30-minute 'meal maths' recipe ideas

What is meal maths?

Our M&S meal maths recipes use a maximum of six ingredients (alongside pantry staples like olive oil, salt and pepper) and are ready in 30 minutes or less. This is all about 'assembly job' cooking – using a handful of hardworking ingredients and a few Foodhall shortcuts to get dinner on the table, fast.

M&S meal maths: family favourites edition

This month, we're making family favourites simple, thanks to our range of new easy-to-cook proteins. Think butter chicken with tangy salsa and rice, 100% British beef meatballs with hidden veggie sauce and spaghetti and a super speedy pork stir-fry.

Indian butter chicken with mango salsa and pilau rice

Skip the takeaway and try this speedy Indian-inspired supper instead. Tender butter chicken is served with fragrant pilau rice and a fresh mango salsa for a flavour-packed dinner that's on the table in minutes.

• Cook the Butter Chicken Thighs according to the pack instructions.

• Meanwhile, combine the diced cucumber, mango, red onion and chilli in a bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

• Cook the Microwave Pilau Rice according to the pack instructions.

• Serve the butter chicken with the pilau rice and spoon over the mango salsa.

Sweet and sticky pork noodles

Switch up your go-to stir-fry with these epic pork noodles. Using our ready-marinated British Pork Strips in a sweet and sticky teriyaki-style glaze, this speedy dinner combines egg noodles, pak choi and bamboo shoots for a takeaway-inspired meal that's ready in minutes.

• Cook the pork strips according to the pack instructions.

• Meanwhile, cook the Fine Egg Noodles and drain.

• Stir-fry the pak choi and Sliced Bamboo Shoots for 2-3 minutes until just tender.

• Add the noodles and pork to the pan and toss everything together.

• Finely slice the chilli and stir through to taste.

• Divide between bowls and finish with fresh coriander and a splash of your favourite sauce, whether that's soy, sriracha, teriyaki or a drizzle of sesame oil.

One-pan steak and egg hash

Steak and eggs, but make it midweek-friendly. This one-pan hash combines juicy British Sizzle Steaks, golden mushrooms, spinach and runny eggs for a speedy dinner that feels a little more special. Served with crispy hash browns for scooping and dipping, it's packed with flavour.

• Cook the hash browns until crisp and golden.

• Sear the steaks, then set aside to rest.

• Fry the mushrooms, garlic and spinach in the same pan.

• Crack in the eggs and cook until just set.

• Top with sliced steak, cheddar and a drizzle of sriracha, if you like.

• Serve with the crispy hash browns on the side.

Speedy beef and pea curry

A quick, fuss-free curry that doesn't skimp on flavour. Lean British beef mince, sweet garden peas and our Jalfrezi Curry Kit come together in one pan for a speedy keema-style curry that's perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with wholegrain rice and a squeeze of lime for an easy family dinner that's ready in just 15 minutes.

• Brown the beef mince until golden.

• Stir in the Jalfrezi Curry Kit and garden peas.

• Simmer for a few minutes until rich and thickened.

• Heat the Microwave Wholegrain Rice and divide between bowls.

• Top with Coriander and serve with Lime wedges for squeezing over.

Beef meatballs and hidden veg spaghetti

A family-friendly classic made even easier. Juicy beef meatballs are served with spaghetti tossed in a rich hidden veg sauce, then finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for an effortless midweek dinner.

• Cook the Only 3 Ingredients British Beef Meatballs and Spaghetti according to the pack instructions.

• Meanwhile, heat the Tomato and Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce in a saucepan.

• Drain the spaghetti and stir through the sauce. Season to taste.

• Add the meatballs and divide between bowls.

• Finish with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic bread.