2 weeks Ago
Comfort food Swedish Meatball & Potato Casserole. Photo: Donal Skehan Minute Steak Stir Fry. Photo: Donal Skehan Back to Basics Meatballs.
Photo: Donal Skehan As the days get shorter and our schedules fill up, there’s something incredibly comforting about returning to easy, reliable dishes that don’t require much fuss. While it’s always fun to experiment in the kitchen, sometimes you just need a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and doesn’t break the bank. This week, I’m sharing three hearty dinners that use affordable cuts of meat and can be prepared ahead of time or thrown together quickly — perfect for any busy evening when you want something delicious without the hassle.
First up is a dish that’s as cosy as it is simple — Swedish meatball and potato casserole. This one-pan wonder combines tender meatballs in a creamy, tangy sauce with hearty potatoes that soak up all the flavour. Using inexpensive cuts of beef or pork for the meatballs makes this not only easy on the wallet but also incredibly satisfying.
You can prepare it the night before if you’re planning ahead, or bring it together after a long day. Plus, any leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Next, minute steak stir-fry — a quick and flavourful dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Thin, inexpensive cuts like minute steak make this dish a breeze to prepare. Simply slice the steak, toss it with whatever veggies you have on hand, and stir-fry it all in a hot pan with a simple soy-based sauce. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s big on flavour and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Finally, we’re taking it back to basics with a classic that never goes out of style. There’s a reason meatballs are a staple in so many kitchens — they’re versatile, easy to make, and always delicious. Whether you simmer them in a rich tomato sauce for pasta, bake them in the oven for a lighter option, or even serve them in a soft pillowy roll with melted cheese, they’re sure to hit the spot.
I like to use a blend of minced beef and pork for extra flavour. These recipes are about keeping things simple while still delivering on taste. They show you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or splurge on ingredients to create a meal that’s satisfying and easy to make.
Swedish Meatball & Potato Casserole. Photo: Donal Skehan Serves: 4 Time: 1 hour Ingredients For the sauce: To serve: Method 1. In a large bowl, mix the minces with the onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and herbs.
Season well and mix until combined and shape into small meatballs a bit smaller than a walnut. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a casserole dish over a medium-high heat and fry the meatballs until browned but not fully cooked.
Fry in batches to not overcrowd the pan and remove with a slotted spoon to a plate after each batch. 3. To make the sauce, melt the butter in the casserole dish over a low heat and slowly mix in the flour and cook for a minute or two.
Then gradually add the stock and slowly bring to the boil while continuously stirring. Pour in the cream and season to taste. Return the meatballs to the casserole dish with the potatoes, bring to the boil before reducing to a simmer, partially cover and cook for 20-25 minutes.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill, a dollop of creme fraiche, spoonful of peas and lingonberry jam, if you have it. Minute Steak Stir Fry.
Photo: Donal Skehan Serves: 4 Time: 20 mins + marinating time Ingredients Method 1. Toss the steak with the soy sauce, oyster sauce and cornflour and set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes. 2.
Heat half the oil in a large wok or pan over a high heat and fry the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until golden brown all over and starting to crisp. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for a minute more before removing from the pan and setting aside with the mushrooms. 3.
Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Shake the excess marinade off the strips of meat (reserving the marinade) and add to the hot oil with the spring onion and fry for 1-2 minutes until coloured. Then add the rest of the marinade to the pan along with the cabbage and cook for a couple of minutes until the cabbage is tender.
4. Toss in the mushrooms and cooked noodles and heat through before serving in deep bowls. Back to Basics Meatballs.
Photo: Donal Skehan Serves: 6 Time: 45 mins Ingredients Method 1. In a bowl, mix together the mince, bacon, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan and half the parsley. Season well and then shape into 28 small meatballs.
2. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving a good couple of ladles of cooking water.
3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and brown the meatballs all over and remove to a plate. Add the onion to the pan and cook gently for 5 minutes then add the sliced garlic and cook for a minute more.
4. Add the passata and season well and bubble for 5 minutes, then add back in the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes adding in some of the cooking water and the vinegar for the final 5 minutes. 5.
Serve the spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce and scatter with the remaining parsley and some extra parmesan. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.
