 2 dc (11 and a fussy 9 year old!).
We don't eat together much due to childcare arrangements but things are due to change and I will be cooking more for all four of us.
I am looking for fun family meals that don't cost the earth that won't take hours on end to cook after a busy day at work.
I seem to cook the same things over an over and I'm fed up of eating them. I am also doing mfp so watching calories too.
Does anyone have any interesting suggestions? We have all the usuals like spag bol, roast, lasagne, fajitas, curry etc.

[Kbear]

I made a lamb casserole thing in the slow cooker today - medium shoulder of lamb, some lentils , tin of tomatoes, stock - left it alone all day and tonight - voila - some mash, green veg and everyone is raving over it. The lamb cost about £4

[Cookingongas]

insimoneskitchen.com/book-review-modern-way-eat-dal-sweet-potatoes/

I make this dhal frequently- my family love it.

www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/15_minute_pasta_33407

This pasta is a standby that crops up all the time too.

[stilllovingmysleep]

Greek style lemon roast chicken with roast potatoes and oregano

Turkey meatloaf with mash & green beans

here's another great idea for 'modular meals' which is a great way to serve everyday family meals

grilled chicken kebabs (very easy to make) served with potatoes and/or tzatziki (greek yoghurt & dill dip)

[Kbear]

Today I bought a whole chicken which i'm going to cut in half, lay it flat, cover in Nandos peri peri marinade and roast. With some couscous or wedges and salad.

Also home made enchiladas are good - easy and filling with loads of cheese and salad.

[SlatternIsTrying]

A staple in our house is a baked risotto (recipe came from a MNer). If you need it I'm happy to write it out here for you.

Another super quick one is my version of carbonara. The whole thing is done in the time it takes the pasta to cook. Again I'm happy to write it out if your interested.

Chicken chasseur (sauce from from powder packet) with chips.

Chicken breast in breadcrumbs with potato bake.

Smoked salmon and creme fraiche (heated through) over pasta and asparagus.

Any kind of stir fry chicken with noodles, very quick and the chopping can be done the night before.

[canyou]

I did my freezer prep last week (a months worth of slow cooker dinners.
Chicken curry
Lamb shank with garlic and rosemary
Bolognaise
Lasagne
Shepards pie (just the filling I use aldi frozen mash to top)
Salmon and veg parcels and baked potato
Chowder
Roast veg
Sweet potato soup
Pork in balsamic
Beef stew
Lamb stew
Chicken and dumplings
Stuffed chicken filliets (pudding, bread stuffing, sausage stuffing)
Mac and cheese
Chicken a la creme
Garlic chicken
Stuffed mushrooms
I also have breaded chicken and fish
Cauli cheese sc, broccoli, carrots and sweet corn (aldi specials) ready to go in the freezer
This week I will prep potato side dishes

[SlatternIsTrying]

canyou I'm in awe. How do you keep it all organised - the quantities, the prep, putting it together etc. it must take forever!

[MashesToPashes]

This is known as cowboy mince at home and comes out when I need something uncomplicated:

Brown 500gms mince (I use turkey)
Throw in 1 tin chopped toms and 1 tin baked beans
Add chopped Italian herbs and garlic puree
Simmer until you have a lava like consistency.
Serve over jacket spuds, wedges or rice with a sprinkle of cheese if you want.

[Feefeefs]

I like a roast chicken Sunday then mix up the leftovers with a dos of mayo and some pesto over a baked potato next day.

"Mixed up Shepards pie" Mexican style mince with mashed sweet potatoes and butternut squash on top.

Leftover veg from Sunday roast and gravy with a bit of pasty on top makes a tasty pie.

Spanish omelette potatoes and chorizo inside.

[canyou]

I work a 3 day week once a month and own a small chest freezer. I need to be organised as both DP and I work shift work and mine have no pattern so this way I grab a bag from the freezer and whoever is minding the DC just needs to serve dinner I need to be careful because we need to be gf and this takes the pressure off. I buy meat from the butcher deals and aldi specials my veg is the same aldi specials and frozen. Everything is preped veg first the sauce mixes and then meat or fish added to the bag and freeze between sheets of kitchen paper. One days mess and stress is better the an hr every day. It also means that I can bake on my day off which also keeps costs down.
Also means that the DC each have a day of choosing dinner

[stilllovingmysleep]

Canyou I'm really impressed too!

[Voteforpedr0]

Pesto baked fish, cod/haddock filets (fresh or frozen) spread Pesto on the top bake in oven for15 minutes. Easy peasy, serve with green beans (again frozen or fish to suit your budget ) my fussy ones even live this.

[Voteforpedr0]

*love

[Voteforpedr0]

Frozen or fresh even

[BatteryOperatedBoyfriend]

Batch cook chilli, serve with Doritos and sour cream?