Mince

Use any rice or egg noodles; follow packet directions Use frozen pre-cut vegie stir-fry mix and stir-fry sauce. Note

Try this mince mixture spooned over baked jacket potatoes or in toasted sandwiches. Note

To make your own mince, process budget rump steak. Note

Make mince mixture into patties or meatballs then pan-fry. Note

Alternatively, you could place the Moroccan spice mix with ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric and dried rosemary. Note

Make ahead: Prepare a double quantity uncooked patties for another dinner. DIY idea: Try Turkish pide rolls instead. Note

These beef burgers have a lovely cheesy centre. Serve them with toasted buns and a topping of baba ghanoush and crisp salad.

If fresh mint is unavailable, you could substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves. Note

Look for mexican chilli powder in the spice aisle of your supermarket. You can also use taco seasoning. Note

Medley mix has an assortment of baby tomatoes. Note

Save time: Make a double batch of rissoles. Use half in sandwiches for lunch. Replace baba ganoush with hummus. Try a mixture of pork and veal mince. Note

Use bought green curry paste instead of red. Note

Overlap rice paper to create an even layer; it will soften during baking. Note

Risoni is rice shaped pasta. Note

You can use any flavour of gravy mix in this recipe. Note

Big flavour comes in small sizes

Use lamb or pork mince instead of beef. To disguise vegetables mixed with other ingredients, process until very finely chopped. No bamboo steamer? Use a metal one, but cook meatballs in small batches. Note

Use 2 x 400g cans drained rinsed lentils instead of couscous. Note

You’ll need to process 1 slice day-old bread for crumbs. Note

Try a combination of pork and veal mince. You can use a 22cm springform pan or a large loaf pan. Process 1 slice of day-old white bread to make crumbs. Note

Try using kumara instead of pumpkin. You can make this meatloaf in a large loaf pan. You can use any mince, but the higher the fat content, the more the meatloaf can shrink as it cooks. Note

No passata? Use 400g can diced tomatoes mixed with 1/3 cup tomato paste and 1/3 cup stock. Note

This delicious bolognese pasta bake is a fun take on the classic Italian lasagne. Serve your family up a big slice of this tasty dish for a warming Winter dinner.

You could use beef or lamb mince instead of pork and veal, if preferred. You will need to process 2 slices of day-old white bread to make bread crumbs for this recipe. You could substitute 1 tablespoon lemon juice in place of the mirin, if preferred. Note

Try chicken mince instead of beef. You can also serve mince mixture in lettuce cups. Note

Use a vegetable peeler to slice cucumber lengthwise into long thin ribbons. Note

Use frozen potato wedges; cook as packet directs. Cooking time and price will vary. Note

These pies are a delicious mix of beef and vegetables, cooked in individual ramekins and topped with creamy, pea-filled potatoes.

Make ahead: Prepare rissoles a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Kumara is orange sweet potato. Note

We used a frozen vegetable mix of corn, beans, potato and carrots. Note

Try chicken or pork mince instead of beef. Use frozen stir-fry vegetable mix instead of fresh vegetables. Chinese five spice powder is a blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, star anise, sichuan pepper and fennel; you’ll find it in the spice aisle. Note

Sink your teeth into these delicious bolognese pastries, complete with a flaky, golden crust and a warm, hearty beef filling.

Crepes are in the bakery and frozen food aisles of supermarkets. Note

Prepare rissoles to end of Step 1 up to a day ahead. Place on a plate lined with baking paper. Cover, then refrigerate. You’ll need 1 bunch parsley for this recipe. Use beef, pork, chicken or turkey mince instead of lamb. Use greek, moroccan or lemon pepper spice mix instead of cajun. Note

You can add 1 teaspoon sugar to pasta sauce as it cooks to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes, and a pinch of ground chilli for extra heat. To speed things up, use bought fresh or frozen meatballs. Price will vary. Note

Vietnamese salad dressing is in the Asian aisle of supermarkets. If unavailable, you can use any Asian-style dressing. Buy lemongrass paste from the chilled section in the fresh food aisle. If unavailable, use sliced lemongrass from a jar. Note

We used a fresh stir-fry vegetable mix of broccoli, red cabbage, carrot, zucchini, snow peas, onion and red capsicum. You can choose any vegetable mix. Note

You can prepare silverbeet leaves up to 1 day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature 10 minutes before filling. You’ll need 3/4 cup long-grain white rice to make 2 cups cooked. For a vegetarian option, omit mince and replace with 2 x 400g cans rinsed brown lentils. Note

We used a frozen vegetable mix comprising peas, carrots and corn. Note

Pizza cheese is a combination of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sometimes with parmesan for extra bite. Note

Packed full of delicious flavours and topped with an oozy cheese sauce, this macaroni and bolognese pasta bake is perfect for a hungry family. Serve straight from the pan as a warming Winter dinner.

After adding lemon mixture, don’t boil soup; it will curdle. Note

Warm, hearty and packed full of goodness, this tasty bolognese and meatball pie is the ultimate comfort food. Serve it up for your family - we guarantee they'll all love it.

You’ll need 1 1/2 slices of bread to make 3/4 cup breadcrumbs. Note

Don’t let broth boil when adding wontons or they will fall apart. Note

This flavoursome and scrumptious taco beef salad served on a bed of crisp, fresh shredded lettuce, is a delicious salad and is perfect enjoyed for a quick yet satisfying lunch

For a lower carb option, we've switched the usual burger bun for a tender, flavoursome mushroom. Packed full of protein, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or post workout meal.

A big platter of these oven-baked rice and lamb mince-stuffed tomatoes goes well with grilled meat or fish. Besides being flavourful, the tomatoes make a zesty addition to any dinner.

Serve with tomato sauce (ketchup). Note

Makes 24 To freeze, place uncooked rolls in resealable food storage bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can cook them from frozen. Just increase cooking time to 30 minutes. Note

Make ahead: Prepare patties a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. For a ‘works’ burger, add a fried egg, crisp bacon, drained canned sliced pineapple and drained canned sliced beetroot. For quality beef, look for the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) symbol at participating butchers and supermarkets. Note

The classic Italian tomato and meat pasta sauce is loved by all, and recreated by many. This is one of our favourite bolognese recipes.

The addition of creamy ricotta in this traditional Italian pasta bake adds an exceptional flavour and texture element to this lasagne. The whole family will love it!

To make chicken stock, bring to the boil water, chicken bones, onion, carrot and ginger in a big saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, 2 hours, skimming off fat at intervals. Strain; chill until required. Note

It’s important to cook the mince patties all the way through – never serve them pink in the middle. Note

Make fresh breadcrumbs with day-old bread. Simply whizz it in a food processor, or grate it. Note

For a quick and easy weeknight meal try this fragrant prawn pad Thai. Throw together noodles, eggs, chicken and prawns and you�ve got a family favourite in less than 15 minutes.

When deep frying, so not fill your pan more than about half way. Note

You can also use chicken, pork or beef mince to make this dish. Note

You can use a can of diced tomatoes, a little red wine and some dried mixed herbs in place of the pasta sauce. Note

Keep formed ravioli covered with damp cloth while working. This ensures they do not dry out before cooking. Note