Hungry kids who need feeding, and meals that need cooking — it’s one of the great daily challenges of being a parent! If you’re short on family dinner ideas and looking for a bit of inspiration, our 14-day meal plan is here to help.
From turkey burgers and fajitas to quiche, curry and quesadillas, these are real meals that real families enjoy — tried, tested and given the thumbs up by fussy eaters everywhere.
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Try These 14 Days of Family Dinners
We’ve put together a full 14-day dinner plan, along with a shopping list, so you can pick up the key ingredients in one weekly shop and take the guesswork out of “what’s for dinner?”
Every recipe below is one we’ve made ourselves and had approved by actual children — so they’re all quick, easy, and family-friendly. Browse the recipes here for tips and swap ideas, and grab the full plan and shopping list to keep on hand for those weeks when you just can’t face deciding what to cook.
!14 Day Dinner Plan and Shopping List
Day 1: Spaghetti Bolognese
Pasta of all shapes and sizes tends to go down well with kids, and Spaghetti Bolognese is a family stand-by for good reason. Here’s our version with a twist: the 3 Surprises Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe — delicious and completely kid-approved.
Day 2: Posh Beans on Toast
This Posh Beans on Toast recipe has become a staple in many of our readers’ easy dinner rotations — simple, comforting, and ready in minutes.
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Day 3: Classic Roast Chicken with Lemon and Garlic
!Roast Chicken with Lemon and Garlic
This Roast Chicken with Lemon and Garlic is a simple, no-fuss recipe with plenty of flavour — perfect for a Sunday dinner.
Day 4: Chicken and Veggie Rice
Need something quick? This easy Chicken and Veggie Rice is child-friendly and a great way to sneak in extra veg. Use up leftover roast chicken from the day before to save even more time.
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Day 5: Homemade Pizza
If Friday nights usually mean ordering in, try making pizza at home instead. Kids love getting involved, and you’ll know exactly what’s gone into it. This Neapolitan Pizza recipe is a great starter recipe for beginners — once you’ve mastered the dough, you can experiment with toppings.
Day 6: Tasty Tomato and Bacon Pasta
Looking for something on the table fast? This Tasty Tomato and Bacon Pasta is ready in under 30 minutes and works well as a regular weeknight go-to.
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Day 7: Turkey Burgers with Coleslaw and Sweet Potato Fries
!Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
Packed with flavour, these Turkey Burgers are a firm weekend favourite. Serve with sweet potato fries and homemade coleslaw — and consider doubling the batch to freeze extras for busy weeks.
Day 8: Homemade Fish Goujons with Potato Wedges
Getting more fish into the weekly rotation is always worthwhile, and these homemade fish goujons are quick to put together. Serve with potato (or sweet potato) wedges for a healthier take on fish and chips.
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Day 9: Easy Veggie Stir Fry
Adding a few extra meatless meals to your week can save time and money, and make for healthier eating too. This easy vegetable stir fry takes just minutes and is perfect for a midweek dinner.
Day 10: Chorizo and Chicken Quesadillas
For those days when you need something done in minutes, chorizo and chicken quesadillas are the answer. They’re quick to assemble and flexible enough to use up whatever’s in the fridge.
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Day 11: Easy Peasy Pesto Pasta
This easy peasy pesto pasta is a proven winner with kids and can be on the table in under 15 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
Day 12: Thai Green Chicken Curry
This creamy Thai green chicken curry is warming and full of flavour — and just as good reheated the next day. A great gentle introduction to curry if your family hasn’t tried one before.
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Day 13: Cheddar and Bacon Quiche
Quiche always sounds more complicated than it is. This cheddar and bacon quiche is simple, satisfying, and a great way to use up whatever’s in the fridge — it’s just as tasty cold for lunch the next day.
Day 14: Easy Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are always a hit at the dinner table. These easy chicken fajitas are packed with flavour, and everyone gets to build their own combo of toppings. Messy? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
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Make It Even Easier
Once you’ve got your 14-day plan and shopping list, stick it on the fridge or keep it on your phone — it takes the daily “what’s for dinner?” decision off your plate for two whole weeks. Feel free to swap days around to suit what’s in season, what’s on offer at the shop, or simply what your family is in the mood for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 14-day dinner plan really free?
Yes — the full plan, including the shopping list, is completely free to download and use.
Can I substitute recipes if my kids won’t eat something on the list?
Absolutely. The plan is designed to be flexible — swap out any day for another recipe from our collection, or adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
Do I need any special equipment to make these meals?
No. Every recipe uses everyday kitchen basics, so there’s nothing extra to buy before you get started.
Can I reuse the plan after the 14 days are up?
Yes — many families keep it on rotation, repeating it every few weeks or mixing and matching days as a base for their regular meal planning.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- 3 Surprises Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- 10 Go-To Family Dinner Ideas Every Parent Should Know
- 11 of the Best Vegetarian Recipes for a Meatless Monday
- 25 Super Scrummy Easy Chicken Recipes
Save These Ideas for Later
Loved this plan? Bookmark this page or pin your favourite recipes so you always have a few reliable options to fall back on for busy weeknights.
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