If you’ve never planned out a week’s worth of meals in advance before, here’s why you should,

Not only does it make the ‘Big Shop’ less of a drain, you’ll also have a list of freshly cooked, flavourful dinners to look forward to all week long.

To make this week easier for you, I’ve given you a head start with 17 tried-and-tested recipes so flavoursome and delicious you’ll want to cook them for weeks. And what’s more, they all have at least 2 of your 5-a-day, and are ready in half an hour.

Ready? Let’s get cooking.

Meat Free Monday

Veggie or not, here we come!

Cheesy Baked Veggie Enchiladas – 35 minutes

Sweet caramelised red peppers, smoky chipotle beans and onions combine to make a rich filling for these golden, delicious wraps. Our recommended serving suggestion? Smothered in cheese and smoky chipotle mayo.

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Lentil Kofta, Harissa & Feta Wraps – 20 minutes

Bite into speedy lentil koftas in warm tortilla wraps, spiced with ras el hanout and a harissa mayo drizzle. We love it with a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese to balance the rich, smoky spices.

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Three-Veg Miso & Sesame Ramen with an Egg – 30 minutes

Skip the egg from this rich, star anise and miso-infused broth if you want to make this veggie ramen vegan.

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Vietnamese-Style Mushroom Bánh Mì – 30 min

This Vietnamese sandwich is traditionally made with meat and paté, but we’ve given it a vegan twist with juicy portobello mushrooms, punchy pickled veg and fresh coriander.

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Ten Minute Tuesday

If it’s dinner time, and it’s your turn to cook, I’ve got some advice: Find a recipe that takes 10 minutes.

Steak, Spicy Rice & Peri Peri Sauce – 10 minutes

Ketchup, chipotle, oregano and chilli become a bright homemade peri-peri sauce that’s spicy, zingy and smoky all at the same time.

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Speedy sweet and sour chicken – 10 minutes

Up for a bit of TIY (Takeaway It Yourself)? If you’re craving a sweet ‘n’ sour right now, get your wok sizzling and give this a go.

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Jamaican-Style Chicken Stew – 10 minutes

Sweet spices, curry and rich coconut combine in this speedy stew, served with rice, beans and a fresh chilli garnish.

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Bangin’ Chilli & Garlic Tenderstem Spaghetti – 10 minutes

Filling, fast and with 3 of your 5-a-day. The finishing sprinkle of almonds is what makes this dish a 10/10.

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Waste Free Wednesday

When my eyes are bigger than my stomach, here are my go-to recipes that make the most of those leftovers.

Pulled Hoisin Chicken & Sesame Noodles

If you had a roast on Sunday, Wednesday’s probably your last day to reheat any leftover meat safely. This recipe calls for chicken, but leftover roast pork, beef or lamb with that umami-rich hoisin-sesame combo are delicious too.

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Indonesian Prawn Fried Rice & Smashed Cucumber – 25 min

Rather than leftover rice going to the birds, whack your heat on high, whip out your wok and rustle up this Indonesian-style dish with jumbo prawns and a chilli cucumber salad.

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Cheesy Bubble & Squeak (leftover roasted veg) – 35 min

This super-sized bubble and squeak is ideal for any leftover roast potatoes and vegetables. Plus, it’s covered in cheese, and cheese makes everything better.

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Healthy Thursday

These luscious salads are crispy, zingy, fruity and bright, with healthy homemade dressings that are totally to-die-for.

Aussie Mozzarella, Avocado & Sesame Salad – 20 min

‘Tis the season for top-quality British toms! Toss them in this summery salad with freshly-baked croutons, torn mozzarella and nutty sesame dressing for some pukka tucker from down under. (Translation: great food from Australia.)

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Seeded Goats’ Cheese Sweet Potato Salad – 30 min

Gone are the days of cold, limp leaves and bottled French dressing, because warm salads with roasted veg, creamy goats’ cheese and omega-3 rich pumpkin seeds are here with a million and one times more flavour.

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Fruity Indian Chicken Salad

As I said, warm salads are where it’s at. And on your mission to find the best combo, I’d suggest giving this Indian-inspired mango chutney-glazed chicken, spiced rice and lime one a go.

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Fiery Friday

It’s the end of the week, and I want flavours that are ready to party! So let’s chuck in more chilli, pour ourselves an icy drink and see if we can handle the heat.

Spicy Squash Pad Thai With Crispy Onions – 35 min

This plant-based twist on pad thai is punchy, sweet and the perfect solution when I fancy a takeaway, but need to inject more veg in my diet.

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Fiery Chicken Pineapple & Rice Salad – 30 min

Repeat after me: Pineapple isn’t just for pizza! Especially when it’s caramelised, and served on spiced, smoky chicken and a nutty black rice salad.

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Spicy Jumbo Prawn Udon Stir-Fry – 30 min

The chef-level required for these spicy prawns is low to medium, and this super noodle’s thick, chewy texture is perfect for soaking up all that extra-spicy sauce.

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One thing I learned while making this list? You can pack a lot of flavour into half an hour of cooking time. And whether it’s spice, salads or speedy takeaway treats you’re after, I hope this list has given you some quick, satisfying and easy ideas to try this week.

Have I inspired you to transform your midweek meals? Or will you stick to what you know? Let me know in the comments! And if you try any of these yourself, remember to tag us @goustocooking on Instagram.

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