Beef

Make sure cooking liquid for corned beef is simmering gently, as boiling liquid will make beef tough. Note

Chill soup overnight to thicken; bring to the boil and stir in a little more stock or water if necessary. Note

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

Omit shortcrust pastry and spoon beef mixture into a 21cm (base measurement) pie plate. Top with puff pastry. Cooking time will vary. Note

Serve with your favourite mash – carrot and parnsip, pea and potato or kumara and ginger

Make your own meatballs; you’ll need 600g mince. Use chopped green onion or parsley instead of coriander. Note

Saltimbocca is Italian for ‘jump in the mouth’; the combination of lemon, herbs and capers in this recipe ensures this happens. Heating oil and butter together adds flavour and prevents butter burning. Note

We've added an extra layer of deliciousness to the humble Italian lasagne with this hearty pie. Finished with a cheesy topping, it's packed full of flavour to create the ultimate family comfort food.

Try a combination of hoisin and plum sauce. Use bought crepes or serve meatballs in lettuce cups. You can freeze cooked pancakes; wrap in stacks of 5 for easy thawing. Note

For a simple meal, replace rice paper sheets with lettuce leaves and place the ingredients on the table so everyone can make their own. Note

You can add frozen vegies to curry at end of cooking. Note

A Hungarian goulash recipe filled with tender beef and vegetables and served with sour cream and mashed potato

Budget tip: Omit chicken and add extra sausages. Use chicken sausages if you like. Note

You can replace the rice wine with dry sherry. Substitute 1 1/2 tablespoons black bean sauce for the fermented black beans. To make green onion curls, place thinly sliced onion in iced water. Note

Use beef silverside or brisket. Use leftover corned beef on sandwiches. Note

This deliciously hearty chilli con carne recipe has to be one of the best dishes to serve for a casual get together. Serve over rice with cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

This stew is even better made ahead. If you have smoked paprika in the pantry, add a teaspoon to the pot.

Intensify the flavour of your meat dish with this tasty bean salad and crisp kumara wedges. This nutritious and delicious meal is perfect for a mid-week dinner for the whole family.

Luca Villari gives you the tools to turn out authentic Italian-style pizza, just like the pros

Luca Villari gives you the tools to turn out authentic Italian-style pizza, just like the pros.

Budget tip; make a double batch then freeze half. Thaw in fridge overnight. Stir over low heat until hot. For another family meal, serve with macaroni. Note

You can use 2 chopped medium tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes. Use pork or chicken instead of beef; cooking times will vary. Note

You can fill hollowed-out centres of 8 par-baked rolls instead of muffins Note

Use beef rump steal or chicken breast fillet instead of pork; cooking time may vary. Note

You can use 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick batons, instead of baby carrots. Note

Replace parmesan with finely grated tasty cheese. Omit basil. You can use tomato pasta sauce instead of passata; consistency will vary slightly. Note

Char-grilled vegies are sometimes cheaper at the deli counter. Note

You will find liquid mirin seasoning in the food aisle of the supermarket, or at specialty Asian grocers. You can use sweet sherry instead. Note

Use any selection of leftover roast meats or sliced deli meats. Replace the mustard, horseradish and oil with 1/4 cap bought creamy mustard dressing. Fast cooking: Choose small pasta shapes or very thin long pasta; they cook faster. Note

You’ll need 2 slices of day-old white bread to make 1 cup breadcrumbs. Try chicken breast fillets or tenderloins instead of beef. 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

Have everything chopped and prepared before you start cooking. Tempt kids by serving ingredients in separate bowls for self-service. Note

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

Use dried vermicelli instead of fresh Singapore noodles. Cooking time will vary. Ketjap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce available in the Asian food section. You can use 2 tablespoons soy sauce combined with 1 tablespoon brown sugar instead. You can use budget beef rump steak cut into thin strips, or uncooked peeled prawns. […]

Deal with the dinner rush with this tasty and filling meal from Sophie Gray

Freeze meat before cutting; this makes it easier to slice thinly. Prepare everything before starting to cook. Use beef stir-fry strips. Price will vary. Try pork leg steak instead of beef. Note

Vegetarian: Use bought lentil patties instead of beef. Note

Your friends or family won't be able to keep their hands off this hearty, all-time classic chilli con carne recipe. This tasty chilli con carne makes for great leftovers the next day.

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

You’ll need to cook about 1 cup of long-grain white rice. You can use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. Make sure your wok is smoking hot before adding the oil, meat and vegetables. This will ensure fast cooking and prevent meat becoming tough. You can use a bought Asian stir-fry vegetable mix. Cooking time […]

You’ll need about 1/2 bunch basil to make 1/3 cup chopped basil. Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead. Press into prepared muffin tray. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

To avoid a soggy salad, add dressing and corn chips just before serving. Use chicken or pork mince instead of beef. Swap taco seasoning for Middle Eastern seasoning, and replace corn chips with grilled torn Turkish bread. Note

These caseless sausages are coated in a lightly spiced yoghurt and baked under a grill. Serve them with tomato and cucumber-laced rice

You can swap paprika for Moroccan seasoning. Add any of your favourite frozen vegetables to the couscous. These meatballs are also great served with rice or pasta. Note

For a more traditional sauce, add 1 tablespoon brandy with the stock cube and water. You can use bought frozen oven fries. Cooking time will vary. 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.

Give variety to soup season and try this nourishing Korean-style beef noodle soup.

You can cook 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice instead of using microwave rice. Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning while cooking. Note

To prevent bamboo skewers scorching during cooking, soak them in cold water for 15 minutes before using. You can use zucchini ribbons instead of carrot. You can swap beef for chicken tenderloins, and mushrooms for cherry tomatoes. Note

Make ahead: Prepare meatballs a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. To heat pasta sauce, place in a medium microwave-safe jug, microwave on Medium (50%) for 3 minutes or until heated. Cover frying pan handle with foil to prevent burning while under oven-grill. Note

Make ahead: Cook meatloaf a day before serving. Reheat in an oven preheated to 180°C/ 160°C fan forced for 20 minutes. Salsa is best made close to serving. Chilli seasoning mix too spicy? Use taco seasoning. Note

You’ll need 1 large beetroot for this recipe. Wash and peel before grating. Burghul is steamed cracked wheat. It’s in the health food-aisle or health food shops. Note

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

Replace beef with chicken or, for a vegetarian version, use tofu. Try replacing sesame seeds with crushed peanuts or crisp-fried shallots. Fried rice works best if made with cooked rice left in the refrigerator overnight – this removes moisture from the rice. Note

Dinner is ready in a flash with this tasty beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe. Serve with rice for a vege-packed meal the whole family will love

Makes 8 Note

Uncrumbed beef schnitzel steaks are also known as beef ‘sizzle steaks’ in supermarkets. Note

You can prepare the meatball mixture a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Meatballs of any flavour are good in this recipe. Mix it up a little by adding pitted black olives, or give the subs a Greek twist with fetta instead of ricotta. Note

Replace noodles with steamed rice. You’ll need about a quarter of a medium Chinese cabbage (wombok). Note

Sizzle steak is thinly sliced beef steak (minute steak) available from major supermarkets. Use a sliced beef or chicken schnitzel instead of sizzle steak. Note

Budget beef rump is a less expensive alternative to rump steak. Note

Budget beef rump, or smart bay rump, is a cheaper alternative to rump steak. Wrap meat in plastic food wrap and freeze for 15 minutes or until just firm. This makes it easier to slice thinly. To toast sesame seeds, place in a dry frying pan over moderate heat. Cook arid stir for 2-3 minutes. […]

Beef minute steak, also known as barbecue steak, is thin scotch fillet or porterhouse steak pounded to 1cm thickness. Try chicken tenderloins or lamb leg steak instead of beef. Reduce fat: Use light sour cream. Note

You can buy all-season spice mix in the spice aisle. If unavailable, use any spice combination, such as Moroccan, Middle Eastern or Italian. Try chicken, lamb or pork mince instead of beef mince. Price will vary. Note

Use lemon juice instead of lime. Budget beef rump (smart-buy rump) is a cheap alternative to rump steak. Bistro salad mix is a convenient blend of butter lettuce, radicchio, pea tendrils and salanova baby red. You can use any salad mix. Use leftover Mexican seasoning in rissoles or tacos. Note

To ensure beef is tender, thinly slice it on an angle, against the grain. Try thinly sliced pork fillet or lamb steaks instead of beef. Note

Make polenta just before serving. Try goulash served with cooked rice or crusty bread instead of polenta. Make ahead: Cook goulash a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

To save time, you could replace celery and carrot with 1 1/2 cups frozen diced vegetable mix. Note

Makes 8 Buy beef mince that has a little fat to erasure meatballs remain tender and juicy when cooked. When shaping meatballs, firmly roll to release air bubbles so they don’t fall off skewers. Use a vegetable peeler to cut carrot into long 3mm-thick strips. Save time: Slice carrot into rounds instead. Note

You’ll need 8 bamboo or metal skewers. Lamb rump is great in this, too. Note

Budget beef rump, or smart buy rump, is cheaper than rump steak. Use a vegetable peeler to cut cucumber into ribbons. Note

Use a vegetable peeler to make long thin ribbons of carrot and cucumber. Note

You’ll need to process 1 slice of day-old bread to make the crumbs. If brown basmati is unavailable, serve with white basmati or doongara rice (also known as Clever Rice). Lunch boxes: Make rissoles into bite-sized patties, then add to lunch boxes for a low-GI ‘brain booster’ meal. Note