I've gathered 38 Sunday dinner recipes that feel like a slow, easy exhale into the weekend. These are the dishes I crave when I want to channel my inner Martha Stewart and set out something that looks as good as it tastes. We're talking cozy aromas, gorgeous roasts, and pastas that comfort you from the inside out.
1. 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.
2. Baked Rigatoni With Meat Sauce
I will never say no to a baked pasta. You get that hot, cheesy, tangy situation with the most incredible crispy edged texture, and I am here for every bite.
This easy Sunday dinner takes about 20 minutes of hands on time, nothing complicated, then the oven takes over. It absolutely belongs on your list.
3. Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This is comfort food through and through. I've always had a soft spot for broccoli cheese soup, so turning those flavors into a hearty rice casserole just makes sense to me. It's rich, cozy, and not pretending to be health food, which is exactly how I like it.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Gluten Free Lasagna (Gluten Free Optional)
Gluten free or not, this cheesy lasagna is absolutely screaming your name. It's layered with Italian sausage, three kinds of cheese, and all the right spices. When you need something deeply hearty and satisfying, this delivers every single time.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. One Skillet Meatballs & Gnocchi
One skillet means easy cleanup, and meatballs with gnocchi means pure, satisfying deliciousness. I honestly don't know how anyone could resist this. Gnocchi always feels like a little upgrade without much extra work, so if you want to channel your inner Martha Stewart, this Sunday dinner is the move.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Lemon Chicken Pasta
When you're craving something light and fresh, maybe as the weather warms up, this lemon chicken pasta is a lovely choice. It feels a little bit special, the kind of thing you pull out for a weekend dinner. Long, satisfying noodles tangled with tangy, savory chicken make it just right for a small gathering.
14. Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Pork chops are such a classic Sunday dinner, and this recipe won me over with brown sugar, butter, and garlic. The sweet and savory combination is just right.
Best part? It's on the table in 35 minutes, so you can have a beautiful meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
15. 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!
16. 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!
17. 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!
18. 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.
19. The Perfect Shell Steak
If you're all about mastering steak techniques, this shell steak tutorial is the Sunday project you didn't know you needed. It's a simple main that goes with just about anything: creamy mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, fluffy rice, or a crisp, dressed up salad. A blank canvas for your favorite sides.
20. 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.
21. Easy Cast Iron Whole Roasted Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken in a cast iron skillet makes me feel like I'm shooting a cover for a food magazine. The shallots and apples tucked inside get all soft and glorious as they soak up the chicken juices. It's a stunning centerpiece that's surprisingly doable.
22. 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!
23. Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
This pot roast is loaded with all the good spices and flavors, and I think it's absolutely worth a try. Peppers, that unmistakable ranch tang, and a creamy gravy come together beautifully. It's the kind of meal you want to linger over on a slow Sunday afternoon.
24. Baked Beef Cannelloni
Here's another one for the hearty, meaty.
25. Meatball Sub Casserole
I'm not usually one to reach for a sub, but this baked, cheesy casserole version definitely has my attention. Ten minutes of prep and it feeds six, so you've got plenty for a family dinner or a few days of leftovers. It's the kind of no fuss Sunday meal that makes everyone happy.
26. French Onion Pasta
I'm head over heels for French onion soup and pasta, so combining them sounds like a no brainer to me. Yes, this one requires a little more love and time, but it's so worth it.
White wine, butter, thyme, and plenty of cheese come together in a way that you just know will taste amazing. Every twirl of noodles is pure gold.
27. 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.
28. Classic Stuffed Shells
When a craving for Italian comfort food hits, these stuffed shells are calling your name. The cheesy pasta goodness is unreal.
You can assemble the whole thing a day ahead, so when Sunday comes around, all you have to do is relax and bake. A total win for make ahead Sundays.
29. Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast
I put a slow cooker beef roast right at the top of my Sunday dinner list every time. Just look at it, all tender and inviting.
I can almost smell it filling the house after a lazy afternoon walk. That aroma alone is pure comfort.
30. 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.
31. Slow Cooker Pork Roast
If beef isn't your thing this Sunday, let me hand you this pork roast instead. The meat turns out impossibly tender, surrounded by savory potatoes and carrots that soak up all the juices. It's practically made for a slow, easy afternoon at home.
32. Savory Braised Short Ribs
Wine or no wine, these braised short ribs are going to taste absolutely incredible, especially spooned next to a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. French inspired dishes always deliver on deep, soul satisfying flavor, and this one is no exception. If you need a sure thing for Sunday, this is it.
33. Dutch Oven Chili
A big steaming bowl of chili makes me genuinely happy, especially with a side of cornbread for dunking. It's exactly what I want on a lazy, cold Sunday when all I need is something cozy. Make a pot today and you'll be eating well all week long.
34. 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. PS – Here are some Sunday breakfast ideas to try this weekend too!
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. Slow-Braised Lamb Ragu
Ragu might just be the ultimate Sunday supper. With wine, tender lamb, herbs, and pancetta, you already know the flavors are going to be incredible.
I've loved beef ragu before, but this lamb version served over mafaldine pasta feels like a serious step up. P.S. a side of creamy polenta is another fantastic move.