If you’ve seen the viral TikTok doner kebab method from Meze Mike, you’ll know just how fun and simple it is to recreate a proper takeaway-style doner at home. I wanted to try the same method but using my own Fakeaway Slow Cooker Doner Kebab seasoning — with two tiny tweaks that make a big difference: one minced onion and two tablespoons of Greek yogurt mixed into the meat and also We make it with one packet of 500g lamb mince that you can pick up from the supermarket or local butcher with 20% fat, so no additional oil is required. If you want to use beef or pork, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and drain the tray halfway through cooking.

The result? A flavour-packed, tender, crisp, thin homemade doner slices that tastes just like takeaway, but healthier, cheaper, and fun to make.

This is officially our new favourite fakeaway Friday.

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Viral Doner Kebab Meat Recipe

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Doner Kebab – Viral Recipe and Cooking Method

TikTok-Style Rolled Doner Sheets

Course fakeaway, Main

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword doner, kebab

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 500 g lamb mince
• 1 onion Minced
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

This viral method creates thin, crispy-edged doner-style strips — perfect for piling into pittas or bowls.

Blend the mixture

• Add the lamb mince, minced onion, Greek yogurt, and all the spices into a Magimix, blender, or food processor.
• Pulse until the mixture becomes smooth, sticky, and fully combined — this gives that signature takeaway texture.

Divide the meat

• Split the mixture into four equal portions.

Shape the doner sheets

• For each portion:
• Lay down a sheet of parchment paper.
• Place one quarter of the mixture in the middle.
  
• Spread it out into a thin, even rectangle using your hands or a spatula.
• OR: Place another sheet of parchment on top and roll it out with a rolling pin.
  
• Starting at the short end, roll the parchment tightly, wrapping and rolling the meat into a compact cylinder until you reach the end.
• Repeat for all four portions.

Bake

• Place the parchment-wrapped rolls on a baking tray and bake at:
• 200°C (400°F) for around 40 minutes
• or until cooked through.

Slice and crisp

• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
• Carefully unroll each parchment parcel — the meat will have set in a thin sheet.
• Break or slice the meat into strips.
• Spread the pieces onto a baking tray and return to the oven for:
• 10 minutes, until lightly golden and a little crisp on the edges.
  

How to Serve

• Serve in warm Pittas or flatbreads with chilli sauce, garlic sauce, or yoghurt-mint dip.

Notes

We make it with one packet of 500g lamb mince that you can pick up from the supermarket or local butcher with 20% fat, so no additional oil is required. If you want to use beef or pork then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and drain the tray halfway through cooking.

Serve in:

• Warm pittas or flatbreads
• A bowl with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, cucumber and red onion
• On top of rice for a doner-style bowl
• With chilli sauce, garlic sauce, or yoghurt-mint dip

It’s also great for kids as everyone can build their own doner the way they like it.

Why This Works

This method is brilliantly simple — the parchment rolling keeps the meat thin, evenly shaped, and easy to crisp. Combining it with the flavour profile from my original fakeaway recipe gives you a doner that tastes authentic, cooks quicker, and is TikTok-worthy.

The onion adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the Greek yoghurt helps bind everything and keeps it juicy without making it greasy.

Let’s be honest — getting dinner on the table during a busy weeknight can feel like a juggling act. Between school runs, homework, and everything else, you need recipes that are fast, simple, and family-approved. This roundup of 25 quick and easy family dinners hits all the right notes: one-pot wonders, cheesy pasta bakes, kid-friendly pan dishes, and even a few fresh salmon meals.

We’ve mixed in some of our favourite family dinner recipes from Mum in the Mad House and trusted food blogs to keep mealtimes easy, budget-friendly, and full of flavour.

Easy Dinner Ideas

PASTA PERFECTION – Comfort in Every Bite

1. DIY Mac & Cheese in a Mug Super simple and fun for kids to make themselves! Laura Fuentues
2. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Creamy, garlicky, and ready in under 20 minutes. Budget Bytes
3. Creamy Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake A hearty, oven-baked family favourite packed with cheese. Recipe Tin Eats
4. Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce (Kid-Approved!) Sneak in extra nutrition without complaints. My Fussy Eaters
5. Tagliatelle with pea pesto and mozzarella Light, quick, and packed with flavour. Drizzel & Drip

ONE-POT & PAN DISHES – Less Washing, More Eating

6. Chilli A one-pot wonder that’s warm, comforting, and topped with melted cheese. Mum in the Mad House
7. Skillet Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce Quick sear in the pan, then simmer in a dreamy garlic sauce. Damn Delicious
8. Sticky sausage tray bake is perfect with chicken sausages and will soon become a firm family favouritePerfect for autumn evenings and fuss-free clean-up. Mum in the Mad House
9. Egg Fried Rice (Fast & Filling) A great way to use leftover rice and eggs in under 15 minutes. BBC Good Food
10. Creamy Chicken & Mushroom One-Pan Meal Saucy, rich, and great with pasta or rice. Kitchen Sanctuary

CHEESY COMFORT FOOD – Always a Hit

11. Baked Cheese Tortellini Store-bought tortellini smothered in tomato sauce and melty cheese. Spend With Pennies
12. Mini Cheese & Veg Quesadillas Quick pan-fried and great for dipping. My Fussy Eater
13. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake Low-carb, high comfort – and totally kid-approved. The Almond Eater
14. Super Easy One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta. Trust me, this is the pasta that everyone will beg you to make again and again, a classic combo with a nostalgic twist. Half Baked Harvest
15. Easy Nacho Dinner Plate Tortilla chips, cheese, beans, and all your favourite toppings! Simply Recipes

FLAVOURFUL GARLIC DISHES – Bold and Savoury

16. Garlic Butter Salmon & Veggies Baked in foil with lemon and herbs – minimal mess, maximum taste. Eatwell101
17. Garlic Chicken Tray Bake Throw it all on a tray and let the oven do the work. BBC Good Food
18. Garlic & Herb Flatbread Pizzas Use naan or wraps as a base for quick kid-friendly pizzas. Hurried Hostess
19. Garlic Prawn Pasta Restaurant-worthy, ready in 15 minutes. Casually Peckish
20. Crispy Garlic Potatoes – A perfect side dish or meat-free main with sour cream. Daens Kitchen

QUICK SALMON & FISH DISHES – Light & Fresh

21. Easy Salmon Fishcakes – A great way to use tinned salmon – kids love them! Easy Peasy Foodie
22. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls Sticky-sweet sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh veg. Seriously Eats
23. Roasted Seabass in a Parcel – Anything that cooks in a parcel is a hit with the boys, and even better this only takes 15 minutes to cook and tastes amazing. Mum in the mad house
24. Pasta with Tuna & Tomatoes Ready in 15 minutes with tinned staples. BBC Good Food
25. Wild Alaska Salmon, Potato and Leek Frittata is great as a breakfast or main meal and also good for a picnic or packed lunches cold. Mum in The Mad House

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re working with a single pan, your favourite pot, or just need something quick to please the kids, this list of quick family dinners offers plenty of inspiration. With flavourful garlic dishes, cheesy comfort food, and easy salmon recipes, you’ll never run out of weeknight meal ideas again.

Want more? Check out our Food & Recipes section on Mum in the Mad House for DIY meal kits, lunchbox ideas, and cooking with kids.

Pin this post to your weeknight dinner board!

Feeding the whole family every evening doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re looking to use up pantry staples, create comforting classics, or just need a weeknight dinner on the table fast, this list of 25 cheap and easy family dinners has you covered.

We’ve rounded up budget-friendly dinners from around the web that require minimal ingredients, taste amazing, and help make mealtimes a breeze and that kids will love too.

One-Pot & Quick Pasta Dishes

1. One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta – Budget Bytes
2. Simple Tuna Pasta Bake – BBC Good Food
3. Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic & Oil) – The Mediterranean Dish
4. Homemade Hamburger Helper – The Recipe Rebel
5. Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Sausage – Salt & Lavender
6. Mama’s Simple Meatballs in Tomato Sauce – Mum in the Mad House

Rice & Bowl Meals

6. Egg Fried Rice – BBC Good Food
7. Easy Chicken Fried Rice – Damn Delicious
8. Veggie Taco Bowls – Mum in the Mad House
9. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls – Gimme Some Oven
10. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice – Love and Lemons

Cheesy Comfort Food

11. Baked Mac and Cheese – Simply Recipes
12. Cheesy Bean Quesadillas – BBC Good Food
13. Potato & Cheese Pierogi Skillet – Mom Needs Chocolate
14. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Combo – Half Baked Harvest
15. Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Skinnytaste
16. Baked Potato with Cheese & Beans – Mum in the MadHouse (we are also fans of baked sweet potatoes too)

Soups & Stews

16. Red Lentil Soup – BBC Good Food
17. Chunky Vegetable Soup – Jamie Oliver
18. Chili Con Carne –Recipe Tin Eats
19. Creamy Potato Soup – The Chunky Chef
20. Chicken Noodle Soup – Spend With Pennies
21. Grandma’s Chicken Soup with Dumplings – Mum in the Mad House

Fun & Family-Friendly Favourites

21. Homemade Pizza on a Budget – Mum in the Mad House
22. Mini Tacos with Ground Beef – MJ and the Hungryman
23. Sloppy Joe Sandwiches – The Pioneer Woman
24. Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – BBC Good Food
25. Easy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice – RecipeTin Eats

Bonus Tips to Keep Meals Cheap:

• Buy in bulk: Pasta, rice, and frozen veg go a long way.
• Use what you’ve got: Plan meals around what’s already in your fridge or cupboard.
• Batch cook & freeze: Make double portions and save for later.
• Make it a bowl night: Rice + protein + veggies + sauce = easy and flexible.
• Go for ease: We are big fans of a rotisserie chicken or instant rice when time is short for easy weeknight dinners.
• Use the slow cooker: This is a godsend for me.

Want to Get Even More Organised?

Grab a printable meal planner and grocery list to take the stress out of busy weeknights!

Pin this post for quick reference when you’re stuck for dinner ideas.

These kid-friendly summer slow cooker recipes are perfect for hot nights when you can’t stand to turn on the oven or stove, busy weekdays when you’re short on time trying to juggle everything, weekends when you are making the most of that warm weather and summer gatherings.

So let’s keep the kitchen cool and our families fed with these summer slow cooker meals.

Family Friendly Summer Slow Cooker Meals

One of the issues my family tend to have with slow cooker food is it all tends to be a bit orange. Very often it is tomato-based ingredients that do that, so I have tried to share some of the more diverse summer dishes that we make on a regular basis. I don’t have the patience for slow cooker meals that are prep-heavy or require pre-browning (unless it makes a massive difference to the look and taste).

Slow Cooker Ham

Slow cooker ham is an all year round recipe for me. I cook it in Coke, Dr Pepper, Ginger beer or Appletiser depending on what I have in the pantry. I don’t always glaze it either. In the summer I serve with new potatoes and a massive salad. The leftovers never last long and are perfect for picnic lunches.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

So this is my pulled pork recipe and I cook it in the Instapot or the slow cooker. The timings for the slow cooker really are low and slow, so on low for 8 hours or medium for 6. If you want to make your own BBQ sauce then this date BBQ sauce is delicious.

Slow cooker Doner Kebab

This slow cooker doner kebab is my most popular recipe and there is a reason for it – It is delicious, simple and the slow cooker does all the hard work. Serve with pitta breads and a salad and you are all set for a delicious summer meal.

Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

We love Korean-style food and have found that when introducing kids to new flavours, wraps make it easier. If you have hungry teens then wholemeal wraps are a great addition to these Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups. We have also made this with beansprouts when I don’t have water chestnuts in the house, I just add them before serving. Oh and Aldi do frozen chicken breasts that you can cook from frozen and they work so well in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

I have to admit it took me a while to realise what sausages to use in place of Italian sausage in these Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders as it isn’t something we get in the UK. These are delicious made with chipolatas – both Heck and Aldi Sell delicious Italian Chicken ones, which I think cook much better in a slow cooker (less fat).

Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes

Yes, you can cook Jacket Potatoes in the slow cooker and they are perfect for all year round. I love them for using up any leftovers from earlier in the week. Just imagine these topped with pulled pork or any of the other recipes here.

Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw

This Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw is made with chicken thighs, so is great value for money and they become so tender when cooked. The red cabbage coldslaw is great for introducing the crunchy texture to kids as it isn’t overly oniony (it is made with spring onions) and it is super quick to make.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Meatballs (no Pre-Browning!)

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo will become one of your family favourites. It is comforting and delicious. I substitute the double cream for low-fat creme fresh.

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo

What I love about these Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo is just how versatile they are – Big Family, then use a large pork shoulder joint. For smaller families, you can cook this with a pork fillet. It is a flavourful meal which can be bulked out with rice.

Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos

Whilst we are talking about pork, these Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos are brilliant for a family. I find that Korean food has a delightful sweetness that kids seem to love. We regularly have Korean beef tacos and the picked cucumber from that recipe would be a great addition here.

Pepper, Date and Harissa Tagine

This Pepper, date and harissa tagine is brilliant for the gluts of summer vegetables perfect with courgettes and I have made this with frozen butternut squash before and trust me you do not even realise it is meat-free. Serve with couscous. and flatbreads. It screams summer.

Slow Cooker Summer Vegetable and Butter Bean Stew

Think you don’t like butter beans? Well, you haven’t been introduced to the Bold Bean Co, they will transform your opinion. This bejewelled slow cooker summer vegetable and butter bean stew is a wonderfully filling warn salad and the juice is just crying out to be met with a crusty baguette.

Slow Cooker Zesty Fajita Bites

It took me a long time to find a slow cooker fajita recipe that wasn’t too liquidy. These Zesty Fajita Bites still have cooking liquor left at the end, but you remove it and then shred the chicken. So they have the familiar flavours of fajitas but are a little extra. If you have any leftover chicken it is great served as a quesadilla with some cheese!

Cowboy Brisket

There are loads of recipes for Beef tacos out there, but oh my Cowboy Brisket is something special. Alas, you can’t get cowboy rub in the UK, but you can make your own and it is worth it. You can get a flat cut of brisket at your local butchers or just pick up a brisket joint at the supermarket. You can transform any leftovers into a chilli or top your jacket potatoes with it.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chickpeas

One of our local cafes serves coronation chickpeas, which is what made me look into this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chickpea recipe. I have yet to come up with a slow-cooker coronation chickpea recipe, but we love this one. Perfect for meat-free Mondays.

Slow Cooker Bean Chilli

I am not one for browning things before putting them in the slow cooker, I mean who has time for that? So with this Slow cooker bean chilli recipe, I used to use frozen onions (which are already pre-cooked). Now I am onion and garlic-free, I use the greens of Spring onion and asafoetida (which is an Indian spice that kinds of tastes like onion). Also, my top tip is a can of mixed beans is a great addition, that way you get a mix of loads of different beans.

Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni

Pasta in the slow cooker? Yes! This Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni is a recipe that an Aussie friend sent me a fair few years back when I was looking for slow cooker recipes. It is a great one-pot meal for when everyone is busy doing their own thing and they can grab a bowl full when they get in. Much less cheese than my favourite Mac n Cheese, which somehow makes is more summery!

Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower

What I love about this Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower dish is that you can just leave out the meat and not feel as though it is missing anything. Instead of a small head of cauliflower, use a large one.

Tip: If you have younger or spice-averse children then coconut yogurt is a godsend.

Slow Cooker Peri Peri Style Chicken – A Nandos Dupe

Your teenagers will love this delicious Nando’s Dupe Slow Cooker Peri Peri Style Chicken. Again this is an all-year-round meal for for us and it is so versatile. The recipe uses a whole chicken, but I have made this with skinless breasts and thighs and skipped the oven roasting at the end. I have also made it with chicken drumsticks and rather than pop in the oven I have finished the corn on the cob and skinned chicken in the air fryer.

Slow-cooked Lamb Gyros

Lamb when slow-cooked is just amazing. These Slow-cooked lamb gyros are melt-in-the-mouth delicious and perfect for a summer meal. You will have plenty left over for later and it freezes well – Trust me I know.

Slow Cooker Satay Chicken Wraps

This slow cooker satay chicken wrap is a real family favourite. Simple to make with store cupboard ingredients and one that is delicious hot or cold.

Slow Cooker Feta and Tomato Pasta

I think we have all seen the viral Feta and Tomato Pasta, but this is a slow-cooker version. My top tip for this is it is worth separating the pasta at the end and using a stick blender to smooth out the sauce. So as you cook the pasta separately anyway, I used the slow cooker to make the sauce rather than pick out all the pasta shapes.

Apricot Chipotle Pork Ribs

Slow Cooker Dal

I am a massive fan of River Cottage and their slow cooker Dal is one recipe I return to again and again. There is something comforting about dal and even in the summer, I love it. The boys were weaned on dal and naans, so feel the same.

The best part? You don’t need a tonne of fancy ingredients or to spend all day in the kitchen. This recipe uses beef brisket, a few bold spices, and a long slow cook that does all the hard work for you.

What is Birria?

Traditionally from Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a spiced meat stew often made with goat or beef, cooked slowly until tender and served as a stew or in tacos. The magic happens when you dip the tacos in the fatty surface of the stew before frying – creating that signature crispy outside with juicy, tender meat inside.

Why Use Brisket?

Brisket is a flavourful, affordable cut of beef that becomes buttery soft when slow-cooked. By cutting it into chunks and marinating overnight, you get all the goodness of traditional birria without needing specialist cuts.

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Birria Beef Tacos with Brisket – The Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic base to customise – swap in different chillies, add more heat, go heavy on garlic, or keep it kid-friendly. However you serve it, Birria Beef Tacos with brisket are guaranteed to impress.

Course Main

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword Beef, taco

Servings 48 tacos

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 kg beef brisket unrolled and cut into large chunks

For the Marinade

• 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo approx. 200g chipotle peppers in adobo
• 60 ml white wine vinegar
• 120 g chopped tomatoes
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Gravy / Stew Base:

• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 dried ancho chilli stemmed and deseeded
• 500 ml chicken stock or just enough to cover the meat

Instructions

Marinate the Beef

• Blend the marinade ingredients into a smooth sauce.
• Place the brisket chunks into a bowl or container and coat thoroughly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for full flavour.

Build the Stew

• In your slow cooker or a large heavy-based pot, layer the onion, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, and ancho chilli.
• Add the marinated beef and all of the marinade.
• Pour in just enough chicken stock to cover the meat.

Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on low for 12–16 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
• Once cooked, remove the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and ancho chilli.

Shred the Meat

• Shred the beef in a bowl or directly in the pot.
• Do not skim the fat from the stew – this is where the taco magic happens. The red fat floats to the top and gives the tortillas their incredible crispy coating.

Optional: Fry for Crispy Bits

• For extra flavour and texture, toss the shredded beef into the hot frying pan with the taco shells before assembling the tacos. The crispy caramelised edges are totally worth it.

Make Birria Tacos

• Warm your tortilla and dip one side into the top layer of the stew (where the fat rises).
• Place it into a hot frying pan and cook for about a minute and turn over.
  
• Add shredded beef (and a sprinkle of cheese if you like).
  
• Fold the tortilla over and fry until golden and crispy on both sides.
  
• Serve with a small bowl of the stew for dipping – this is the consomé and it’s utterly addictive.
  

Notes

Tips & Add-Ons:

• Cheese: Try melting mozzarella or Monterey Jack inside your taco for cheesy birria bliss.
• Toppings: Finely chopped onions, coriander, pickled red onions, or a squeeze of lime work beautifully.
• Leftovers: The stew freezes brilliantly and makes amazing nachos, quesadillas, or burrito fillings.

How to Cook It: 3 Easy Options

Whether you’ve got a full day to let the flavours develop slowly or need dinner on the table in under an hour, there’s a method to cook these delicious Birria Beef Tacos that will work for you.

Slow Cooker (Recommended)

• Best for deep flavour and tender beef.
• Cook on low for 12–16 hours, or high for 6–8 hours.
• Perfect for a hands-off cook.

Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot

• Great for a faster version without sacrificing tenderness.
• Use the sauté setting to cook the onion and bloom the spices if desired (optional).
• Add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
• Allow natural pressure release for 15–20 minutes.

Stovetop / Oven

• A solid traditional method if you don’t have a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
• Bring to a simmer on the hob, cover, and cook over low heat for 3–4 hours, checking occasionally to top up with stock if needed. A Dutch oven or cast iron pot is ideal for this.
• Alternatively, place covered in an ovenproof pot and bake at 150°C (fan) / 170°C / 325°F for 3–4 hours.

Whichever method you choose, once the beef is tender and shreddable, remove the bay leaves, ancho chilli, and cinnamon stick, and shred the meat. The rich red fat that rises to the top is taco gold – don’t skim it!

Let’s Talk Tortillas

These tacos are traditionally made with street-sized corn tortillas but don’t worry if you don’t have them. Any small tortilla will work – just make sure to warm them up so they don’t crack when folding.

How to warm tortillas:

1. Wrap 2–3 tortillas in a damp, clean tea towel.
2. Microwave for 10–30 seconds, then let them rest (still wrapped) for another 10–30 seconds.
3. They’ll be soft, flexible, and ready to fill.

Make It Yours

This recipe is a fantastic base to customise – swap in different chillies, add more heat, go heavy on garlic, or keep it kid-friendly. However you serve it, Birria Beef Tacos with brisket are guaranteed to impress.

And if you give these Birria Beef Tacos a go, tag me on Instagram @muminthemadhouse – I’d love to see your taco creations!

Why Slow Cooker Meals Are Perfect for Winter and Families:

Slow cooker recipes are ideal for families during the winter months because:

1. They’re Convenient: Throw the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-made meal.
2. They’re Nutritious: Many recipes feature wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
3. They’re Cost-Effective: Slow cooking often uses affordable ingredients and turns tougher cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes.
4. They Encourage Togetherness: Nothing brings a family together like sharing a hearty, homemade meal.

The Ultimate List of Family-Friendly Winter Slow Cooker Recipes:

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew – A hearty classic with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, perfect for warming up after a snowy day.

2. Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort food at its finest, featuring fluffy dumplings and tender chicken.

3. Pot Roast – Juicy and flavorful, served with vegetables and a rich gravy.

4. White Chicken Chili – A creamy, protein-packed chili the kids will love.

5. Lentil Soup – Nutritious and filling, perfect for Meatless Mondays.

6. Lasagna Soup – All the flavours of lasagna in a fun, slurpable form.

7. Ham and Potato Soup – Creamy, savoury, and loved by all ages.

8. Chicken Tortilla Soup – A zesty favourite topped with crispy tortilla strips.

9. Butternut Squash Soup – Velvety and spiced just right for cosy evenings.

10. French Onion Soup – Sweet, caramelized onions topped with cheesy croutons.

11. Beef Stroganoff – Tender beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce served over noodles.

12. Split Pea Soup – A simple, hearty dish loaded with flavour.

13. Chicken Cacciatore – Italian comfort food simmered to perfection.

14. Minestrone Soup – A vegetable-packed, family-friendly favourite.

15. Sausage and Bean Stew – Hearty and robust, perfect for ravenous appetites.

16. Corn Chowder – A creamy, sweet, and savoury winter treat.

17. Chicken and Rice – A one-pot meal that’s simple yet satisfying.

18. Stuffed Pepper Soup – All the deliciousness of stuffed peppers in a bowl.

19. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup – A post-holiday favourite to use up leftover turkey but also perfect with chicken.

20. BBQ Pulled Pork – A versatile recipe for sandwiches, sliders, or tacos.

Why Your Family Will Love These Recipes:

• Variety: From creamy soups to hearty stews and casseroles, there’s something to suit every palate.
• Ease of Preparation: These recipes require minimal prep and are perfect for busy parents.
• Customization: Many of these dishes can be adjusted to include your family’s favorite ingredients.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Slow Cooker:

• Plan Ahead: Prep ingredients the night before for even easier mornings.
• Batch Cooking: Double recipes to freeze leftovers for future meals.
• Get the Kids Involved: Have them help with measuring, stirring, or choosing the week’s menu.

Winter is the perfect time to embrace the simplicity and comfort of slow cooker meals. These 20 recipes are not only delicious but also make family dinners stress-free and enjoyable. So, dust off your slow cooker, grab some cosy blankets, and get ready to savour the best of winter cooking with your loved ones!

Which recipe are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow busy families looking for winter meal inspiration!

Making burgers from scratch means you can control what goes in them — no hidden extras, just simple, fresh ingredients full of flavour.

How to Make Simple Beef Burger Patties

Simple beef burgers are one of our kid-friendly recipes. It is easy to make and most kids love a burger and I do find that getting kids involved means even picky eaters might try a little bite. Lots of recipes for beef patties have egg and breadcrumbs, but I wanted to make this an easy recipe for kids to follow and make without the input of parents (as much as possible).

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef (minced beef) – choose lean if you prefer
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavour
• Cheese slices (cheddar or your family’s favourite)
• Burger buns – sesame seed, wholemeal, or brioche
• Salad fillings – tomatoes, lettuce, or grilled veggies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble your burgers Toast your burger buns, add lettuce, tomato, or any favourite fillings, then the burger patty. Finish with ketchup, mayo, or your family’s favourite sauce.

Prepare the mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands (kids love this part!) until just combined.

Shape your burger patties Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties. Make a small dip in the middle with your thumb — this helps them cook evenly.

Chill the patties Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when cooking.

Cook the burgers

Grill: Cook over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.

Pan: Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side.

Air fryer: Cook at 180°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Add the cheese In the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of cheese and let it melt.

Mix the onions with the minced beef in a bowl and season.

Roll into small balls and press into burger shapes.

We have a burger press, so we use that to shape our burgers.  We make them and then pop them on greaseproof paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before cooking them.  Our press was a Christmas present and I can not find it online.  But here are a couple of mini burger presses, that look similar – UK link, US Link 

Heat the barbecue to medium hot (there will be white ash over the red hot coals – about 40 mins after lighting).  and then brush a side of each burger with oil.

Place the burgers, oil-side down, on the barbecue. Cook for 5 mins until the meat is lightly charred. Don’t move them around or they may stick.

Oil the other side, then turn them over.

Cook for 5 mins more for medium. charred.

Place a burger inside each bun, then top with your choice of accompaniment. I have one that loves cheese and ketchup and the other that has everything including lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo.

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Simple Beef Burgers

Simple beef burgers are one of our kid friendly recipes. Easy to make and most kids love a burger and I do find that getting kids involved means even a picky eaters might try a little bite.

Course Main

Cuisine British

Keyword `Cooking with Kids, Beef

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting in Fridge 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 Burgers

Equipment

• 1 BBQ
• Burger Press Optional

Ingredients

• 1 small onion
• 500 g good quality low-fat mince
• Seasoning – salt and pepper
• Burger Buns

Instructions

• Chop the onion into small pieces.   We find that keeping the root intact helps prevent us from crying. Yes, the onions here are larger than I would chop, but this was all done by my child) and I was not going to take it off him and take over.
  
• Mix the onions with the minced beef in a bowl and season.
  
• Roll into small balls and press into burger shapes.
  
• We have a burger press, so we use that to shape our burgers.  We make them and then pop them on greaseproof paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before cooking them.  
  
• Heat the barbecue to medium hot (there will be white ash over the red hot coals – about 40 mins after lighting).  and then brush a side of each burger with oil.
  
• Place the burgers, oil-side down, on the barbecue. Cook for 5 mins until the meat is lightly charred. Don’t move them around or they may stick.
  
• Oil the other side, then turn them over.
  
• Cook for 5 mins more for medium. 
  
• Place a burger inside each bun, then top with your choice of accompaniment. I have one that loves cheese and ketchup and the other that has everything including lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo.
  

Tips for cooking on the BBQ with kids

• Never leave children unsupervised.
• Plan ahead.  BBQ’s take some take to heat up, so make sure you allow time for this as children can be pretty impatient!
• Make sure that the kids wash their hands after handling both cooked and uncooked food.
• Start simple.  Toasting marshmallows and making s’mores are a fab way to introduce the concept of fire and heat.
• Safety first – all the time.

Burgers For Kids

• Beef Burgers with Hidden Veggies – Healthy Little Foodies
• Carrot & Chickpea Burgers – WWF
• Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers – Feeding Your Toddlers
• Mini Burgers – My Fussy Eater
• Cheddar Cheese, Bean & Spinach Burgers by Sainsbury’s
• Mini Fish Burgers by Lunch Lady

Fun Variations for Kids

• Mini Muffin Tin Burgers: Make smaller patties using a muffin tin — perfect for toddlers or party platters.
• Hidden Veggie Burgers: Add grated carrot, courgette, or finely chopped mushrooms into the mix for picky eaters.
• Veggie Option: Swap beef for mashed beans, chickpeas, or lentils.
• DIY Burger Bar: Let kids layer their own toppings — ideal for family nights.

Storing & Reheating

Store uncooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to a month. Cooked burgers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer until piping hot.

Why Cooking Burgers with Kids Is Brilliant

• Encourages confidence in the kitchen
• Helps them learn about ingredients and healthy choices
• A fun way to connect over a meal the whole family loves

More Family Recipes

• Sausage, Cheese and Bean Melt Recipe
• How to Cook Jacket Potatoes and Ultimate Toppings List
• Kids’ Fruit Smoothie Recipes
• Easy Dinners for Busy Families

Sausage Tray Bake Recipe

Read on to learn how to make this mouth-watering sausage traybake with our simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

We have always loved a sausage traybake (or sheet pan as my US mates call it) and have a basic version here which uses red onions, peppers and Italian seasoning. This updated version has been adjusted to low FODMap as I am intolerant to garlic and onions. I have been slowly working through our family’s favourite meals making sure that they are suitable for all of us, as who wants to cook more than one meal! So this version has the greens of Spring onions (scallions) which work well for me and the spice aesophiteda and then it also has a secret ingredient that makes it all sticky and delicious. It is also gluten and dairy-free.

Top Tip: Garlic and Onion Free? Then make garlic infused rapeseed oil and freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays.

I am a big fan of enamel roasting tins and trays. They are brilliant at conducting the heat and last for years and years. Plus I often take them straight from oven to table.

Use Seasonal Vegetables

This is a summer version, so in addition to the spring onions, I used what I had in the fridge – carrots, peppers, sweetcorn cobbets and new potatoes. If I had green beans, beats or courgettes I would have added them.

As the season changes, I would add squash, parsnips, swede or cabbage. If you have larger potatoes then you can cut them into wedges and sweet potato is delicious. The great thing is you can use a familiar dish like this to introduce new vegetables such as fennel to the family.

Top Tip: The secret to evenly cooked vegetables is to cook the ones that take longer to cook smaller. For items such as corn on the cob a 10-minute steam ensures that are cooked.

What Sausages to Use

I am a big fan of Aldi’s chicken sausages as they are onion and garlic free, but this works well with any sausage you choose. If using the smaller chipolata-sized ones, you may need to reduce the cooking time or add them to the dish later.

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Sticky Sausage Tray Bake

Simple, sticky and Sausages – Need I say more…… Empty plates always follow this delicious one tray family meal

Course Main

Cuisine British

Keyword family, sausages, traybake

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• 1 Large Tray I prefer enamel
• Oven or Airfryer

Ingredients

• 1 Pack Chicken Sausages Allow 2 large sausages per person
• 600 g New potatoes halved
• 1 green pepper chopped
• 1 red pepper chopped
• 1 yellow pepper chopped
• 2 bunches Spring onions – Green Only Finley Chopped
• 6 Carotts Cur into 3
• 2 Corns Corn Cut into 3
• 4 tablespoons Mango Chutney
• 1 teaspoon Asafoetida
• 1 Tablespoon Rapeseed oil
• Salt & Pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200C
• Put the vegetables and sausages onto a baking tray and toss with the rapeseed oil, seasonaing (salt & pper) and asafoetida.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until sausage is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
• Turn all the vegetables and sausages, spoon over the mango chutney and cook for a final 15 minutes.

Notes

We prefer rapeseed to Olive Oil for recipes cooked above 180 degrees c.

If the veggies look to be burning then make a foil tent over the tray and only remove for the last 15 minutes when you add the mango chutney.

Pork and Beef sausage both work well, but I would change the special sticky ingredient to marmalade for the pork sausages and to honey and wholegrain mustard for the Beef ones.

Simple Omelette Recipe

I am passionate about teaching my boys life skills and for me a big part of that is cooking.  I aim to give them the skills in the kitchen to read recipes, prepare food and cook and bake meals from scratch.  At eight and nine, they are pretty handy already and vegetable stuffed omelette is a great recipe for kids as they can do it all themselves.

It helps to think about the fact that children will be preparing the meal when buying the ingredients with them.  This recipe called for mushrooms and we picked large flat mushrooms as they are much easier for the boys to handle and cut, rather than small ones.

Tip: There is nothing wrong in using frozen vegetables.  We have frozen sliced peppers in the freezer and used them in this recipe.  Frozen onions are also great for kids too as they don’t get sore eyes when chopping them 

We have moved on to real knives, but I drum into the boys about knife safety.  Before this, we used salad knives and children’s knives.

According to research from Uncle Ben’s A quarter of UK parents admit they never cook with their children, and one in eight families never use the kitchen to cook a meal in the oven. An omelette is a great simple meal perfect for breakfast or lunch that you can cook with kids. You just need to have a decent non-stick pan.

Top Tip: When cracking eggs it helps for kids to crack them one at a time into a small glass that way they can fish out any shell that might go in.

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Vegetable stuffed Omelette

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp . olive oil
• 1 red onion diced
• 100 g Mushrooms sliced
• 1 small red pepper diced
• 1 small green pepper diced
• black pepper
• 8 eggs
• 2 tomatoes diced
• 60 g cheddar cheese grated
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1 tsp . paprika

Instructions

• Sizzle the veggies…
• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan and fry the veggies till soft and golden. Season with black pepper then set to one whilst you sort the other bits.
• Get cracking with the omelettes …
• Crack 2 eggs in a bowl and give them a whisk up.
• Add a drizzle of oil to a medium sized frying pan and go in with the egg mix.
• Swirl it round the pan to get a nice even coating.
• As is cooks gently push the outside edges into the centre to let the still runny egg move out to the edges.
• When the omelette is just set sprinkle over some of the tomatoes and cheese.
• When the cheese is nice and oozy you’re good to go, pile in some of that sautéed veg, fold over and tip onto serving plate.
• Do exactly the same to knock up the remaining omelettes and serve topped with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of paprika.

One of the brilliant things about omelettes is once you have the egg mixture you can add all sorts, we often have a fridge raid and add what we have. This week is was ham, peppers, parmesan cheese and spring onions. We love using leftover vegetables, herbs from the garden and even bacon.

The boys did a really good job with their vegetable-stuffed omelette.  They were delicious and they will certainly be making them again.