What Should My Helper Cook This Week?
If you are stuck on what to tell your helper to cook this week, here are practical ideas and a ready-to-use meal plan with simple, family-friendly recipes.
Key Points
- Choose meals with simple ingredients and clear steps
- Mix proteins throughout the week for variety
- Include at least one dish your family already loves
- Keep backup quick meals for busy days
What should my helper cook this week?
Focus on simple, family-friendly meals like chicken fried rice, spaghetti bolognese, roast chicken, vegetable soup, and stir-fries. Mix different proteins and cooking methods throughout the week. Include familiar family favourites alongside one or two new dishes.
Quick Meal Ideas by Category
Chicken meals:
- Chicken fried rice
- Roast chicken with vegetables
- Teriyaki chicken
- Chicken noodle soup
- Chicken curry
Pasta meals:
- Spaghetti bolognese
- Pasta with tomato sauce
- Pasta carbonara
Rice meals:
- Egg fried rice
- Vegetable fried rice
- Beef stir-fry with rice
Quick meals:
- Simple omelette
- Fried noodles
- Vegetable soup
This Week's Suggested Plan
| Day | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Egg fried rice | Spaghetti bolognese |
| Tuesday | Chicken noodle soup | Teriyaki chicken with rice |
| Wednesday | Simple omelette with salad | Roast chicken with potatoes |
| Thursday | Fried noodles | Chicken curry with rice |
| Friday | Vegetable soup | Grilled salmon with vegetables |
| Saturday | Chicken fried rice | Pasta carbonara |
| Sunday | Pancakes | Beef stir-fry with rice |
Shopping List for This Plan
Proteins: chicken breast (4), minced beef (500g), salmon fillets (2), eggs (12)
Vegetables: onions (5), carrots (4), broccoli (2), potatoes (4), mixed salad, frozen peas
Pantry: rice (2kg), spaghetti (500g), other pasta (500g), soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, curry paste, tinned tomatoes (2)
Dairy: butter, cheese, cream
Adjust quantities based on family size.
Tips for Your Helper
- Read the full recipe before starting
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking
- Use a timer for precise cooking
- Taste and adjust seasoning
- Clean as you cook
Some families use MealSide to share weekly plans and recipes with their helpers, making it easy to organise meals.
FAQs
What are the easiest meals for a helper to cook?
Fried rice, pasta with sauce, roast chicken, soups, and stir-fries are among the easiest. These dishes have simple steps, forgiving timing, and use common ingredients.
How do I vary meals without making them complicated?
Change the protein source each day (chicken, beef, fish, eggs). Use the same cooking techniques with different sauces. This creates variety without requiring new skills.