24 Best Sunday Dinner Recipes for a Cozy Family Feast
There’s just something special about Sundays. It’s that perfect blend of relaxation and preparation for the week ahead. For me, nothing tops off a Sunday quite like a delicious, home-cooked meal with family and friends gathered around the dinner table.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply want to treat yourself, I’ve compiled 24 Best Sunday Dinner Recipes that are guaranteed to make your Sunday evenings unforgettable. These recipes range from comforting classics to exciting new dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves, tie on that apron, and let’s get cooking!
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1. Classic Pot Roast
Pot roast is a timeless favorite that never disappoints. It’s hearty, rich, and perfect for a Sunday evening.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb chuck roast
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 5 medium potatoes, quartered
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides.
- Remove the roast and set it aside.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot, cooking until they become translucent.
- Return the roast to the pot, adding carrots and potatoes.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Cover and cook in the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
2. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is simple but so flavorful. Adding lemon and herbs takes it to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken and place them inside the cavity.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear.
3. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
For seafood lovers, this dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavors of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook shrimp over medium-high heat until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Beef Stroganoff
This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Cook the beef strips until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in flour and gradually add beef broth to form a sauce.
- Mix in sour cream and return beef to the skillet, simmering for a few minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chicken Parmesan
Crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, chicken parmesan is always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Dip chicken breasts in beaten eggs, then coat with bread crumb mixture.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
6. Vegetable Lasagna
A hearty meal that even meat lovers will enjoy, this veggie-packed lasagna is a delight.
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and spinach until tender.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of noodles on top, followed by ricotta mixture, veggies, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.
7. Barbecue Ribs
Falling off the bone, flavorful ribs are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the ribs.
- Place ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5 hours.
- Remove the foil, brush with barbecue sauce, and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish is full of rich flavors and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp flour
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Stir in flour and tomato paste, cooking for a few minutes.
- Add beef broth and mixed vegetables, simmering until the mixture thickens.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
9. Spaghetti Carbonara
Simple yet decadent, carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s quick to make.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- In a large skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet with the pancetta.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
10. Baked Ziti
This cheesy, saucy pasta bake is always a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, combine cooked ziti with sauce mixture.
- Dot with ricotta cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful and nutritious, these stuffed bell peppers are packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat with onion until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice and marinara sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the meat mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
12. Chicken Alfredo
This creamy, dreamy pasta dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Toss in cooked fettuccine and sliced grilled chicken, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
13. Vegetarian Chili
Even meat-lovers will devour this hearty, flavorful chili.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini until tender.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
14. Pork Tenderloin with Apples
The natural sweetness of apples pairs beautifully with pork in this elegant dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the pork on all sides.
- Place the pork in a baking dish, surrounded by apple and onion slices.
- Pour apple cider and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
15. Shrimp Scampi
Garlic, lemon, and shrimp come together in this light, flavorful pasta dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook linguine according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmering for a few minutes.
- Toss cooked linguine with the shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper.
16. Beef Tacos
Everyone loves tacos, and these beef tacos are a surefire hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 10 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream and salsa for topping
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmering for a few minutes.
- Fill taco shells with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Top with sour cream and salsa as desired.
17. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This comforting casserole combines savory chicken with cheesy broccoli goodness.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3 cups cooked broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
18. Greek Moussaka
Layers of eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce make this Greek dish hearty and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Salt the eggplant slices and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat with onion and garlic until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce and red wine, simmering for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the eggplant, meat mixture, and béchamel sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
19. Honey Garlic Salmon
This sweet and savory salmon dish is both easy and impressive.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with the honey garlic mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
20. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Succulent pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 sandwich buns
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Bake for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easy to pull apart.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix with barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar.
- Serve on sandwich buns.
21. Eggplant Parmesan
Crispy, cheesy eggplant parmesan is a delightful vegetarian alternative.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Salt the eggplant slices and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a bowl, combine bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- Place coated eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and repeat.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or untilthe cheese is melted and bubbly.
22. Jambalaya
This spicy, hearty dish hailing from Louisiana is filled with a delightful mix of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook andouille sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic, cooking until tender.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning.
- Return sausage and chicken to the pot, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
23. Beef Wellington
This elegant dish is perfect for a special Sunday dinner, combining tender beef with a savory mushroom mixture.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper, and sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. Let cool.
- In the same skillet, cook mushrooms with butter until moisture evaporates. Let cool.
- Brush the beef with Dijon mustard, and wrap it evenly with the mushroom mixture.
- Roll out the puff pastry and wrap it around the beef.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the beef is cooked to your liking.
24. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
These stuffed shells are cheesy, savory, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange stuffed shells on top of the sauce and spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Reveling in a delicious Sunday dinner has always been one of my favorite ways to end the weekend. With these 24 Best Sunday Dinner Recipes, you’re bound to find something to thrill your taste buds and bring warmth and joy to your dining table. Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or just a cozy meal at home, these recipes offer a little something for everyone. Enjoy your Sunday dinners, and happy cooking!