If you’re anything like me, dinner doesn’t just arrive. It’s 5 pm, someone’s hungry, someone else doesn’t like “sauces that look suspicious”, and your brain has already clocked off for the day. These are the dinners I rely on when I need something quick, comforting and actually enjoyable to eat – without spending a fortune or making five different meals. Think: One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne (creamy, cosy, minimal cleanup), Big Mac Tacos (because dinner can be fun), Dijon Salmon with Smashed Potatoes (restaurant vibes in track pants), and the forever crowd-pleaser Southern “Fried” Baked Chicken Strips. These are simple, family-friendly recipes that work in real life – weeknights, lunchboxes, busy seasons, tired seasons … all of it.
You can find all of these recipes here as well as in my new book Simple Dinners Every Day, which is filled with 100+ recipes designed to make our lives easier. You can secure your copy, here.
One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne
Tender lasagne sheets, shredded chicken, broccoli and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, all cooked in the one pan. One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is freezer-friendly, too!
Big Mac Tacos
These Big Mac Tacos are quick and easy to make and are a family favourite! Load them up with tons of salad for a fun, quick and easy dinner.
Dijon Salmon and Crispy Potatoes
Only 15 minutes of prep, then let the oven do the rest of the work to create this delicious family-friendly Dijon Salmon with Crispy Potatoes, which is served with a creamy lemon dill sauce and a green salad.
Easy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
A wholesome, comforting classic made easier and more economical. Easy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken uses thigh cutlets, rather than a whole chicken, but the result is still the satisfyingly tender, juicy roasted chicken with crispy golden skin that we all love.
Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie”
This Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie” is a quick, comforting alternative to a traditional cottage pie, made with finely sliced potatoes as the topping instead of mash. It’s loaded with vegetables, cooked in one pan, and finished with a buttery, golden potato layer. A family favourite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
Sesame-soy Dumpling Salad
Transform frozen dumplings into a quick, fresh and flavourful meal with this Sesame-soy Dumpling Salad. Crispy pan-fried dumplings, crunchy veggies and a bold dressing make this the ultimate family-friendly dinner or lunch.
Natalie says:
I am beyond excited to have come across your videos and now this page. I realized through your videos that I am not super excited to eat meals like you enjoy yours and I want that love for homemade meals again. I love how the meal plans are posted, its so easy to just skip over to the ones you want to read more about! I am hoping to get your cookbook once it is back in stock. I love a physical book to look at.
Thank you so much for all you share. Your heart and dedication is easy to see.
Nicole says:
Hi Natalie, thank you for your absolutely beautiful comment. 🥰 I am also thrilled you have found us and hope you will find some recipes to enjoy both cooking AND eating! I know what you mean about preferring to look at a book, so I’m really touched you are going to buy the book (are you buying book 1 or book 2?). There are many recipes on the website that aren’t in the books, but the books also include many recipes that aren’t on the website. I really love what I do, but comments like your make me realise that it’s all so worth it! Nic x
John says:
Meal planning is my biggest nightmare, so I’m so glad I found you! I’m an athlete and pay attention to my macros and I’m having a hard time trusting your nutrition info….some of them seem way off!! Can’t wait to cook some of these but worry I’m gonna blow my nutrition goals!!
Kate says:
Hey John,
One thing I do, not sure if you do too, is plug the recipes into MyFitnessPal and it gives accurate macros.
I add the ingredients individually to make a recipe and save it, because I know I am going to use it again 🙂
Nicole says:
Hi Kate, you’ll be pleased to know we are updating the nutritional calculator. Sorry if you’re having any issues! Nic x
Nicole says:
Hi John, I’m really happy you found us too! You’ll be pleased to know that we are in the process of changing the nutritional stats calculator as we’ve noticed some issues too. Sorry for any confusion. If you have any questions about the stats for specifc recipes, let me know. Nic x
Jacqui B says:
I have bought your new book and was so inspired by your meal plans that we tried this weeks.
Verdict from my (fussy) husband: “Oh my goodness, this is better than that 5 star restaurant we went to” – now that is praise indeed.
Now the kids have left home we struggle with cooking just for 2 – so I am trying your recipes as cook once eat twice, though the food is so delicious I am struggling to keep half for dinner later in the week!
Beautiful food made with easily available ingredients in Aussie supermarkets – Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Nicole says:
Hi Jacqui, your comment has absolutely made my day! 🥰 I am beyond happy that you are enjoying the recipes and that they’re working with your lifestyle – and even happier that you chose to buy the book! (I know what you mean about trying to save yummy leftovers! Sometimes when I love a dish it’s lucky to make it from pan to plate!) I have so many more recipes coming up that I hope you’ll love. Nic xx
Lia Thuneman says:
I came across your Instagram and I’m so happy I did! All of these meals looked perfect for my family, excited to follow you and I’ll order your cookbook soon as well! Our Salmon and Crispy Potatoes are almost finished!
Nicole says:
Wow, Lia, thanks for this beautiful comment. Welcome to Simple Home Edit … so happy you found us! I’m thrilled that you are loving the look of the recipes and thinking of ordering the book! Nic x
Caitlin says:
Thanks Nicole you’re an absolute gem. I’m excited to try the one pan lasagna receipe- hoping my two kids will also love it!!
Nicole says:
My pleasure, Caitlin! I’m so glad you like the look of these … yep, definitely try the lasagne! Nic x
Sue Johnson says:
Hi Nic, thank you for your easy no fuss recipes. I too am nursing a fractured ankle & find your recipes a saving grace. 🙏
Nicole says:
Aww, Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your ankle! ☹️ My husband has JUST recovered from the same problem, so we know what you’re going through. But I’m really happy to hear that you’re enjoying the recipes and finding them fuss-free. I really hope you feel better soon. Nic x
Jacky says:
We live in Scotland and love your recipes! Your recipe book isn’t available here so I Simply follow your posts and Cook yummy food!!
Nicole says:
Hi there Jacky, so glad you are enjoying the recipes all the way over there in Scotland! If you’re interested, there are some shops that do international shipping – check out this link. Love from Australia! Nic x