30 Best Sunday Dinner Ideas
Updated Dec 20, 2024, Published Oct 04, 2024
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Sunday dinners are more than just a meal—they’re a time to gather, unwind, and savor the end of the weekend with family or friends. They’re also the perfect occasion to get creative in the kitchen. From classic favorites like pot roast and meatloaf to modern twists on traditional dishes like shrimp and grits casserole, a Sunday dinner idea here will put a smile on everyone’s face!
As a personal chef, I saw firsthand how busy families are during the week. Some of my clients could only manage one meal together all week. Research shows that regular family dinners positively affect children’s self-esteem and well-being (Source: Psychology Today). Not every dinner needs to be fancy; it’s about the time spent together.
Whether you’re craving classic comforts like pot roast, meatloaf, or roast chicken or modern takes on tradition like ham with spicy pineapple salsa, these Sunday dinner ideas will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. Some are lazy Sunday dinner ideas, with the entree and side dish cooked together in one pan!
If you don’t already have a Sunday dinner ritual, now is a great time to start!
Beef Recipes
Beef Braciole Recipe
Beef Braciole (Braciola) is a classic, hearty, homestyle Italian-American dish perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or whenever you want to make an impression! Thin slices of beef surround a savory filling slowly braised in a wine-infused sauce for a comforting yet elegant dish.
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Golumpki Recipe (Polish Stuffed Cabbage)
These authentic Polish Cabbage Rolls are the ideal cold-weather comfort food! Hearty yet wholesome, as the rolls bake in the homemade tomato sauce, the cabbage takes on a buttery texture that melts in your mouth!
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Italian Stuffed Peppers
Italian Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food! Green bell peppers are stuffed with ground beef and farro, then topped with a lively tomato sauce for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal!
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Boneless Beef Short Ribs (Bourguignon-Style)
Boneless Beef Short Ribs Bourguignon is slow-cooked in red wine along with bacon, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and herbs for a deep, rich flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
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Italian-Style Meatloaf
Put a delicious new spin on your meatloaf routine with this Italian-inspired twist on classic meatloaf! Perfect for a Sunday family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Serve with mashed potatoes, a green vegetable and salad for a meal everyone will rave about!
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Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cauliflower Leek Puree
The enticing aroma in your kitchen as these beef short ribs slowly simmer in a rich, savory red wine-based sauce until they're fall-off-the-bone tender is just the delicious beginning! Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs paired with creamy Cauliflower Leek Puree is a lovely comforting meal using an economical cut that's easy yet impressive enough for guests!
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Boneless Beef Short Rib Recipe (Mississippi-Style Without Packaged Mixes)
In this slow cooker version of the classic Mississippi pot roast, this boneless short rib recipe is made without processed, packaged mixes and the stick of butter. However, they're just as flavorful and with buttery tenderness!
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Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) and Oven-Baked Gorgonzola Polenta
This Stracotto, also known as Italian Pot Roast and oven-baked gorgonzola polenta, is the ultimate Italian comfort food that will delight your family and friends! The beef is slowly braised in a rich, red wine sauce, while the cheesy, hands-off polenta makes it a perfect, stress-free dish for entertaining or a cozy Sunday family dinner!
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Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a kicked-up twist on a classic East European favorite! This hearty, comforting meal will put a smile on everyone’s face and it’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Barbacoa with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Barbacoa are tender, succulent, spicy and delicious! Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is the perfect accompaniment!
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Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs are slightly spicy, slightly sweet and totally amazing! Slow-braising makes them fall-off-the-bone tender!
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Moroccan Beef Stew
Moroccan Beef Stew is hearty, flavorful and perfect for a chilly night! It’s perfect slowly simmered on the stovetop, in the oven or pressure cooker.
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Pork Recipes
Braised Pork Loin Roast in Dijon Mustard Sauce
Budget-friendly meets French elegance in this easy dish that's perfect for entertaining or a Sunday family dinner! Braised Pork Roast in Dijon Mustard Sauce uses simple pantry ingredients, then is slow-braised!
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Slow Cooker Honey Ham with Pineapple Salsa
Slow Cooker Honey Ham with Pineapple Salsa is a deliciously sweet and savory lazy Sunday dinner idea perfect for effortless entertaining or a cozy weeknight dinner. The tender, flavorful ham pairs perfectly with the bright and tangy pineapple salsa, creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
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Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls
Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls are a spicy, Asian twist on traditional cabbage rolls! Use turkey, chicken, beef or even tofu if you prefer! Any leftovers freeze and reheat beautifully!
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Sicilian Stuffed Pork Chops with White Wine and Caper Sauce
Sicilian Stuffed Pork Chops with White Wine and Caper Sauce is an elegant way to dress up a dinnertime staple–the pork chop!
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Chicken and Turkey Recipes
Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil
Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil is a dish with a European flair, blending the richness of a French-inspired wine sauce with the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms and the brightness of fresh basil.
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Cannelloni with Chicken, Spinach and Artichokes
Cannelloni with Chicken, Spinach, and Artichokes is an elegant, make-ahead meal perfect for casual entertaining or potluck! Flat, no-boil lasagna noodles make it easy, and you don’t need to boil them!
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Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables is a one-pan meal with rustic elegance that everyone will enjoy! The chicken is rubbed with a lemony butter and herb blend then roasted alongside earthy root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, turnips and shallots.
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Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Butternut Squash Chickpeas and Olives
Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Butternut Squash, Chickpeas and Olives is lovely, budget-friendly, low-stress exotic dinner you’ll love coming home to or serving to guests!
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Nashville Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe
Nashville Style Hot Fried Chicken is famous for its spiciness! One bite and you’ll be hooked! It will become your favorite fried chicken indulgence for dinner or your next picnic!
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Chicken Marsala Meatballs with Baked Parmesan Polenta
Chicken Marsala Meatballs with Baked Parmesan Polenta is a fun twist on classic Chicken Marsala. It’s comforting, delicious and is sure to bring a taste of Italy to your table!
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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Sauce
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Sauce is perfect for a small-scale holiday or a nice family dinner any day of the year. Best of all, it's easy and totally make-ahead!
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Roast Turkey Breast with Traditional Stuffing
Roast Turkey Breast with Traditional Stuffing is perfect if you're a Thanksgiving novice, have picky eaters or are doing a small-scale Thanksgiving. It's as showstopping as a whole turkey! Best of all, you can get it prepped the night before and it cooks in a fraction of the time it takes to roast a whole turkey.
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Turkey Scallopini in Sherry Cream Sauce with Mushrooms and Artichokes
Turkey Scallopini in Sherry Cream Sauce with Mushrooms and Artichokes is a lovely entree that's easy to prepare! It's perfect for any occasion at any time of year! This dish combines tender turkey cutlets with a rich and velvety sherry cream sauce, enhanced by earthy mushrooms and the subtle tang of artichokes. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
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Seafood Recipes
The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe
This beloved New Orleans dish is super easy to make, doesn't require a roux, and can be on the table in about 45 minutes for a taste of the Big Easy any night!
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Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe
Creamy Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole with rice has a Southern flair and is an elegant, luxurious dish suitable for the holidays, dinner parties or for any special occasion.
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Brown Rice Shrimp Paella with Chorizo
Brown Rice Shrimp Paella with Chorizo is a whole-grain, healthier twist on classic paella! The recipe makes a big batch so it's perfect for a big family dinner or for a casual gathering with friends.
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Low Carb Jambalaya with Chicken Shrimp and Sausage
Low Carb Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage is a healthful and nutritious twist on the New Orleans classic that's made with cauliflower "rice."
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Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese
Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese is the South's perfect comfort food. Here, it's made into an easy-to-make and make-ahead casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The creamy grits, Gouda cheese, and a kick of heat make this dish a crowd-pleaser!
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What to Serve with Sunday Dinner:
- 30 Best Potato Side Dish Recipes
- Beans, Rice and Grain Side Dishes
- Potato Side Dishes
- Salad Side Dishes
- Vegetable Side Dishes
More Great Recipe Collections!
- 30 Best Bone-In Chicken Thigh Recipes
- 30 Best Mediterranean Fish Recipes
- 35 Date Night Dinners Easy Enough for a Weeknight
- 30 Best Brussels Sprouts Recipes
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