I love Sunday dinners. There’s something that feels so comforting and nostalgic about them. The savory flavors, the smell of Sunday roasts cooking, and sitting down to a big meal on a warm evening brings back so many memories.
And beyond the nostalgia, Sunday dinner ideas are so good for entertaining or just having a quiet dinner at home. You can elevate a dinner party with a recipe like braised short ribs, or keep your Sunday supper simple with something like baked rigatoni.
However you plan on spending your Sunday evening, these traditional recipes and new ideas are a great place to start. So pick a few to try this month and enjoy your Sunday meals.
1. Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast
Crock pot roast beef is a classic when it comes to a traditional Sunday dinner, and that means I’m going to be putting it right up at the front. Also, doesn’t this look so good? I can just imagine it smelling so good after coming back from an outing.
GET THE RECIPE2. Meatball Sub Casserole
I’ve never been a huge fan of subs, but I wouldn’t stop myself from trying this cheesy casserole version of it. Also, this Sunday dinner idea is just 10 minutes of prep and serves 6. So if you’re feeding a family or you just want leftovers for a few days, this is a great option when it comes to Sunday meal ideas.
GET THE RECIPE3. The Perfect Shell Steak
If you love learning the perfect techniques for cooking different kinds of steak, then this tutorial might be what you need for your Sunday dinner. Also, it’s a simple main that can pair with so many sides like mashed or oven-roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, rice, or an elevated salad.
GET THE RECIPE4. Savory Braised Short Ribs
Whether you add wine to the recipe or not, this traditional Sunday dinner looks like it’s going to taste incredible with some creamy mashed potatoes. Also, French recipes hit hard when it comes to flavor, so if you want something that you know will taste good, then this is probably your answer.
GET THE RECIPE5. French Onion Pasta
I’m a huge fan of French onion soup and pasta, so I would have no hesitation in trying this combo. This recipe is a bit more of a process, but it honestly looks and sounds worth it. With white wine, butter, thyme, cheese, and other tasty ingredients, you know it’ll taste amazing.
GET THE RECIPE6. Baked Rigatoni With Meat Sauce
Baked pasta dishes are always a good idea. You get these nice hot, cheesy, tangy recipes with amazing texture and I’m all for it.
Also, if you’re creating a list of easy Sunday dinner ideas, then this should be on the list. It is 20 minutes of prep, but the steps aren’t complex, and the oven does the rest of the work.
GET THE RECIPE7. Dutch Oven Chili
I’m always gonna be happy if someone serves me a big hot steaming bowl of chili, and especially if cornbread is involved. Also, this is perfect for those lazy Sunday dinners when you want something cozy on a cold evening. And if you’re making it on a Sunday, then it can probably be enjoyed all throughout the next week.
GET THE RECIPE8. Slow-Braised Lamb Ragu
Ragu is probably one of the best Sunday night dinner ideas. And with wine, lamb, herbs, and pancetta, you know the flavors are gonna be incredible.
I’ve made beef ragu before and it was a hit, but I feel like this version with lamb and mafaldine pasta is definitely leveled up.
Side Note: Another great option is polenta for a side!
GET THE RECIPE9. Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Pork chops are another classic Sunday dinner, and with brown sugar, butter, and garlic, this recipe has kind of won my heart. Also, it’s ready in just 35 minutes which means you’ll have dinner on the table pretty fast.
GET THE RECIPE10. Classic Stuffed Shells
If you’re craving Italian food and cheesy pasta goodness, then this recipe is calling your name the next time Sunday rolls around.
Also, you can make this a day ahead of time so you don’t have to do any cooking on a Sunday and you can just relax. So if you’re looking for make-ahead options, then this might be a good one to try this week.
GET THE RECIPE11. Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
This one is packed with some good spices and ingredients, so I think it might just be worth it to try this version of a pot roast!
And if you’re a fan of peppers, tasty ranch goodness, and creamy gravy, then this is a good recipe to enjoy during the slowness of a Sunday afternoon.
GET THE RECIPE12. Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Another Sunday dinner recipe that’s complete comfort food!
I’ve personally always loved cheese and broccoli soup, so this rice casserole version sounds amazing (and not so healthy).
GET THE RECIPE13. Gluten Free Lasagna (Gluten Free Optional)
Whether you’re on a gluten-free diet or not, this cheesy lasagna pasta recipe is calling your name! It’s layered with ground Italian sausage, three different types of cheese, spices, and so much more. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
GET THE RECIPE14. Slow Cooker Pork Roast
This time I’m giving you a pork roast recipe just in case you’re not feeling like beef.
It’s an amazing meal for enjoying tender, savory potatoes and carrots, and extra tender pork. It’s honestly a great recipe for a slow Sunday afternoon.
GET THE RECIPE15. Lemon Chicken Pasta
Now if you’re in the mood for something that’s a bit more light and fresh, then this might be a good one to make as spring or summer comes (or just because).
Also, I feel like it’s one of those recipes you make when you want something special on the weekends. With satisfying, long noodles, and savory, tangy chicken, it’s perfect for a small gathering.
GET THE RECIPE16. One Skillet Meatballs & Gnocchi
It’s one skillet which means super easy, and meatballs and gnocchi which means satisfyingly delicious. I don’t know how you couldn’t want to try this.
Also, I feel like gnocchi is a low-lift way to elevate nearly any recipe, so if you kind of wanna feel like Martha Stewart, then this is nice one to make for your Sunday dinner.
GET THE RECIPE17. Easy Cast Iron Whole Roasted Chicken
Something about cooking a whole chicken stuffed with yummy goodness in a skillet would make me feel like I was one of those chefs writing for a food magazine.
Also, I feel like the shallots and apples would really taste amazing after being cooked and soaked in the chicken juices.
GET THE RECIPE18. Baked Beef Cannelloni
More hearty, meaty, cheesy pasta dishes for your Sunday dinner! It’s the kind of recipe you make when you really wanna make sure everyone is satisfied.
GET THE RECIPE19. Spaghetti Casserole
I’ve never had a spaghetti bake, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying this one. I mean if you can bake other types of pasta, I don’t know why this wouldn’t turn out as equally as good!
GET THE RECIPE20. Herbs de Provence Roast Chicken With White Wine Pan Sauce
Another chicken recipe, but this time it’s French. Also, something feels very gourmet about cooking a French chicken recipe on a Sunday afternoon. And with wine, butter, and garlic, it has to be pretty good!
GET THE RECIPE21. Chicken and Rice Casserole
I feel like a chicken and rice casserole is the definition of comfort food on a slow Sunday afternoon. It’s savory, flavorful, and satisfying.
Also, I think it’s just a great recipe to add to one of those meal plans for lazy cooks. It looks like it might be a dish that’ll last multiple nights which means less cooking.
GET THE RECIPE22. Italian Pork Roast
If you love wonderfully aromatic herbs and recipes that sound like they came out of a Martha Stewart magazine, then this is the lazy Sunday dinner idea for you.
GET THE RECIPE23. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Mediterranean chicken just sounds like it’s packed down with a lot of great flavor. And with tangy olives, lemon, and good aromatics, I think this will pair well with some roasted potatoes or rice.
GET THE RECIPE24. Instant Pot Spaghetti
I’m sorry but 15-minute spaghetti… that looks this good? I’d make this and eat it within seconds. Or at least try to slow it down and enjoy my Sunday meal.
Honestly, it’s the perfect solution for when you want simple ideas for your slow Sunday afternoons and evenings.
Update: Page no longer exists, but here’s a similar recipe for Instant Pot spaghetti.
25. Ham and Navy Bean Soup
I love ham and navy bean soup. It’s ridiculously comforting, satisfying, and flavorful. This soup is also one of those easy and healthy ideas that’s great for simple cooking.
Oh, and if it’s a cold Sunday for you, then this soup will taste extra good!
GET THE RECIPE26. Easy Sweet Potato Lasagna
I’ve had sweet potato lasagna before and I can verify that it is indeed delicious.
Also, this recipe looks like a very nice dinner to sit down to on your day off. With tangy, savory, satisfying layers of pasta, it might just become a repeat.
GET THE RECIPE27. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
A tomato basil chicken dish just feels like a really flavorful and good dinner to make for a Sunday afternoon. Pair it with some rice or thick and long pasta and I think you’re all set.
GET THE RECIPE28. Braised Chicken Thighs
Braised chicken with white wine, garlic, and thyme just sounds like a nice, simple dinner for two on a Sunday evening. Make some mashed potatoes to go with it, and I think you just leveled up the meal.
GET THE RECIPE29. Penne alla Vodka Pasta
If you’re craving pasta (because who isn’t), then this cheesy, tangy Sunday dinner is probably the one you wanna make. Also, it’s just 10 minutes of prep and serves six which means you can have a few people over this Sunday for really good food and conversation.
GET THE RECIPE30. Bourbon Chicken
Besides the fact that the prep time for this dinner is just 5 minutes, this bourbon chicken looks so good! Also, there’s no bourbon involved which means no expensive runs to the store.
GET THE RECIPE31. Pork Sirloin Roast
If you’re craving a tasty roast for your Sunday dinner, then this is probably the recipe to make. And while I know I shared a pork roast earlier, a pork sirloin honestly sounded even better so I knew I couldn’t leave it out. Also, the smells it makes as it cooks are probably fantastic.
GET THE RECIPE32. Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast
I love slow cooker meals on Sundays. The whole house starts to smell amazing, there’s a nice warmth in the kitchen, and you have a nice dinner to look forward to.
It’s honestly perfect for lazy cooking, and especially if you’re looking for Sunday meal ideas for when you don’t wanna cook. Also, this sirloin tip roast just sounds and looks really good!
GET THE RECIPE33. Baked Salmon Fillet
If you’re craving fish, then I think this salmon fillet bake is probably a great idea. Also, you might wanna quickly cut up some potatoes; I think they’ll go pretty well together.
GET THE RECIPE34. Beef Enchilada Pasta
Ok, definitely not healthy, but I couldn’t not add it.
I mean, how do you go wrong with a cheesy, meaty, melty pasta dinner like this? It honestly looks like one of those Sunday dinners that’d be gone in seconds.
GET THE RECIPE35. Marry Me Chicken
Any chicken dish that has the words “marry me” in it, instantly catches my attention. And with ingredients like parmesan, cream, garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes, I’m sold.
GET THE RECIPE36. One Pot Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
I love stroganoff, and this recipe being made with hearty turkey meatballs and a white wine sauce makes it sound eat-worthy.
This is one of those Sunday dinners that looks both hearty and simple to make.
GET THE RECIPE37. Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Herb Risotto
Whether you’re vegan or not, I don’t think it matters. The ingredients to this creamy Sunday dinner look pretty good, and I think it’ll taste great. Also, it’s just 5 minutes of prep which means less time on your feet in the kitchen.
GET THE RECIPE38. Sheet Pan Sausage & Peppers
I grew up eating sausage and veggies for dinner, and this roasted version of the recipe sounds (and looks) pretty darn good. Also, with a short prep time, I think this definitely qualifies as a great Sunday dinner option.
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.