Four expert tips to streamline mid-week meals

After school drop off, a full day at work, followed by the crowded commute home, the last thing busy parents feel like doing is slaving over a hot stove or forking out for expensive takeaways.

So how can you nourish the tribe this winter without breaking the bank or your sanity?

We've grilled APD Dietitian and Nutritionist, Rachel Scoular, on how to streamline your mid-week meals into healthy, flavoursome and budget-friendly winners.

Invest in a slow cooker

Become best friends with your slow cooker, insists Scoular. "In the morning, just throw everything in and come home to a beautiful, tender dish." Be adventurous with flavours too. "Experiment with different types of vegetables and cooking methods over the cooler months."

9Honey Loves: Adesso Slow Cooker, $39.95

Choose ingredients that help to support your immune system

During the winter months, we are all more prone to getting colds and flus. "Help keep the family healthy and happy with delicious winter dinners made with foods that contain immune-boosting vitamin C."

"For your dinners, select ingredients like broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and potatoes." Scoular also sings the praises of foods that contain zinc for healthy, winter meals, so incorporate one to two serves of red meat a week, along with eggs, nuts and seeds.

Take a peek at these simple soup recipes that heal or why not try: Woolworths Simply Roast Beef in Onion, Garlic And Red Wine

Make one-pot soups

You can't go wrong with an all-in-one soup for winter, says Scoular. "Throw in any veggies you can find, some pasta or barley and simmer with stock and canned tomatoes. Add in some lentils or leftover meat pieces to finish the dish."

When doing your weekly grocery shop, stock up on extra veggies than you need plus canned legumes, recommends Scoular. "You'll always have options up your sleeve when the week becomes busy."

On-the-run soup: No time to make your own soup from scratch? Try Woolworths Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup.

Or try making these tasty alternatives at home!

Buy economical cuts of meat

Affordable cuts of red meat include beef chuck steak, rump or brisket, says Scoular. "Chicken thighs and chicken drumsticks are also a budget-friendly option—just remove the skin on the drumsticks."

Check out these family-friendly chicken thigh recipes for inspiration.

Also keep in mind you don't need to eat meat dishes every night. "Canned legumes, beans and chickpeas help stretch a meal further, they are flavoursome and often lower the GI of the meal, meaning it will keep you feeling fuller for longer," adds Scoular.

For all your delicious, easy meals this winter, head to Woolworths