Easy Dinners for Busy School Nights

This collection of Easy Dinners for Busy School Nights is for the evenings when everyone is hungry at the same time. None of these keep you at the stove for long, and most of them cook in one pan. The one at number 10 replaces a Friday takeaway. Save this list and the what's for dinner question is answered for the week.

Kofte Recipe

Kofte are soft, juicy Turkish meatballs made with minced beef, grated onion, parsley and spices. They bake in the oven, so there's no frying and less mess. Mix them ahead and freeze what you don't cook.
To learn more: Kofte Recipe

Chicken Couscous

A one-pan dinner of chicken, vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes over couscous, ready in about 30 minutes. There's very little washing up afterwards. The spicy chicken at number 9 takes hardly any prep.
Full recipe: Chicken Couscous

Traditional Shakshuka

Eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce, all in one pan. It's a meat-free dinner that still feels like a proper meal. Put bread on the table for the sauce.
Get the recipe: Traditional Shakshuka Recipe

Jamaican Pepper Steak

Marinated sirloin cooked with peppers in a thick brown gravy. Get the beef into the marinade in the morning, and it's 30 minutes of cooking at dinner time. Serve it over plain rice.
To learn more: Jamaican Pepper Steak

Salmon Patties

These use fresh salmon rather than tinned, and you can taste the difference. They're crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, with lime, Dijon and parsley. If there's leftover rice in the fridge, number 7 is tomorrow's dinner sorted.
Recipe here: Salmon Patties

Arayes - Stuffed Pita

Arayes are pitas stuffed with spiced minced beef and cooked until crisp. The meat cooks inside the bread and stays juicy. They're quick, cheap, and work for dinner or a mezze spread.
Full recipe: Arayes - Stuffed Pita

Egg Fried Rice Recipe

A quick, spicy take on the Chinese takeaway side, ready in about 15 minutes with pantry ingredients. It's the one to make when there's leftover rice from the night before.
To learn more: Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Steak Picado

Small pieces of steak cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes and a little jalapeño. Spoon it into warm tortillas or serve it with rice. Number 10 is the one that replaces a takeaway.
Get the recipe: Steak Picado

Harissa Chicken

Chicken breasts coated in harissa, garlic, honey and lime, with hardly any prep. The marinade is spicy with a little sweetness. Serve it with rice, couscous or a salad.
Recipe here: Harissa Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken

Crispy chicken pieces in a sticky honey soy sauce, finished with sesame seeds and spring onion. It looks and tastes like takeaway, and the cornflour coating keeps it crisp. Serve it with plain rice and dinner is done.
To learn more: Honey Sesame Chicken