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Delicious Sunday dinner ideas

The ultimate Sunday dinner recipe collection.

Sunday dinners are a time-honored tradition, bringing families together for a delicious, home-cooked meal before the start of another busy week. With this ultimate collection of delectable Sunday dinner ideas, you’ll have no shortage of inspiration for your next family gathering. From classic favorites to quick and easy options, there’s something for everyone in this mouthwatering lineup.

Family Sunday dinner ideas

  • Enjoy classic Sunday dinners of roast chicken, pot roast and hearty lasagna for quality time with family.
  • Quick and easy one-pan meals make Sundays stress free.
  • Comfort food dishes such as Chicken & Dumplings, Shepherd’s Pie and Baked Macaroni & Cheese bring warmth to the dinner table.

Classic Sunday dinner favorites

Ah, the classics. There’s just something about a traditional Sunday dinner that warms the heart and fills the stomach. Roast chicken, pot roast, and hearty lasagna are all-time favorites that bring families together around the dinner table, ready to savor a delicious meal and cherish quality time together.

As a true Sunday supper, these Sunday family dinner ideas are the heart and soul of family gatherings and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Roast chicken

A classic Sunday dinner can be made versatile and delicious with roasted chicken. With its tender meat and crispy skin, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite in households across the globe. The beauty of roast chicken lies in its adaptability; you can experiment with different seasonings and stuffing options to create your own signature dish. Some popular options include:

  • Lemon and herb seasoning
  • Garlic and rosemary
  • BBQ rub
  • Cajun spice

Spatchcock chicken, for example, is a unique preparation method that involves removing the backbone and flattening the chicken before cooking, resulting in a delectable meal that the whole family will love.

Maximize the flavor of your roast chicken by getting creative with your seasoning and stuffing choices. You can even repurpose any leftover chicken for scrumptious meals throughout the week. Shredded chicken from a Garlicky Roasted Spatchcock Chicken, for example, can be used for lunch salads or mixed with a creamy alfredo sauce for a pasta dish. The possibilities are endless, and your family will love the variety!

Pot roast

Another classic, pot roast, is celebrated for its comforting aroma and tender, flavorful meat. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly Sunday evening. Whether you choose to cook your pot roast in a slow cooker or oven, you’re guaranteed to end up with a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Preparing pot roast is simple: brown the meat, add your preferred vegetables and seasonings, and let it slow cook for a few hours. The result is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. One tip to enhance the flavor of your pot roast is to add a bit of liquid to the pot and use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your herbs and spices – they’ll add an extra layer of flavor that will make your pot roast truly unforgettable.

Hearty lasagna

Never disappointing, the crowd-pleasing hearty lasagna is always a hit. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese create a satisfying and delicious dish that is perfect for a filling Sunday dinner. This Italian favorite is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your family’s preferences, making it one of the best Sunday dinner ideas.

A delicious lasagna recipe might include:

  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Three cheeses
  • Various seasonings

The best part? You don’t even need to precook the lasagna noodles – talk about convenient! It only takes about an hour to prepare and cook a scrumptious lasagna, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones. Whether you’re using a tried-and-true family recipe or experimenting with new flavors, lasagna is a dish that always brings people together.

Quick and easy Sunday dinner ideas

At times, Sundays can prove to be as hectic as any weekday. When time is of the essence, you’ll want quick and easy Sunday dinner ideas that still deliver on taste and satisfaction. One-pan chicken and vegetables, sheet pan steak fajitas, and creamy tomato basil pasta are all scrumptious options that can be whipped up in no time, leaving you with more time to spend with family and friends.

One-pan chicken and vegetables

One-pan chicken and vegetables offer a simple, healthy meal customizable to your palate. The key to this dish is choosing a variety of your favorite vegetables and seasonings, ensuring a unique and delicious meal every time. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a win-win for busy families.

To prepare and season the chicken for a one-pan chicken and vegetable meal, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Season the chicken with a mixture of garlic, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add your choice of vegetables to the baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables to help with browning and flavor.
  5. Bake for the recommended cooking time, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

The result is a delicious, nutritious, and quick meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Sheet pan steak fajitas

For a quick Sunday dinner, flavorful and easy-to-make sheet pan steak fajitas are perfect. With tender steak, colorful bell peppers, and onions all cooked together on one sheet pan, this meal is not only delicious but also a breeze to clean up. To create the perfect fajita, simply combine flank steak, fajita or taco seasoning, lime juice, bell peppers, onions, and olive oil, then cook in the oven for a scrumptious result.

Serve your sheet pan steak fajitas with:

  • Warm tortillas
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Sliced avocado
  • Pico de gallo
  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges

to create a mouthwatering and satisfying meal. These fajitas are perfect for a relaxed Sunday dinner, and the leftovers can easily be transformed into a delicious lunch the next day.

Creamy tomato basil pasta

Creamy tomato basil pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-flavored option for a Sunday dinner. This dish is perfect for those who want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich tomato sauce and fragrant basil, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite.

To make creamy tomato basil pasta, follow these steps:

  1. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, onion, and basil to the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet, stirring to combine the pasta with the sauce.

Serve this delicious dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a truly satisfying Sunday dinner.

Slow cooker and Instant Pot Sunday dinners

If you prefer a hands-off cooking experience, opt for Sunday dinners using a slow cooker or Instant Pot. These versatile appliances make it easy to create delicious meals with minimal effort, perfect for those busy weekends or when you just want to relax and enjoy your Sunday. Crockpot BBQ pulled pork, Instant Pot beef stew, and slow cooker chicken curry are all fantastic options that will leave your taste buds singing and your kitchen virtually mess-free.

Crockpot BBQ pulled pork

Serving as a delicious sandwich on buns or a complete meal with your favorite sides, Crockpot BBQ pulled pork is a tender and flavorful dish. The secret to this mouthwatering dish lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the BBQ sauce.

To make Crockpot BBQ pulled pork, follow these steps:

  1. Season a boneless pork shoulder with your choice of herbs and spices.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour a mixture of BBQ sauce, vinegar, and any other desired ingredients over the pork.
  4. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.

Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and mix with more BBQ sauce if desired. Serve your Crockpot BBQ pulled pork on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying Sunday dinner.

Instant pot beef stew

Using a pressure cooker, you can quickly prepare a comforting and hearty meal like Instant Pot beef stew. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

To make Instant Pot beef stew, follow these steps:

  1. Season stew meat with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the meat in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
  3. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot.
  4. Add your choice of vegetables, such as carrots and celery.

To cook beef in an Instant Pot, follow these steps:

  1. Pour in beef broth and any additional seasonings, such as bay leaf and paprika.
  2. Close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 35-40 minutes.
  3. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
  4. After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure manually.

Serve your comforting Instant Pot beef stew over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious Sunday dinner.

Slow cooker chicken curry

Served over rice or with naan bread, slow cooker chicken curry offers a satisfying and flavorful dish for a Sunday dinner. This dish is perfect for those who love the warm and inviting flavors of curry, and the slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a mouth-watering meal with minimal effort.

To make slow cooker chicken curry, follow these steps:

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
  4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

In a separate bowl, mix together curry powder, coconut milk, and tomato paste, then pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then serve your flavorful slow cooker chicken curry over steamed rice or with naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Seafood Sunday dinner ideas

Seafood dishes present a fantastic choice for a lighter and more elegant Sunday dinner. Baked lemon herb salmon, shrimp scampi, and seafood paella are all scrumptious options that will transport your taste buds to the seaside. These dishes are perfect for special occasions or when you’re simply craving a taste of the ocean at your dinner table.

Baked lemon herb salmon

Serve the healthy and flavorful baked lemon herb salmon with your favorite sides for a nutritious and delicious Sunday dinner. The combination of lemon and herbs adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter meal option.

To prepare baked lemon herb salmon, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Season the salmon with a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and your choice of herbs, such as dill, parsley, or thyme.
  3. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Serve your baked lemon herb salmon with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Shrimp scampi

The classic seafood dish, shrimp scampi, pairs succulent shrimp with a flavorful sauce of garlic, butter, and white wine. This dish is perfect for a special Sunday dinner when you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious and elegant meal.

To make shrimp scampi, follow these steps:

  1. Start by sautéing garlic in butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
  3. Stir in white wine, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs, such as parsley or basil.
  4. Cook the sauce for a few more minutes until it has thickened slightly.

Serve your shrimp scampi over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. With its mouthwatering flavors and elegant presentation, shrimp scampi is sure to become a Sunday dinner favorite.

Seafood paella

Perfect for a sophisticated and flavorful Sunday dinner, seafood paella is a Spanish-inspired dish. This dish combines a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and mussels, with rice and a medley of flavorful seasonings to create a meal that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

To make seafood paella, follow these steps:

  1. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan.
  2. Add rice, tomatoes, and your choice of seafood.
  3. Pour in chicken or seafood broth and season with saffron, paprika, and other spices.
  4. Cook the paella over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked through.

Serve your seafood paella with lemon wedges for a bright burst of flavor and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to transport your family to the shores of Spain with a delicious and authentic meal.

Vegetarian Sunday dinner ideas

Plenty of delicious vegetarian Sunday dinner ideas are available for those seeking a meatless meal option. Stuffed bell peppers, eggplant Parmesan, and vegetable stir-fry are all satisfying and flavorful dishes that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

These dishes prove that Sunday dinners can be just as delicious without the meat.

Stuffed bell peppers

You can fill versatile and healthy stuffed bell peppers with a variety of grains, vegetables, and cheeses. This dish is perfect for those who want a nutritious and delicious meatless meal, as the combination of flavors and textures is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

To make stuffed bell peppers, follow these steps:

  1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  2. Fill the peppers with your choice of grains, vegetables, and cheeses.
  3. Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
  4. Bake the peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the filling is cooked through.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the tops. Stuffed bell peppers can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making them a perfect vegetarian Sunday dinner option.

Eggplant Parmesan

Featuring layers of breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish. This dish is perfect for those who want a comforting and filling meatless meal, as it offers all the delicious flavors of classic Italian cuisine in a vegetarian-friendly package.

To make eggplant Parmesan, follow these steps:

  1. Slice the eggplant.
  2. Bread each slice with a mixture of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  3. Pan-fry the breaded eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  4. Layer the cooked eggplant in a baking dish with marinara sauce and cheese.
  5. Bake the eggplant Parmesan in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve your eggplant Parmesan with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a well-rounded and delicious vegetarian Sunday dinner.

Vegetable stir-fry

A quick and easy meal option, vegetable stir-fry, can be customized with your favorite vegetables and sauces. This dish is perfect for those who want a nutritious and delicious meatless meal that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. With its vibrant colors and enticing flavors, vegetable stir-fry is sure to become a Sunday dinner favorite.

To make a vegetable stir-fry, follow these steps:

  1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  2. Add your choice of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
  3. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender but still crisp.

Add your choice of protein, such as tofu, and cook until heated through. Stir in your favorite sauce, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce, and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve your vegetable stir-fry over rice, noodles, or with your favorite grain for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian Sunday dinner.

Comfort food Sunday dinners

At times, a cozy and comforting meal that fills you with warmth and happiness is all you desire on a Sunday evening. Chicken and dumplings, shepherd’s pie, and baked macaroni and cheese are all classic comfort food dishes that are perfect for a cozy and satisfying Sunday dinner. These dishes are the ultimate in comfort food and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Chicken and dumplings

The classic comfort food dish, creamy chicken and dumplings, shares similarities with another beloved chicken recipe, chicken pot pie, featuring:

  • Tender chicken
  • Hearty vegetables
  • Fluffy dumplings
  • Creamy sauce

This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner when you want to indulge in a warming and satisfying meal. Try our favorite Sunday dinner recipe to make your weekend even more special.

To make chicken and dumplings, follow these steps:

  1. Cook chicken in a slow cooker with vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, and a flavorful broth.
  2. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, shred it.
  3. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Prepare the dumplings by:

  1. Mixing flour, chicken broth, baking powder, and beaten eggs
  2. Dropping spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering chicken mixture
  3. Covering and cooking for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Serve your comforting chicken and dumplings with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a delicious and satisfying Sunday dinner.

Shepherd's pie

Shepherd’s pie, a hearty and comforting dish, features a flavorful meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner when you want to indulge in a delicious and filling meal, similar to the satisfaction of a pot pie.

To make shepherd’s pie, follow these steps:

  1. Cook ground beef or lamb with vegetables, such as peas and carrots, in a savory sauce.
  2. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
  3. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes.
  4. Bake the shepherd’s pie in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.

Serve your shepherd’s pie with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a delicious and satisfying Sunday dinner.

Baked macaroni and cheese

Featuring a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, baked macaroni and cheese pleases any crowd. This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner, as it satisfies both the young and the young at heart.

To make baked macaroni and cheese, start by cooking macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. In a saucepan, make a cheese sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour, and gradually adding milk or cream. Cook the sauce until it thickens, then stir in a combination of cheddar and other cheeses, along with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and mustard.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top the macaroni and cheese with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake in a preheated oven until golden and bubbly. Serve your baked macaroni and cheese with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded and delicious Sunday dinner.

Sunday dinner ideas revisited

These delicious Sunday dinner ideas offer a wide variety of options to suit every taste and preference. From classic favorites like roast chicken and pot roast to quick and easy meals like one-pan chicken and vegetables, there’s something for everyone in this ultimate recipe collection. So gather your family and friends around the dinner table, and enjoy the comforting and delicious meals that these Sunday dinner ideas have to offer.

What would be a good Sunday dinner?

Sunday dinner with the family is a great opportunity to bond and create memories - why not make it special by cooking up one of the 55 best dinner ideas for a lazy Sunday!

What do you eat on a lazy Sunday?

Treat your family to the best Sunday dinner by making one of the many delicious recipes from the 55 Best Dinner Ideas for a lazy Sunday. Make it extra special and relax together with a comforting and enjoyable meal.

What is considered a Sunday dinner?

Sunday dinner is a time-honored tradition, with its roots in the British Sunday dinner. Enjoy a tasty roast, roasted vegetables and potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and bread for a classic meal that's sure to delight.

What are some quick and easy Sunday dinner ideas?

Treat your family to a delicious Sunday dinner with one-pan chicken and vegetables, sheet pan steak fajitas, or creamy tomato basil pasta.

What are some comforting slow cooker and Instant Pot Sunday dinners?

Sunday dinner made easy! Enjoy comforting dishes like crockpot BBQ pulled pork, Instant Pot beef stew, and slow cooker chicken curry.