When you need mid-week meals that are faster than a trip to the local chippy, you’re in the right place. As a dad, I know that some days “quick” isn’t enough, you need “right now.” This category is my personal collection of easy teas and quick tea ideas that genuinely take 15 minutes or less from start to finish.

15 minutes or less

We’ve all seen those quick dinner ideas that claim to be fast but involve twenty minutes of chopping first. Not here. These are cheap midweek meals designed for real life, using shortcut hacks and simple dinner recipes that even a sleep-deprived parent can manage. Whether you’re looking for a super quick pasta dish or easy food to make with just a few cupboard staples, these recipes focus on getting a hot meal on the table without the stress.

Under 15-minute meals

I’ve focused on family meal recipes that pass the toddler test while still tasting like proper food. From 10-minute stir-frys to my “Emergency” grilled sandwiches, these midweek recipes are the ones I turn to when the schedule has gone out the window.

My Top 3 “Super Quick” Recommendations:

• Lemon Pasta: The ultimate 10-minute cheap midweek meal.

• Pad Thai: A delicious Thai Meal that is faster than boiling a kettle.

• Chorizo, tomato and Rocket Pasta: One of our favourite quick tea ideas for Friday nights.