So what is on the weekday menu inspiration blog this week? (w/c 10.11.25)

weekday menu inspiration: meals

This week’s menu is a good one — it’s all about saving time and money without skimping on flavour. You’ll be using clever ingredient swaps between dishes, and there’s even one meal that makes two portions — perfect for those nights when you’re too busy (or just too tired) to cook. Simply heat it up and you’re good to go!

From cosy home comforts to Asian-inspired flavours and Italian favourites, this week’s lineup has something for everyone. Each recipe can be easily adapted for different dietary needs — whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free — while still delivering big on taste.

So what needs to be on your shopping list?

weekday menu inspiration: shopping list

It’s really that simple this week for dinner! Nip down to your local supermarket for these few bits and you’ll be equipped for Monday through to Friday🗓️

I’m no chef, but I do love cooking – so here’s what I would do with these ingredients:

🍚 Egg-Fried Rice

Serves 2

Simply:

  1. Roughly chop half the mushrooms and half the peppers (save the rest for another meal — we love a multitasking ingredient).
  2. Fry them in a pan with a handful of frozen peas until softened.
  3. Add your bag of cooked rice and a splash of soy sauce.
    • Gluten-free? Double-check your soy sauce — some brands sneak it in!
  4. Push everything to one side, crack in 2–3 eggs, and scramble them in the middle.
  5. Once cooked, mix it all together and toss in your pre-cooked chicken.
  6. Mix well, and taste — a little more soy? Go for it.

Voila!
Dinner in minutes — no stress, no faff. If you’ve got sweet chilli or teriyaki sauce lurking in the cupboard, drizzle a little over the top — it’s a total game changer.

And the best part? Once it’s cooled, pop the second portion in the fridge.

This will last for 2-3 days… so perfect for those lazy midweek evenings when you can’t face cooking.

(Make sure to reheat thoroughly though! Rice can be nasty)

🌭 Sausage & Mash

Serves 1 — pure comfort on a plate.

Because sometimes you just need proper, homely food — simple, warm, and covered in gravy (lots of gravy).

Here’s how:

  1. Peel and chop your potatoes (sweet or regular — go with your mood) into cubes.
  2. Pop them in a saucepan of water and bring to a boil.
  3. While they’re bubbling away, cook half your pack of sausages in the oven or air fryer.
  4. Get your sides ready — peas in a heatproof dish and gravy granules in a jug.
  5. Once the potatoes are soft, drain them and start mashing. While you’re at it, microwave the peas and boil the kettle for your gravy.
  6. Dish up your mashed spuds, sausages, and peas, then pour over your gravy — as little or as much as you like (if you’re anything like me, your plate will end up looking like a gravy bath).

And enjoy!
The ultimate easy dinner — no stress, just comfort.

💡 Top tip: If you’re using regular potatoes, mix in a little butter and milk before mashing for that creamy, dreamy finish.

🥔 Jacket Potato Night!

Serves 1 — the midweek hero we all forget about.

We all know how to cook a jacket… but it never hurts to be reminded just how easy (and satisfying) it is.

Here’s how:

  1. Choose your potato — sweet or regular, totally your call.
  2. Microwave it until it’s soft all the way through.
  3. Carefully transfer it to the oven or air fryer to crisp up that skin.
  4. Meanwhile, make your tuna mayo filling or heat up some classic baked beans — or honestly, why not have both?
  5. Once your spud is perfectly golden, slice it open and load up those fillings.

Perfection.
Simple, comforting, and exactly what you need after a long day.

💡 Top tip: Got some leftover peppers from earlier in the week? Chop them up and throw them in — that extra crunch makes it even better.

🍝 Sausage Pasta Bake

Serves 1 — because carbs make everything better.

No one can convince me that pasta isn’t the best thing ever. So of course, we had to include a carby classic in the week’s menu — and this one couldn’t be easier.

Here’s how:

  1. Pop your leftover sausages into a preheated oven or air fryer to cook through.
  2. Boil a pan of dried pasta in salted water until soft.
  3. While that’s cooking, roughly chop your leftover mushrooms.
  4. Once the sausages are done, slice them up into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Drain your pasta and keep it aside in the colander (no need for extra pans!).
  6. In the same saucepan, fry your mushrooms — less washing up, more flavour.
  7. Add the sausages, pasta, and your favourite tomato sauce straight into the pan.

Give it all a good stir and heat through until piping hot.

And there you have it — an easy, comforting pasta bake that tastes like effort (but really isn’t).

And that’s a wrap on this week’s menu!

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