Family Meal Plan w/c 29th January 2018
Hello! I’m back with this week’s family meal plan. I plan our dinners in advance to save time, reduce stress, and make shopping easier. This roundup includes a mix of quick midweek meals, a leftover hack, a new family favourite, and kid-friendly options for the weekend.
Last week mostly went to plan. I only missed one day because an unexpected meeting in London meant I couldn’t get the slow cooker on. That happens — the aim is progress, not perfection. Having a flexible framework helps me adapt without wasting food or time.
This week’s highlight is a new family favourite: Sausage Meat Ragu. It’s quick, comforting, and packs well for leftovers. If you enjoy meal planning ideas, consider creating a group or list where you and others can swap recipes and tips — shared inspiration makes weeknight cooking easier and more fun.
MEAL PLAN W/C 29TH JANUARY
Monday: Leftover Roast Chicken Risotto — a simple risotto made with leftover roast chicken and vegetables. Using leftover roast is a great way to create a flavorful, economical meal: shred the meat, use the pan juices or a little stock, stir in rice and vegetables, and finish with a knob of butter or grated cheese for creaminess.
Tuesday: Easy Sausage Ragu — this quick 20-minute ragu has become our new go-to. It’s hearty, saucy, and pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even polenta. Using good quality sausages and a simple tomato base keeps the dish full of flavour without much fuss.
Wednesday: Veggie Pastry Tart — I’m trying a new vegetarian pastry tart recipe with the kids. These tarts are great for getting extra vegetables into a meal and can be adapted to whatever you have in the fridge — roasted peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, spinach, or onions all work well. If it goes down well with the children, I’ll share the recipe later.
Thursday: Smoky Meatball Bake — I haven’t made this in months, but I picked up some turkey meatballs and will use those instead of beef. The bake is smoky, saucy, and perfect served with crusty bread for dipping. It’s a comforting midweek dish that cooks quickly when assembled in advance.
Friday: One Pot Salmon Linguine — from my unpublished cookbook: a one-pot pasta with salmon and mixed vegetables. One-pot recipes are ideal for busy weeks since they cut down on washing up and deliver a balanced meal in a single pan. Use frozen peas or fresh green beans to add colour and texture.
Saturday: Daddy Dinner — I’ll be out for part of the day, so Daddy will take over. He tends to keep meals simple and fun with the children, often choosing DIY Taco Kits. These are great for involving kids in assembling their own dinner and letting everyone pick their favourite fillings.
Sunday: Picky Dinner — Finn has his 4th birthday party and there’s a late lunch, so I’ll keep dinner light and easy: a picky-style spread with fruit, raw vegetables, cheese, ham, and some crackers or low-sugar biscuits. This kind of relaxed meal works well after a busy day and suits tired little ones.
Wishing you a smooth, enjoyable week of cooking. Planning a little ahead helps keep evenings calmer and mealtimes more predictable—especially with children in the house.
Ciara x
