Sunday Dinner Ideas For Making Your Holiday Fruitful

Introduction

I’ve been cooking Sunday dinners for my family for over five decades now, and I can tell you that there’s something truly special about preparing a home-cooked meal on a Sunday afternoon. There’s no rush, no stress, just the simple joy of creating something delicious that brings everyone to the table. I remember my mother making these meals when I was growing up, and now I’m passing the tradition down to my grandchildren.

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Sunday dinner isn’t just about the food, though. It’s about the time you spend in the kitchen, the aroma that fills your home, and the smiles on your family’s faces when they sit down to eat. Over my years in the kitchen, I’ve perfected these twelve classic recipes that have become family favorites. These are the dishes that people ask me about at gatherings, the ones my children request when they visit, and the meals that make everyone feel at home.

Whether you’re cooking for two people or a full table, these recipes are straightforward and rewarding. I’ve made each one dozens of times, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. Let’s dive into the recipes that have made my Sunday dinners legendary.

Quick Glance: Your 12 Sunday Dinner Recipes

1. Roast Chicken with Vegetables

When I was first learning to cook, roast chicken was the one dish my grandmother always made on Sundays. I’ve watched her prepare it hundreds of times, and now I make it the same way she did. The secret is getting the skin golden and crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. I like to roast my chicken with root vegetables that soak up all those beautiful natural juices.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (5-6 pounds)
• 4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 3 large carrots, cut into pieces
• 2 medium onions, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
• Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
• Arrange potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic around the chicken.
• Drizzle the vegetables with a bit more oil and season them too.
• Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

2. Baked Ham with Glaze

I discovered this recipe about thirty years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. The glaze gets sticky and caramelized in the oven, creating this wonderful crust on the outside while the meat stays moist inside. I usually make this for larger gatherings because it feeds a crowd and looks impressive on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 20-30 whole cloves

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern.
• Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan with 1/4 cup water.
• Mix brown sugar, honey, vinegar, mustard powder, and ginger together in a bowl.
• Brush this glaze over the ham generously.
• Insert cloves into the diamond cuts.
• Bake for about 2 hours, basting with glaze every 20 minutes.
• Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

3. Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

This is comfort food at its best, and I’ve been making it since my kids were small. There’s something about a good meatloaf that just says home to me. I make it with a simple tomato-based sauce on top, and I always serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy. My grandchildren still ask me to make this when they visit.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For topping: 1/2 cup ketchup mixed with 2 tablespoons brown sugar

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, onion, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Press the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
• Mix ketchup and brown sugar for the topping, then spread it over the meatloaf.
• Bake for about 1 hour until fully cooked.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

4. Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes

I remember my mother spending all day making pot roast. The house would smell amazing by dinnertime. I’ve adapted her recipe over the years, and now I can make it faster without losing any of that deep, rich flavor. This is definitely a weekend meal, though, because it takes time to develop those wonderful flavors.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
• 4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 4 large carrots, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat oil in a large pot and brown the roast on all sides.
• Remove the roast and add onion and garlic to the pot.
• Add broth and water, then return the roast to the pot.
• Cover and place in the oven for 2 hours.
• Add potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
• Cover and return to oven for 1 more hour until vegetables are tender.

5. Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding

This is a classic British Sunday dinner that I fell in love with years ago. The Yorkshire pudding is the star of the show for me. When it comes out of the oven, all puffy and golden, it just makes everyone smile. I’ve made this so many times that I can almost do it without a recipe now, but I always double-check the oven temperature to get those puddings perfect.

Ingredients for Beef

• 3-4 pound beef roast
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Ingredients for Yorkshire Pudding

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for the pan

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the pudding.
• Season the roast with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
• Heat oil in a roasting pan and brown the roast.
• Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes for medium-rare.
• For pudding, whisk flour, milk, eggs, and salt until smooth.
• Remove roast and raise oven to 500 degrees.
• Pour batter into hot oiled muffin tins.
• Bake puddings for 15-20 minutes until they’re puffy and golden.

6. Stuffed Meat Loin

I created this recipe myself about twenty years ago by combining a few techniques I learned from cooking magazines. It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for a regular Sunday. The stuffing makes it feel special, and the meat stays incredibly juicy when you cook it this way.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pound meat loin
• 2 cups bread cubes
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking

How to Make It

• Prepare stuffing by sautéing onion and mushrooms in butter.
• Mix in bread cubes, eggs, sage, salt, and pepper.
• Create a pocket in the loin and fill it with stuffing.
• Tie closed with kitchen twine.
• Sear the loin in oil in a hot pan.
• Place in a 375-degree oven for 40 minutes.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

This is my go-to recipe when I want something that tastes fancy but doesn’t require a lot of fussing around. The lemon keeps the meat moist and adds brightness to the flavor. I love serving this with fresh vegetables in the summer when lemons are at their best.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (5 pounds)
• 3 lemons, halved
• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
• Rub the outside with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Place on a roasting pan.
• Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes until the skin is golden.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

8. Garlic Butter Roast Beef

I’ve made this recipe so many times that I could probably do it blindfolded at this point. The garlic butter keeps the beef moist and creates a delicious crust. This is perfect when you want something simple but absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 pound beef roast
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make It

• Mix butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme together.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat oil in a pan and sear the roast on all sides.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture over the roast.
• Place in the oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Baste with pan juices every 20 minutes.
• Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

9. Sunday Roast Lamb

Lamb has such a wonderful flavor, and I love making this for special Sunday dinners. The mint and rosemary complement the lamb beautifully. It’s a bit more elegant than some of the other recipes, which makes it perfect when you want to feel like you’ve really created something special.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound lamb roast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup lamb or vegetable broth

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rub the lamb with oil, garlic, rosemary, mint, salt, and pepper.
• Place in a roasting pan and pour broth around it.
• Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes for medium.
• Baste occasionally with pan juices.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

10. Classic Chicken Casserole

This is the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks and family gatherings. I’ve been making it since my early cooking days, and it’s still one of my favorite comfort foods. There’s something satisfying about a creamy, cheesy casserole that comes straight out of the oven.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix chicken, noodles, broth, soup, cheese, peas, and onion in a bowl.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour into a greased casserole dish.
• Mix bread crumbs with melted butter.
• Sprinkle over the top.
• Bake for about 50 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

11. Baked Turkey with Cranberry Sauce

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving in my house. I love making it for Sunday dinner because it’s so versatile and delicious. The cranberry sauce adds a nice tart contrast to the rich turkey meat.

Ingredients

• 10-12 pound turkey
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 2 cups chicken broth

For Cranberry Sauce

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 orange, zest and juice

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rub turkey inside and out with butter, salt, pepper, and sage.
• Place in a roasting pan with broth.
• Roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
• For sauce, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and juice in a pot.
• Simmer for 15 minutes until cranberries burst.
• Let turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

12. Meat Tenderloin with Apple Sauce

This is a more elegant option when you want to feel a bit fancy on Sunday evening. The apple sauce pairs beautifully with the meat, creating a sweet and savory combination that my family absolutely loves.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pound meat tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme

For Apple Sauce

• 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Season tenderloin with salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Sear in hot oil on all sides.
• Place in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
• For sauce, combine apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pot.
• Simmer for 10 minutes until apples are soft.
• Mash or leave chunky, your preference.
• Let meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

205+ Sunday Dinner Ideas Recipes List

Classic Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Roast Chicken with Vegetables
• Baked Ham with Glaze
• Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
• Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
• Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding
• Stuffed Pork Loin
• Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
• Garlic Butter Roast Beef
• Sunday Roast Lamb
• Classic Chicken Casserole
• Baked Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
• Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauce
• Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
• Classic Beef Stew
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Roast Duck with Orange Sauce
• Braised Short Ribs
• Beef Wellington
• Roast Prime Rib

Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Fried Chicken with Collard Greens
• Mac and Cheese Casserole
• Candied Yams
• Cornbread and Honey Butter
• Smothered Pork Chops
• Black Eyed Peas with Ham
• Southern Baked Chicken
• Jambalaya
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Cajun Shrimp and Grits
• Chicken and Dumplings
• Southern Meatloaf
• BBQ Ribs with Coleslaw
• Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies
• Collard Greens with Bacon
• Red Beans and Rice
• Southern Corn Pudding
• Chicken Fried Steak
• Buttermilk Biscuits with Gravy
• Smothered Okra and Tomatoes

Family-Friendly Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Baked Ziti
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• Homemade Lasagna
• Meatball Subs
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Chicken Parmesan
• Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
• Tacos for Dinner
• Cheese Stuffed Shells
• Sloppy Joes
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Turkey Meatball Pasta
• Mini Chicken Pot Pies
• Beef Tacos
• Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Easy To Make Sunday Dinner Ideas

• One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Veggies
• Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
• Baked Salmon with Dill
• Easy Chicken Stir Fry
• Simple Pork Chops with Apples
• Quick Chicken Fajitas
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Easy Shrimp Scampi
• Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
• Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
• One-Pot Pasta Primavera
• Easy Chicken Curry
• Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
• Quick Pork Tenderloin
• Lemon Butter Tilapia
• Easy Beef Tacos
• Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Easy Chili
• Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken
• Simple Baked Ziti

Healthy Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad
• Baked Salmon with Veggies
• Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
• Zucchini Noodle Pasta
• Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Quinoa and Veggie Stir Fry
• Roasted Vegetable Platter
• Balsamic Glazed Chicken
• Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
• Lemon Herb Grilled Tilapia
• Turkey and Veggie Meatloaf
• Cauliflower Rice Bowls
• Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
• Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Roasted Salmon with Asparagus
• Veggie Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
• Pesto Zucchini Pasta
• Lentil and Veggie Stew
• Avocado Chicken Salad
• Low Carb Chicken Alfredo

Crockpot Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Crockpot Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Crockpot Chicken Tacos
• Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
• Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Crockpot Chili
• Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
• Slow Cooker Meatballs
• Crockpot Baked Ziti
• Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
• Crockpot Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
• Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
• Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
• Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
• Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Southern Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Shrimp and Grits
• Chicken and Waffles
• Southern Fried Catfish
• Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
• Jambalaya
• Southern Pulled Pork
• Hoppin’ John
• Blackened Chicken
• Cajun Dirty Rice
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Southern Cornbread
• BBQ Brisket
• Pecan Pie
• Southern Collard Greens
• Fried Okra
• Red Beans and Rice
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Biscuits and Gravy
• Southern Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Bog

Summer Sunday Dinner Ideas

• Grilled BBQ Chicken
• Corn on the Cob with Butter
• Grilled Veggie Skewers
• Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp
• Caprese Salad
• Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
• BBQ Burgers
• Watermelon Feta Salad
• Grilled Sausages with Peppers
• Summer Pasta Salad
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Shrimp Tacos
• Grilled Veggie Platter
• Grilled Tilapia with Lemon
• Summer Fruit Salad
• BBQ Ribs
• Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
• Caprese Chicken
• Peach Glazed Chicken
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Sunday Dinner Ideas For Kids

• Chicken Nuggets with Fries
• Mini Pizzas
• Mac and Cheese
• Sloppy Joes
• Spaghetti with Meatballs
• Hot Dogs
• Cheese Quesadillas
• Mini Corn Dogs
• Chicken Tenders
• Cheese and Veggie Pizza
• Meatball Sliders
• Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Mini Taco Cups
• Cheesy Pasta Bake
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Mini Hamburgers
• Cheese Stuffed Shells
• Pizza Pinwheels
• Chicken Drumsticks
• Mini Pita Pizzas

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I prepare these meals?

Most of these recipes can be prepped the night before. You can chop vegetables, mix marinades, and prepare casseroles. Just keep everything covered and refrigerated. When you’re ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since the food will be colder.

What’s the best way to keep meat from drying out?

The main trick is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Also, always let your meat rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Can I make these recipes for smaller groups?

Absolutely. Most of these recipes can be halved easily. Just adjust your ingredient amounts and sometimes the cooking time might be slightly shorter.

What should I serve alongside these main dishes?

Simple is best. I usually serve a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or bread. You don’t want anything too complicated that takes away from your main dish.

How do I know when meat is fully cooked?

Invest in a good meat thermometer. Chicken and turkey should reach 165 degrees, beef medium-rare is 135 degrees, and lamb medium is 145 degrees. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.

Conclusion

Over my fifty years in the kitchen, these twelve recipes have become the foundation of my Sunday dinner tradition. Each one tells a story of family gatherings, learned techniques, and love shared around the dinner table. The beauty of Sunday dinner is that it’s not about being perfect or complicated. It’s about spending time cooking something delicious and sharing it with the people you care about.

Start with one recipe that appeals to you most. Make it a few times until you feel comfortable with it. Then try another. Before long, you’ll have your own collection of Sunday dinner favorites. These meals have brought my family closer together, and I hope they do the same for yours. Happy cooking.