There's nothing like the feeling when you know you've got the massive slow cooker on, is there? You can have everything prepped and in there the day before, ready to switch on so it's ready for tea. There are ways to bulk out bolognese so it costs less - adding in beans, lentils and mushrooms goes a long way, so I think that makes up for using the good paprika and the splash of wine in here. But if you're on a really tight budget, then by all means leave out the wine

So...please don't expect this to be any kind of authentic, to any kind of cuisine. I slung everything in the slow cooker and hoped for the best - and was pleasantly surprised. This is quite decently healthy. The only added fat is the coconut milk, and if split into 8 portions it adds less than 90 calories per portion for a ton of flavour. There's plenty of veg in here, and if you're calorie counting or dropping carbs then serve it with cauliflower rice, or indeed over any

This is part of my Big Batch series, encouraging you to make a big batch of something nice and split it into freezer portions. It's always good to have something tasty and simple to re-heat for our busier days. I made this it with tinned low fat coconut milk, and it was gorgeous - but can be expensive. Keep an eye out for it on special offer. I'd suggest that, if you want to use carton plant milks to keep the cost lower, then add in a small pot of plant based cream substit

I've kept the recipe here to basic low budget, dairy rice pudding. It's nice and creamy already, but you can add some cream into the recipe (swap out for the same ml of milk) if you're not watching the calories or the budget. As for dairy free options - the first time I made this it was with tinned low fat coconut milk, and it was gorgeous - but expensive. I'd suggest that, if you want to use carton plant milks to keep the cost lower, then add in a small pot of plant based