When it comes to Sunday dinners, we often prefer to keep things simple and stress-free. After all, Sundays are meant for relaxation and spending quality time with loved ones.
Whether you’re cooking for a small family gathering or hosting a casual get-together, here are some easy and delicious Sunday dinner ideas to make your weekend meals extra special.
1. Classic Roast Chicken
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a beautifully roasted chicken filling the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon. To achieve a perfectly juicy and flavorful roast chicken, start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Rinse and dry a whole chicken, then rub it all over with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
2. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
If you’re looking for a lighter option that still delivers in terms of flavor, try baking salmon with lemon and dill. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle with dill, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Serve with steamed vegetables and a side of wild rice for a nutritious Sunday dinner.
3. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
For a quick and fuss-free Sunday dinner, try making a one-pot pasta primavera loaded with vibrant vegetables. In a large pot, sauté minced garlic and diced onions in olive oil until fragrant.
Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened. Then, add in your favorite pasta shape along with vegetable broth and water. Simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped fresh basil. This flavorful and colorful dish is a crowd-pleaser every time.
4. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
If you want a melt-in-your-mouth tender meat dish without the effort, a slow cooker pot roast is the way to go. Start by searing a beef chuck roast in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
Transfer the roast to a slow cooker and add in onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, and your choice of seasonings such as thyme and rosemary. Pour in beef broth or red wine for added flavor. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender. Serve this comforting pot roast with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables.
5. Grilled Vegetable Fajitas
For a vegetarian-friendly Sunday dinner, grilled vegetable fajitas are a crowd-pleasing option. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice an assortment of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms into thin strips.
Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and your favorite fajita seasoning. Grill the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. Serve the grilled veggies in warm tortillas with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Add some black beans and Spanish rice for a filling and flavorful meal.
6. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
If you’re craving a comforting and indulgent Sunday dinner, creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is always a winner. Start by cooking your choice of pasta according to the package instructions.
In a separate skillet, cook diced chicken breast until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms with minced garlic until they are golden and fragrant. Add in heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the cooked pasta and chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. This rich and creamy pasta dish will leave your taste buds satisfied.
7. Honey Glazed Ham
A honey glazed ham is a classic Sunday dinner choice that is both effortless and flavorful. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place a fully cooked spiral ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Heat the glaze until it becomes smooth and runny. Brush the ham with the glaze, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Bake the ham for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with roasted potatoes and steamed green beans.
8. Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic Italian-American dish, spaghetti and meatballs will always be a crowd favorite. Start by making your meatballs using a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and an egg.
Roll the mixture into meatballs and cook them in a skillet until browned on all sides. In a separate pot, simmer your favorite marinara sauce until heated through. Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Serve the spaghetti topped with meatballs and marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
9. Beef Stir-Fry
If you’re in the mood for something quick and packed with flavor, a beef stir-fry is the way to go. Slice your favorite cut of beef into thin strips and marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
In a hot skillet or wok, stir-fry thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas until they are crisp-tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the marinated beef until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Add the vegetables back to the skillet and toss everything together.
Serve the beef stir-fry over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
10. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
For a healthy and flavorful Sunday dinner option, try making spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butterfly boneless, skinless chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally, leaving one edge intact.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a bowl, mix together chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. Stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach and feta mixture and secure with toothpicks. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.