Midweek Meals: Five recipes for the whole family ready in 45 minutes or less

These dinners are sure to please the whole family

From classics like pasta and meatballs to Derval O'Rourke's cheesy turkey burgers.

Pasta & Meatballs

recipe by:Caitriona Redmond 

A simple, delicious and cost-effective meal

Servings

4

Preparation Time

 15 mins

Cooking Time

 25 mins

Total Time

 40 mins

Course

 Main

Cuisine

 Italian

Ingredients

• 360g Meatballs

• 2 onions, chopped

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 tin chickpeas

• 300g dried pasta

Method

1. Preheat your (fan) oven to 180°C. Put the meatballs into an oven-proof dish and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

2. In the meantime, put a large saucepan on medium heat. Pour in vegetable oil, then add the onion and cook until it begins to turn pale and soften, add the chopped and sliced carrots then stir.

3. Pour in the tinned tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar, salt and pepper, and then allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Cover and leave simmering while the meatballs continue to cook.

4. Once the meatballs have cooked, carefully spoon them into the sauce that is still bubbling. Pour in the drained chickpeas and stir.

5. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, serve the pasta and meatballs.

Cheesy Turkey Burgers

recipe by:Derval O'Rourke

A lean alternative to the "dirty" burger.

Servings

4

Preparation Time

 15 mins

Cooking Time

 15 mins

Total Time

 30 mins

Course

 Main

Ingredients

• For the burgers:

• 700g turkey mince

• ½ red onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated

• 4 wholegrain baps

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the avocado fries:

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 cup plain flour

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• Juice of ½ lime

• 200ml natural yoghurt

• 2 tsp cajun spice

• Sea salt, to taste

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. Method:

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan, add the onions and cook until softened.

3. Allow to cool slightly (this is my preference, don’t bother with this if you like slightly crunchier onions in your burger).

4. Mix the turkey mince, onion, thyme and garlic together.

5. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

6. Divide the mixture into four. Roll the grated cheese into the four turkey pieces. Fold over and shape into four burgers.

7. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan on a high heat and sear the burgers for one minute per side.

8. Place on a lined baking tray and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

9. Assemble your burgers in the baps with salad and condiments of your choosing.

10. For the avocado fries:

11. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

12. Put some olive oil on a metal baking tray.

13. Peel the avocados and remove the stones. Cut into slices about ½ cm thick and toss gently in the lime juice.

14. Place the flour, beaten egg and bread crumbs in three small bowls.

15. Dip each of the avocado slices in flour, then dip in the beaten egg and finally coat in breadcrumbs.

16. Place on the tray and bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.

17. Remove from the oven and place on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.

18. Season with salt and pepper.

19. Mix the yoghurt and cajun seasoning to make the dip.

20. Serve alongside the burgers and enjoy.