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Weekday Menu Inspiration – so what is on the menu this week? (w/c 17.11.25)

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 a cosy, classic winter warmer to a Mexican selection of flavours and of course a carb centred Italian favourite, 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?

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:

Chilli Con Carne Jackets🫘

Serves 2

1. Start by poking a few holes in your potatoes and popping them in the microwave until soft — usually around 8–12 minutes for me.
2. While they’re cooking, fry off your mince in a pan. Roughly chop 2/3 of your peppers and drain your kidney beans, then add them to the pan just before the mince is fully cooked. Give everything a good mix.
3. Once the meat is cooked through, pour in your tomato passata, add your seasoning mix, and stir until everything is rich and saucy.
4. When the potatoes are soft, transfer them to the air fryer on max crisp for 5–7 minutes.
   • Trust me — they come out perfectly fluffy inside and crispy outside every time.
5. Serve your chilli piled high over your hot jackets, and save the second portion for another night.

Quick, comforting and unbelievably convenient!

Prawn Pasta🍤

Serves 1

1. Pop your pasta on to boil in a saucepan with a pinch of salt.
2. Halve your tomatoes while it cooks.
3. Once the pasta is done, drain and set aside.
4. In the same empty pan, add 1 tbsp of oil, 1 tsp of garlic, your chopped tomatoes, and a little salt and pepper, and put it back on a very low heat.
   • Less washing up is always a win!
5. When the tomatoes have softened, tip the pasta back into the pan and give everything a good mix – making sure the pasta reheats throughout.
6. Turn off the heat, then stir through your cooked prawns.
   • Top tip: leaving the heat on will make the fish shrivel up and go rubbery, so keep the hob off at this stage.

Serve it all up in your fanciest bowl and enjoy!

You have just cheffed up a dish that you’d usually spot on a restaurant menu – in minutes at home. You should feel proud.

Pie, Mash and Gravy🥧

Serves 1

1. Peel your spuds and pop them into a pan of boiling water with a pinch of salt.
2. Get your pie into the oven or air fryer.
   • Top Tip: Don’t set the heat too high — the top can burn before the middle has fully cooked.
3. Add some peas to a microwave-safe bowl and gravy granules to a jug so everything’s ready to go.
4. Once the potatoes are soft, drain them and return them to the pan with a little butter and milk.
5. Start your peas cooking, then mash the potatoes until they’re perfectly smooth — or delightfully lumpy if that’s more your style!
6. Serve everything up, finishing by making your gravy so it’s piping hot.

With so many pies on supermarket shelves these days, you really can’t go wrong with a classic like this — especially as the weather turns colder.

It’s always been a favourite of mine… a total winner, every time.

Mushroom Fajitas🍄‍🟫

Serves 1

Note: If you’re not feeling potatoes again (fair enough!), pick up some wraps, rice or tortillas to switch things up.

1. If you’re making wedges, slice your last potatoes into wedges and pop them in the air fryer with a little oil, salt and pepper.
2. Chop your mushrooms and any leftover peppers into long strips.
3. Add them to a frying pan with a drizzle of oil and some garlic, letting everything soften and cook through.
4. Once the veg is tender, sprinkle over your fajita seasoning and mix well.
   • Top Tip: If you like things a bit saucier, stir in the leftover passata — it works a treat.
5. If you’re opting for rice, cook that in the microwave while the veg finishes – or prepare your wraps/tortillas if that is your preference!

Then simply plate everything up. A full-on fajita fiesta, ready in no time.

Enjoy!

✨And that’s a wrap on this week’s Weekday Menu Inspiration!

Is that the perfect week or what? Dinner inspiration: officially sorted.🙌🏻

Remember — every recipe can be easily made meat-free, gluten-free, or dairy-free, depending on what works for you.

I’d love to know what you think!
Did you try any of these meals? What worked, what did you tweak, and what will you make again? And if there are any ingredients or dishes you’d love to see in a future week of inspo, drop me a comment or message — I’m always up for new ideas!💬🍽️