3 easy ways to come up with meal ideas each week

If you ever find yourself staring into the fridge hoping dinner inspiration will magically appear, you’re not alone. Most of us aren’t short on meals we can cook. We’re simply exhausted by the constant decision-making.

Think about it. When you go to your favourite café, there’s usually one dish you order over and over because you love it. It’s easy and familiar. So why do we pressure ourselves to come up with brand new, exciting meals every single week at home?

Let’s make dinner simple again. Choose one of the three meal-planning methods below and give yourself permission to repeat what already works.

1. Same meal, same day

(The easiest method and perfect for survival mode)

This is your permission slip to repeat the exact same weekly menu until you’re bored or ready to switch it up.

Start by writing one weekly meal plan that everyone enjoys. Ask the family what they want on their busiest nights, like after sport or late workdays.
Once you have the plan, repeat it weekly.

This works brilliantly if you:
• have fussy eaters
• are juggling after-school chaos
• struggle with burnout or decision fatigue
• love prepping meals ahead
• want one reusable shopping list

To add variety, keep one day flexible. For example, Thursdays can be your “slow cooker” or “try something new” night. It keeps things interesting without draining your energy.

2. Same style of dish, same day

(A little more fun without the pressure)

This option gives you variety while still keeping the structure simple.
Choose a style of meal for each day and rotate different versions each week.

For example:
• Monday: pasta
• Tuesday: tacos or wraps
• Wednesday: stir fry
• Thursday: soup
• Friday: burgers
• Saturday: barbecue
• Sunday: roast or slow cooker

You still get choice each week but within a framework that keeps planning easy.
My family loves wraps and salmon bowls. We switch up the fillings and toppings depending on what’s in the fridge and what’s on special.

3. Same cuisine, same day

(The most creative and great for expanding kids’ palates)

If cooking brings you joy and you have a little extra time, this is a fun and inspiring way to meal plan.

Pick a cuisine for each day, then choose meals within that theme.

Examples might include:
• Italian - pasta, pizza, risotto
• Indian - curries, biryani, dals, naan
• Mexican - tacos, enchiladas, burritos 
• Japanese - sushi, ramen, katsu
• Chinese - dumplings, stir-fries, noodles, hot pots
• Thai - stir-fries, curries, noodle dishes
• Aussie classics - bbq, bangers and mash, burgers

You don’t have to create elaborate dishes every week. Repeat your favourites when life gets full.

This is also a gentle way to help kids try new flavours as they get older without feeling overwhelmed.