Using a weekly Family Meal Plan removes the evening stress and helps you keep meals balanced, cut costs and simplify life.
This is the 5th weekly meal plan I’ve shared across social channels, and many of you asked for all the details in one place — so here it is. Each evening this week I’ll also be posting short recipe videos so you can cook along if you like.
For reference, I shopped for this meal plan in May 2022 at Aldi and the total cost was £34.21.
Why use a weekly food planner?
Planning meals in advance brings practical benefits for every household:
- Save money by buying only what you need and avoiding food waste.
- Reduce the daily decision-making load — no more nightly “what’s for dinner?” stress.
- Cook more varied and balanced meals, and make efficient use of leftovers.
A printable shopping list for this plan is available for download.
More Weekly Meal Plans
Check previous plans for different themes and budgets: Meal Plan 4 – 30 Minute Meals; Meal Plan 3 – £35 from Tesco; Meal Plan 2 – £33 from Aldi.
Tips for using this family meal planner
➡️ Before you shop, check the list for items you already have in the cupboard to avoid duplicates.
➡️ Consider doubling suitable recipes and freezing portions for a busy night or a quick weekend meal.
➡️ If a meal isn’t to your taste, simply remove those ingredients from your list and swap in another recipe.
➡️ The shopping list uses budget-friendly ingredient choices. If you prefer organic, leaner or free-range options, substitute as you wish — it’s a personal choice.
➡️ All recipes are written to serve 4. If you are cooking for two, halve the quantities.
Weekly Meal Ideas: The Recipes
Dinner 1
⭐️ Serve with the mini wraps, 100g grated cheese, sliced avocado and some yoghurt on the side.
Easy Chicken Fajitas
This easy Chicken Fajitas recipe delivers juicy seasoned chicken, crisp peppers and onions, and all the family-friendly flavours that make it a go-to midweek meal. Quick to prepare and easy to customise with your favourite toppings.
View Recipe
Dinner 2
⭐️ If your store sells ready chopped “casserole vegetables” they’re a great time-saver and can replace the veg in this tray bake. Use any combination of root vegetables you prefer.
Sticky Sausage Tray Bake
A comforting and simple Sticky Sausage Tray Bake with carrots, potatoes and leeks. Everything cooks on one tray for minimal washing up and maximum flavour — an ideal family-friendly dinner.
View Recipe
Dinner 3
⭐️ Use 700g of beef instead of 1kg if you want four portions (1kg is for six). If curry paste isn’t available, swap for 4 tsp medium curry powder. Serve with poppadoms, rice, mango chutney and yoghurt.
Slow Cooker Beef Curry
This Slow Cooker Beef Curry mixes together quickly and simmers into a rich, comforting ‘fakeaway’ that’s lighter than many takeaways. It’s a great recipe to set and forget, freeing up your evening.
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Dinner 4
⭐️ Double the original recipe (it’s written for two). I sometimes swap a pack of courgettes for an aubergine to match weight and cost — the bake still tastes delicious. Serve with bake-at-home baguettes.
Mediterranean Tomato and Halloumi Bake
This Mediterranean Tomato and Halloumi Bake is a quick, healthy vegetarian meal. Crispy, salty halloumi sits atop a rich tomato and vegetable sauce for a satisfying dinner.
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Dinner 5
⭐️ No special notes for this one — it’s my quicker shortcut and I often prefer it to a traditional Tuna Pasta Bake. Give it a try and see what you think!
Tuna Pasta Bake
A classic, budget-friendly Tuna Pasta Bake that’s comforting, simple to prepare and family-approved. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something filling and fuss-free.
View Recipe
Quick reminder: the printable shopping list for this plan is available for download.
If you’ve found this useful, follow along on Instagram @tamingtwins