Family Dinners of the Week: Real Life, Real Food

Some weeks, meal planning feels like a well-oiled machine. Other weeks? It’s a mix of toddler requests, last-minute changes, and the occasional “I just can’t cook tonight” moment. This week was a little bit of everything! Here’s a look at what we ate for dinner as a busy family trying to balance nutrition, simplicity, and, let’s be honest, survival mode.

Monday: Homemade Fish Pie with Honey Roasted Carrots

Kicking off the week with some comfort food! A creamy, homemade fish pie packed with flaky fish, a cheesy mash topping, and a side of sweet, caramelized honey-roasted carrots. It was wholesome, warming, and surprisingly toddler-approved.

Tuesday: Leek & Pea Orzotto with Garlic Bread and Sausages

Orzotto (a risotto-style dish using orzo pasta) is a staple in our house—it’s easy, creamy, and perfect for sneaking in veggies. My daughter had other ideas, though, and insisted on sausages alongside it. So, sausages we had! Sometimes, you just roll with it.

Wednesday: Chunky Fish Fingers, Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Peas

A midweek win! Costco chunky fish fingers are a hit with the kids (and adults too). Roasted sweet potatoes added some natural sweetness, and peas made for a simple, fuss-free side. No complaints at the dinner table—I'll take that as a victory.

Thursday: Beef Casserole with Rice

Slow-cooked, rich, and packed with flavor, this beef casserole was the perfect hearty meal for a chilly evening. Served with fluffy rice, it felt like a warm hug on a plate. Bonus: leftovers always taste even better the next day!

Friday: Pizza Night Tradition 🍕

The highlight of the week! We’ve made Pizza Friday a thing, and I love the simplicity of it. No thinking, no stress—just good food and happy faces. Whether it’s homemade or a takeaway treat, it’s always a winner.

Saturday: Pasta for the Adults, Noodles for the Kids

We kept it easy with a simple yet delicious pasta dish—bacon, peas, and egg stirred through for a carbonara-inspired dinner. Meanwhile, my daughter requested noodles and peas, so we made that happen too. Some nights, it’s all about keeping everyone happy with minimal effort!

Sunday: Burnout Mode = Dinner Out

By Sunday, I was done. No energy, no motivation to cook—so off we went to Las Iguanas. The kids had their classic chicken nuggets and chips, my husband enjoyed tacos and a beer, and I treated myself to a burrito and margaritas (because, honestly, I deserved it!). Sometimes, the best family dinner is one you don’t have to make yourself.

This week was a mix of planned meals, last-minute requests, and giving ourselves grace when we needed it. That’s real family life, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. What’s been on your dinner table this week? Let’s swap ideas!