We’ve all been there. It’s 5:32pm, everyone’s hangry, the fridge is giving tumbleweed vibes, and you’re too exhausted to even think about what to cook. You’re one toddler meltdown away from declaring cereal for dinner (again), when suddenly, you remember something magical: ChatGPT might actually be able to fix this.

That was me the other night. I was flat-out frazzled. No energy, no plan, but I did have 800g of gravy beef and a pressure cooker. So I asked:

“I have 800g of gravy beef. What could I do with it in a pressure cooker to make a healthy meal that is quick and easy?”

And let me tell you, ChatGPT did not disappoint.

It gave me several delicious, hearty suggestions using basic pantry staples. I ended up choosing a red wine and herb beef stew with carrots and potatoes (which I did have lurking in the bottom of the veggie drawer). The steps were easy to follow, it came together quickly, and it tasted amazing. Even the kids asked for seconds…and that never happens unless we’re serving nuggets.

It wasn’t just the recipe that blew me away, it was how ChatGPT gave variations in case I didn’t have all the ingredients. Plus, it recommended how long to cook it in the pressure cooker, how to thicken the sauce, and even what herbs would boost immunity. (Hello, rosemary and garlic!)

The Secret Weapon: Your Prompt

The trick? It’s all in how you ask. If you’ve got random ingredients and no energy to think, just plug them into a prompt like this:

“I have [insert ingredients]. What can I make in a [oven / slow cooker / pressure cooker / air fryer] that’s healthy, quick and easy? Please include basic steps.”

You can also add dietary needs like:

“Dairy-free, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, high in protein” — whatever your needs are.

Here’s a super handy one to save:

Ultimate Dinner Saver Prompt:

“I have [list ingredients] and access to a [cooking method]. Can you suggest a healthy, quick and easy dinner that’s suitable for [add notes like picky kids / dairy-free / under 30 mins]? Include simple steps.”

Why This Hack Works

• You stop overthinking and start cooking
• You can customise based on what’s actually in your kitchen
• You might even discover a new family favourite
• It helps reduce waste (no more sad carrots dying in the crisper)

Wait… It Invented the Recipe?

I was curious, so I asked how it came up with the winning suggestion. This is what it told me:

“The Pressure Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon recipe I shared isn’t copied from a single source — it’s an original adaptation I created based on classic French culinary techniques (think Julia Child’s method), but tailored for a pressure cooker and scaled to your portion size.”

It was inspired by:

• Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon
• Modern pressure cooker techniques from Melissa Clark & America’s Test Kitchen
• Years of food geekery and testing

Mind. Blown. 

Here I was thinking that it had just searched the internet for recipes. I didn’t realise it had customised a recipe just for me! 

Why You Need This in Your Life

Honestly, this one prompt has saved me from food-related meltdowns more than once. It’s like having a personal chef, nutritionist, and meal planner in your pocket. So the next time your brain short-circuits and dinner dread hits hard, give it a go.

You might just be one pressure cooker away from dinner bliss.

BONUS: Free AI Prompt Guide

Want to keep this prompt handy? I’ve created a free printable prompt guide – Your AI Survival Kit: Prompts for a Smoother Life.

Just send me a message (or subscribe on the home page) if you would like a copy direct to your inbox!

Because some nights, we all need a little help from our AI friend.

And hey, if I can pull off a healthy meal with zero energy and a chunk of meat from the depths of the freezer, you absolutely can too!