45 Best Sunday Dinner Ideas (Easy & Delicious)

Sundays are a perfect day to spend some time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than to enjoy a delicious meal together? 

However, catering to multiple people can sometimes be overwhelming. This is especially the case if your weekends are super busy. 

If this is the case, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve written a list of the 45 best Sunday dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for something super quick and easy, or want to show off your skills, there is something for everyone. Check it out below.

1. Lasagne with Meat Sauce 

We just had to kick this list off with a classic, tried-and-tested recipe. Lasagna is the perfect Sunday dinner dish! It cooks in just one pot and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. What could be better? 

Thanks to the use of no-boil noodles, this recipe, in particular, is perfect for busy families. It is also loaded with pork meat sauce, three different kinds of cheese, spinach, and any other veggies that you fancy throwing in!

2. Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Supper 

If you’re looking for a recipe that is quick, healthy, tasty, and minimal effort, you have to try this Italian Chicken Sheet Pan dish! It’s also the perfect recipe if you’re trying to encourage your family to eat more veggies. 

This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, and the ingredients list consists of a lot of items that you likely already have sitting in your cupboard. As such, this is an ideal recipe if you are in need of an easy Sunday evening meal.  

3. Instant Pot Pot Roast 

Our favorite Sunday dinners tend to be the ones that can be cooked in an Instant Pot. They require little preparation and always come out tasting incredible! This Instant Pot Pot Roast (try to say it 5 times fast!) is absolutely no exception. 

For this recipe, you need just five minutes to prep the ingredients. Then, once they are combined in the Instant Pot, they need to cook for around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It really is that simple! In addition to being low-maintenance, this dish is also mouth-wateringly good. 

4. Coq au Vin Rosé

If you’re in need of a dish that will warm your soul on a cold, winter weekend, look no further than this Coq au Vin recipe. Putting a twist on the classic dish, this crowd-pleaser is packed with mushrooms, bacon, and general goodness! 

This recipe is just absolutely divine. The chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, and the sauce is bursting with flavor. Although this dish is delicious on its own, with a side of crusty bread, we love serving it with some braised green veggies like kale or swiss chard. 

5. 5 Minute Buffalo Chicken Wraps 

Sometimes, the last thing you want to do on a Sunday afternoon is make a huge meal. If this is the case, why not make some tasty wraps? They are quick, super tasty, and can be enjoyed with some quick, oven-cooked chips. 

This recipe is a great way of using up any leftover chicken that you cooked in the week. All you need to do is combine the chicken with some buffalo sauce (from a jar or homemade), and wrap it up with some shredded lettuce and blue cheese sauce! 

6. One Pan Beef Stroganoff

If you’re looking for a super cozy meal with minimal fuss, you have to give this recipe a try. Calm Sunday evenings are made all the better with this super creamy beef stroganoff. We believe it should be a staple in every household!

This recipe is a casual twist on the classic American-style stroganoff. The combination of ground beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a super-rich sauce is sure to be a winner, even for the pickiest of eaters! 

7. Kung Pao Chicken 

Cutting down on takeaway dinners can be tricky, especially on the weekend. We get it, you’re exhausted and fancy something tasty and easy! However, this Kung Pao Chicken recipe is so delicious and simple that you’ll never be able to justify a takeaway again!

This recipe is also significantly healthier than its takeaway counterpart, and, dare we say it, tastes way better too! The sauce is mildly spicy, salty, sweet, vinegary, and incredibly addictive! We love this dish with either rice or egg noodles. 

8. Enchiladas 

If you’re getting a bit sick and tired of the same old meals, but are also a little intimidated by new cuisines, we recommend that you try incorporating some Mexican dishes into your rotation. In particular, enchiladas are bursting with flavor and super easy to make.

These chicken enchiladas make for a perfect family dinner on a Sunday evening. You can prep the chicken and make the homemade enchilada sauce a day or two ahead of time so that your Sunday can be stress-free but still bursting with flavor. 

9. Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet

Skillet meals are some of our favorite meals to make. They can be cooked with one pan, and tend to be bursting with flavor. This Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet is no exception! Be sure to give it a try for a nutritious but comforting Sunday dinner. 

For this recipe, the only seasoning you need is garlic salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. However, don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the flavors. They work really well with the broth and veggies to make for a flavor-packed dish. 

10. Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops 

Cooking for friends or family on the weekend can be a really lovely way to socialize. However, it can also be quite intimidating. If you want to knock the socks off any weekend dinner guests, you should definitely give these scallops a try!

Although scallops might seem intimidating, this recipe is super easy! The ingredients necessary are fresh, simple, and minimal, and the scallops don’t take very long to cook at all. Despite the simplicity, your guests are sure to be amazed by your culinary skills! 

11. Traditional Chicken Curry 

If you are looking for a hearty, filling dinner that is absolutely packed with flavor, why not make a curry on a Sunday afternoon? Despite the complexity of the flavors, you can knock out a good curry in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love? 

This Traditional Chicken Curry recipe is a perfect weekend dinner. It is worth noting that, if you don’t cook Indian food often, you might need to buy some extra spices. However, we assure you that it is definitely worth the extra effort! 

12. Doubly Cheesy Meatball Bake 

Come rain or shine, we absolutely love a meatball dish. They are indulgent, comforting, and are certain to please everyone. If you’re looking for an Italian-style dish to satisfy every member of the family on a Sunday evening, you have to give this one a try!

This Cheesy Meatball Bake is the perfect family sharing dish. The juiciness of the meatballs is incredible and the rich tomato sauce is full of decadence and flavor. We recommend really going a bit overboard with the cheese if you fancy some extra indulgence. 

13. Veggie Stir Fry 

So, it’s a Sunday evening. You’re exhausted, you’re trying to get ready for the upcoming week, and now you have to make dinner too. In these instances, anything quick and unhealthy looks very tempting. However, we cannot recommend a veggie stir fry enough. 

This recipe is particularly great for such instances. It is unbelievably healthy, incredibly delicious, and takes next to no time to make. It works well with noodles, however, if you have any leftover rice, this recipe gives you a chance to use it up!

14. Bowtie Chicken Alfredo 

If you’re a lover of Italian pasta dishes, but don’t have the time or energy to deal with multiple pots and pans, why not try cooking everything in a single skillet? This Bowtie Chicken Alfredo recipe is a super-quick skillet version of the Italian classic, and it’s just as delicious!

This creamy pasta dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The chicken is wonderfully tender, and the sauce is packed with flavor. We recommend serving it with some super crusty, high-quality garlic bread. 

15. Spice-Rubbed Grilled Chicken 

If you’re anything like us, on the weekend, you crave fried chicken. However, on a Sunday afternoon, it is sometimes hard to justify such an unhealthy meal. If you fancy putting a healthy spin on your favorite chicken dish, you should try grilling it instead! 

This Spice-Rubbed Grilled Chicken is so great for instances such as these. It is super easy, healthy, and absolutely full of flavor. You can also marinate the chicken a day in advance if you want to make your Sunday dinner even more relaxed and delicious! 

16. One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper

Pork chops are a family favorite, and it’s not hard to see why! They are super tender, full of flavor, and are suitable for a lot of different occasions. If you fancy treating your family to a pork chop Sunday dinner, you have to give this One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper recipe a try!

This recipe is absolutely delicious and only takes a total of 40 minutes to make (10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes to cook). The ingredients list is also quite short, however, we do recommend you include the optional black pepper and fresh parsley to make it great. 

17. Citrus-Mustard Roasted Chicken 

Nothing screams ‘Sunday dinner’ like the smell of chicken roasting away in the oven. It fills the whole house and gets everyone excited. It is also the perfect way to set yourself up for the week as you can use the leftovers for work lunches! What could be better? 

This citrus-mustard roasted chicken puts a spin on a classic, homely dish. The addition of zesty flavors makes an otherwise very meaty dish feel light and delicious. It can be served with pretty much anything, but we love this chicken with some roasted Mediterranean veg!

18. One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup 

If you’re looking for a hot, comforting meal to warm your heart on a cold, winter weekend, roasted tomato soup is a great shout! It is not only wonderfully rich and warming but it’s also so full of goodness!

This One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup is our favorite soup recipe of all time. It is simple and easy, but the flavor produced by roasting the vegetables is just to die for! We recommend serving it with some super cheesy toasties.

19. Easy Vegan Baked Ziti 

Whether you’re cooking for people with meat and dairy dietary requirements, or just fancy dipping your toe into the healthy, plant-based world, this Easy Vegan Baked Ziti recipe is a great place to start.

This recipe is especially great if you need to serve a low-maintenance, healthy, vegan dish. In the recipe, it suggests that you use some store-bought marinara sauce to save time and effort. However, if you can, we recommend you try making one yourself!

20. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Pasta dishes have to be one of the best meals to have on a Sunday evening. However, they can sometimes be quite time-consuming. If you need a quick but delicious pasta dish, you should definitely check out this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe. 

Don’t be fooled by the name (and don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either!), this dish is unbelievably simple. It requires very few ingredients, can be made up in the time it takes for spaghetti to cook, and is absolutely bursting with flavor! 

21. Grilled Vegetable Skewers 

If you’re looking for a quick, fresh, healthy, and delicious dish to enjoy on a warm Sunday evening, why not consider grilled skewers? They are a great way to get some veggies into your diet, and you can add or take away any ingredients you fancy!

These Grilled Vegetable Skewers are particularly great. They are colorful, varied, and make for a great vegan side dish. They are also very easy to make. You just need to make sure that you cut all of the ingredients to a similar size so that they cook evenly. 

22. Portobello Mushroom Burger

Catering for both meat-eaters and vegetarians can be a bit of a minefield. If you’re looking for a meal that will satisfy the whole family, regardless of whether they’re plant-based or not, you should definitely give these Portobello Mushroom Burgers a try!

Making your own burgers can feel a little intimidating, but these mushroom burgers are super quick and easy to make! You need just 6 ingredients and 20 minutes, and the payoff is amazing. They taste juicy and meaty, despite their 100% veggie status. 

23. Beef Stir Fry 

A stir fry is the perfect Sunday dinner. They are full of veggies, are healthy, and can be made super quickly! If this sounds up your street, you should give this Beef Stir Fry recipe a go. The marinated beef adds a more indulgent feel to an otherwise very economical dish. 

This recipe is particularly great if you’re trying to avoid ordering your favorite stir-fried beef dish from your local Chinese takeaway. It is just as delicious (if not more!), significantly healthier, and will be ready to eat much quicker than a takeaway! 

24. Healthy Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a staple in most households. However, it can feel very heavy and unhealthy. If you fancy treating your family to a more nutritious version of the classic dish this Sunday evening, be sure to give this recipe a try!

In this recipe, copious amounts of dairy are swapped out for lighter options that have a far lower fat content. Although, you don’t need to worry, this recipe doesn’t compromise on flavor at all! It is still as comforting and delicious as its calorific counterpart. 

25. Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Sometimes, all you want on a Sunday evening is an indulgent, meaty, creamy pasta dish. If this is the case, you just have to try this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe. It is so divine, it’s definitely one of our all-time favorites!

This recipe is bursting with flavor and decadence, but takes very little time to put together! The chicken is wonderfully tender and worlds wonderfully well with the simple but effective list of herbs and spices. We also enjoy throwing in any leftover green veg we have! 

26. Instant Pot Risotto with Parmesan 

When people think of Italian food, they tend to think of pasta and pizza. However, we think that risotto is one of the most underrated Italian dishes out there. It is delicious, easy to make, and super versatile! 

This risotto, in particular, is perfect for a quick but luxurious Sunday dinner. You simply need to combine the ingredients in an Instant Pot and then let it do its thing! If you have any extra green veggies, feel free to throw those in too. 

27. Easy Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach and Broccoli 

A traditional lasagna is a great option for a weekend dinner. However, the excess of beef can make it feel quite heavy and unhealthy. If you want to put a lighter spin on this classic, you should definitely try this Easy Vegetarian Lasagne with Spinach and Broccoli.

Don’t let the lack of meat fool you, this lasagne is still incredibly filling, and will leave the whole family feeling satisfied. The addition of spinach and broccoli also means that this dish is a great way to add some extra veggies to your family’s diet. 

28. Sausage and White Bean Bake 

If you’re anything like us, you might struggle to find time to plan for a Sunday dinner. If this is the case, why not opt for a recipe that throws together everything you likely already have in the kitchen? This Sausage and White Bean Bake is perfect for such occasions! 

This recipe consists of just sausages, beans, tomatoes, stock, and a few basic herbs, but it is absolutely packed with flavor and nutrition! This dish can be served with pretty much anything, but we love it with some super creamy mashed potatoes. 

29. Spanish Chicken and Rice 

Spanish food is always a crowd-pleaser. It is made with super fresh ingredients, is bursting with flavor, and always does a good job at leaving you feeling completely satisfied. What could be better than that on a lazy summer evening? 

This recipe, in particular, is sure to be a great option for the whole family. It is a total delight for the taste buds and is cooked using just one pot! What more could you want? We recommend adding some extra olives and parsley at the end for a real flavor explosion. 

30. Beef Roast Dinner 

In our humble opinion, there is no meal more appropriate for a Sunday dinner than roast beef. When cooked well, it is incredibly tender, full of flavor, and can be eaten with an array of other delightful foods. 

This recipe calls for slow-cooking the beef, which is excellent for anyone who spends their Sunday in the house. However, that isn’t to say that you have to sit by the oven all day. Simply combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and leave them to cook for around 7 hours!

31. Pot Roast with Asain Black Bean Sauce 

If you’re a fan of roast beef and stir-fried beef with black bean sauce, why not marry the two together? The combination of slow-roasted beef and a black bean sauce is just divine, and perfect for a Sunday dinner!

This recipe is particularly low maintenance and has a surprisingly simple ingredients list. However, you will need Asain black bean sauce. Whilst it is perfectly fine to buy this from the store, if you’re feeling ambitious we recommend you try to make your own!

32. Classic Shepherd’s Pie

For us, nothing is more comforting than a homemade pie. Although Shepherd’s pie might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of pies, it sure is a great option for a family Sunday dinner. 

This recipe might be a little more effort than others on this list. However, we promise you that it is 100% worth the extra work. The combination of creamy mashed potato, succulent lamb mince, and a rich, veggie-laden sauce is sure to satisfy everyone!

33. Firecracker Tofu 

If you’re dipping your toe into the world of veganism, we applaud you! In the beginning, it can feel as if all of the delicious foods you used to enjoy are now unavailable. However, this is not the case. This Firecracker Tofu recipe will have you drooling! 

Don’t listen to anyone who says that tofu is difficult to get right. This recipe will give you everything you need to ensure that you make it perfectly every time! Just make sure you set aside enough time to press the tofu before you begin to cook. 

34. One Pan Chicken and Potatoes 

One-pan meals are an absolute Godsend on super busy, or even, super lazy days! If you want to spend your Sunday lounging about (no judgments, that’s what we plan to do too), then you should definitely give this one-pan chicken and potato recipe a try. 

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner. Chicken and potatoes are a tried-and-tested combination that is always sure to please everyone around the table. It is also super cost-effective, and customizable! What more could you want?

35. Chicken Burritos

Burritos are the ultimate wraps. They are packed with so many wonderful fresh ingredients, and are completely customizable! They are also very easy to make, especially if you prepare in advance. As such, we think that they make for the perfect Sunday dinner. 

This recipe is made for busy people! You can meal prep up to 17 chicken burritos using an Instant Pot or stove. You just need to freeze or refrigerate the cooked chicken until you’re ready to use it. 

36. 5 Minute Tacos

Keeping in line with the Mexican theme above, if you’re looking for a super quick but uber tasty dish, you need to try these 5-minute tacos! Yes, 5 minutes sounds a little too good to be true, but we promise you, this recipe really delivers.

The best thing about this recipe is just how customizable it is. The recipe calls for filling the tacos with chorizo-style eggs, however, you can use pretty much anything you want! We love using chicken for a healthier (but still meaty) version of classic ground beef tacos. 

37. Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Every once in a blue moon, you might find yourself well-rested, energized, and looking forward to cooking a delicious meal on a Sunday afternoon. If this is the case, we cannot recommend this salmon and asparagus recipe enough!

This recipe is very simple, but its elegance will make your Sunday feel extra fancy. The most important thing to consider is actually the asparagus. Be sure that you buy the thinnest asparagus you can find in the store, as these work far better with the dish.

38. Sheet Pan Quesadillas 

If you’re looking for a dish that the family can dip into as they please, quesadillas are a great option. In fact, this recipe is perfect if you expect any casual guests on a Sunday afternoon, as it is always a winner! 

This recipe is perfect if you need to make a big batch of food on the weekend. By cooking them on a sheet pan, you can make as many quesadillas as you need, and they come out with a beautifully crisp exterior and wonderfully hot and tender middle. 

39. Southern Fried Chicken 

If it’s one of those weekends, and you’re in desperate need of something hearty, salty, and preferably fried, you need to check out this southern fried chicken recipe. It is our favorite fried chicken recipe and is sure to please whoever you’re cooking for!

Although this recipe is fairly simple to follow, everything on the ingredients list is pretty non-negotiable. Although sourcing these ingredients might be a little bit annoying, we can assure you that it is definitely worth the extra effort. 

40. Chicken Pot Pie 

Chicken pot pie has to be the ultimate comfort meal. The combination of flaky, buttery pastry with succulent chicken, tender veggies, and a super-rich sauce is mouth-wateringly good. Check out this recipe if that sounds like your idea of heaven on a Sunday afternoon! 

This recipe is great because, not only is it super easy to follow, but it also gives you a huge number of tips and tricks to help you produce the best pie every single time. If you want to save some extra time, we recommend buying a store-bought crust! 

41. Wendy’s Chili 

Chili is the perfect dish if you want spice, nutrition, flavor, and warmth. What could be better on a Sunday evening? We also love how versatile chili is – you can eat it with rice, potatoes, or even by its self with some crusty bread!

Wendy’s Chili is the best of the best. Honestly, just a few spoonfuls can turn a rubbish day into a perfect one. For the best results, make sure you use fresh beef and top the chili off with an excess of cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits!

42. Homemade Sloppy Joes 

If you’re looking for a dish that replicates fast food but in a healthier, fresher manner, you should try making these Homemade Sloppy Joes. They are perfect for lazy Sunday dinners and are sure to please both children and adults alike. 

This recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes and requires a fairly simple list of ingredients. In fact, a lot of them are likely to be already sitting in your pantry. For the best results, make sure to use a high-quality bun, this will make all the difference!

43. Slow Cooker Meatloaf 

Meatloaf is a staple in most households. However, on a Sunday afternoon, meatloaf might feel a little out of reach. If you fancy the dish without the fuss, you should check out this slow cooker meatloaf recipe!

This meatloaf is honestly to die for. It is full of flavor, tender, and is super succulent. Although, it is the sweet, tangy brown sugar and ketchup glaze that makes this recipe stand out. To make things even easier, most of the ingredients are also pantry staples!

44. East One-Pot American Goulash 

American Goulash is one of the easiest, but most delicious one-pot recipes. It is classic comfort food that can, and should be, enjoyed all year round! This recipe is great for Sunday dinner because any leftovers can be stored in the fridge and eaten for lunch in the week. 

This recipe is particularly familiar and comforting. It is made with simple ingredients, and is absolutely perfect for busy, growing families, or anyone who simply loves a cheesy, meaty, rich bowl of food.

45.  Easy Jambalaya 

Finally, we just had to include a Jambalaya recipe in this list. It is quick, easy, and packed full of flavor. It is indulgent comfort food at its absolute best! If you’re looking for a recipe to become a permanent fixture in your weekly schedule, give this recipe a try!

The best thing about this recipe is its many potential iterations. Once you have the basic ingredients down, you can pretty much add whatever you want! This is ideal if you want to try and sneak some more veggies into your family’s diet. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good cheap dinner foods? 

If you’re a bit strapped for cash or are simply looking to save some money where you can, we recommend opting for recipes that include simple pantry staples. This is because it is likely that you will either already own these, or if you need to buy them, you will be able to use them for many other recipes. 

In general, one-pot, Instant Pot, or skillet meals tend to be more economical than others. These recipes also tend to be meal-prep friendly, meaning that they might last you a few days or even a few weeks (if you freeze leftovers). Ultimately, the key to economical meals is excellent planning and preparation!

What should be included in a quality dinner? 

In a quality main meal, there are generally four things you need to include: 

1. A portion of protein. 

This can be meat, fish, or an alternative. 

2. A portion of carbohydrates. 

Popular carbohydrates are foods such as pasta, bread, rice, and noodles. However, healthier options include whole grain bread, grain products, starchy vegetables, or legumes. 

3. A portion of vegetables. 

This is the colorful part of your dish. It might be made up of foods such as grilled veggies or a bright salad. However, in some dishes, such as pasta dishes, the vegetables might be included in the sauce. 

What can I cook if I don’t have much time? 

If you’re strapped for time, not to worry! There are still plenty of things you can cook. The most important thing is to look out for recipes that can be prepped or partially cooked in advance. 

If this isn’t possible, we recommend that you keep an eye out for slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes. These require very little effort and preparation and can be left to cook for a few hours as you complete any tasks you need to get done. 

Conclusion 

Sundays are a great time for the family to get together and enjoy some good food. We hope that this list of the 45 best Sunday dinner ideas has inspired you!