"This pumpkin soup is my go-to when I crave something simple, comforting and bursting with flavour. With just a few extra ingredients, it transforms into something far beyond your regular pumpkin soup. Inspired by the bold and tangy flavours of tom yum, this version is absolutely addictive – perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s night. You can easily swap the tom yum paste for your favourite curry paste, whether it’s green, red or yellow, but I find tom yum unbeatable for its bright, citrussy acidity that takes this soup to the next level." – Khanh Ong
50 freezer-friendly recipes to make now for easy meals later
By putting in a little effort now, you’ll reap the rewards later on (and thank yourself in the process). These simple but satisfying make-ahead meals can be portioned up and frozen so you’ll always have lunch or dinner handy when time is short. Big-batch soups and pastas, tasty one-pan bakes, hearty stews, freezer-friendly sides and richly fragrant curries are all on the menu. The only problem will be deciding which one to choose from.
Cheesy mushroom and lentil lasagne
“Nothing screams comfort like a cheesy lasagne, and this one gives you extra ragu for another day. My best tip for less-waste, less-fuss cooking is to make a double batch. You’re going through the process anyway, so put twice as much in the pan.” – Tom Walton
Big batch za'atar chicken and freekeh broth (soup) with tahini yoghurt
“While this broth may not be a super-speedy midweek meal, the payoff comes in the form of rich, deep flavours and a big batch of soup that freezes well for up to three months. It's perfect to have on hand for those times when cooking seems just too hard but only homemade comfort good will do. Chicken soup cures all, and this Middle Eastern-inspired version is no exception." – Emma Knowles
One-pan goulash potato bake
There's comfort food, and then there's this goulash potato bake. Crispy-thin slices of buttery baked potato over a melt-in-the-mouth base of rich and tender beef cooked low and slow with herbs, spices, and all the good stuff. It's so simple, yet so utterly delicious. You’ll need a 30cm round shallow casserole with a lid for this recipe.
Cauliflower khichari (rice and lentil soup)
The humble cauliflower takes a starring role in Emma Knowles' nourishing khichari, guaranteed to warm your bones on the chilliest winter's day.
Pastel Azteca (Mexican lasagne)
“The number-one Mexican ingredient, corn is a true staple! We are also known as ‘sons of the corn’. We can’t live without it!” – Sarai Castillo
Sausage rolls
It’s a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll. Stay home and make your own instead with this quick and easy sausage roll recipe.
Freeform 3-cheese and silverbeet vegetarian lasagne
Comfort food that will warm your tummy and your heart. With its rich sauce and cheese topping, nobody will think that it’s missing meat, but if you’re still not convinced, fry off some mince when making the sauce.
Slow-cooked oxtail tagliatelle with pangrattato
“A bit of time and effort is required here, but it’s well worth it. This slow-cook can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavours will improve over time.” – Matt Moran.
Moroccan meatballs with chickpeas and yoghurt
“A family favourite! I’ve left the spice out of this recipe to keep it family friendly, but feel free to serve with some harissa or chilli oil if you want to add a kick. And trust me on the pickle juice in the sauce! Leftover meatballs also make for a great pita wrap with some hummus, salad and pickles.” – Tom Walton
Classic creamy salmon pie
This easy dish brings warmth and comfort with its creamy base and cheesy fluffy mash topping. Feel free to customise it with what you have on hand. Swap out the salmon for a white fish or marinara mix, or add some fennel seeds or wholegrain mustard for added depth.
Mamma Maria's lasagne napoletana
“As a kid, I would wait patiently on Christmas Day and then get caught picking out the meatballs before we served and get in big trouble. I couldn’t help it! It’s moreish, decadent and makes me so happy when I get to sit down to eat it.” – Massimo Mele
Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa soup with taco fixings
When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot better than a hearty pot of warming soup.
Cheesy kimchi corn pasta bake
This is Khanh Ong's ode to the classic Korean side. Kimchi is the magic ingredient in your fridge. Use it to make cheesy bakes like this beauty, perfect for feeding hungry hordes, add it to salads or soups, or pop it on a toastie for something super-special and delicious.
Thai-style beef shin curry
“Beef shin is a highly worked muscle and I think it’s perfect for a curry, because when you slow-cook it, it becomes tender and absolutely delicious.” – Matt Moran