71 Cozy Sunday Dinner Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

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Mel Hull, Heather Matley

It’s Sunday night. You’re still relaxing from the previous week while trying to prepare for the next. Coming up with Sunday dinner ideas is probably the last thing you want to do.

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, here are 71 foolproof Sunday dinner recipes for an easy and delicious meal.

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1. Chicken tamales

chicken tamales

Category: Simply and easy

You only need one dish for this chicken tamale recipe, and it only takes 15 minutes to put the ingredients together before putting in the oven to bake. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

2. Parmesan pork chops

Category: Simple and easy

This pork chop recipe only takes 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it a no-brainer for when you need a quick and easy meal. Plus, the Parmesan crust is simple to make, but makes a big impact in the dish!

3. Sweet corn and scallop pasta

A bowl of sweet corn and scallop pasta

Category: Simple and easy

This recipe pairs the nutty flavor of seared scallops with the sweetness of fresh corn. By cooking the scallops until perfectly caramelized, you'll have a gourmet-level, easy Sunday dinner that’s ready in a flash.

4.  Rosemary-garlic pork chops

Category: Simple and easy

Sheet pan recipes are the best for when you’re looking for a quick and simple meal. These pork chops are seasoned with garlic and rosemary and served with a side of chickpeas.

5. Sheet-pan garlicky shrimp and white beans

a cast iron filled with garlicky shrimp and white beans

Category: Simple and easy

This meal takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and requires minimal cleanup since everything — the shrimp, beans and garlic bread — cooks on a single sheet pan. The creamy cannellini beans combined with the savory garlic create a delicious and easy Sunday dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

6. One-pot pasta with ricotta and lemon

Category: Simple and easy

This vibrant pasta dish comes together in the time it takes to boil the noodles. The no-cook sauce is a simple blend of ricotta, Parmesan and lemon, making it one of the best Sunday dinner recipes for a fast and satisfying meal.

7. Italian wedding soup with turkey meatballs

Pressure-cooker vegetable soup

Category: Simple and easy

Made with lean turkey meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth, this classic soup is both hearty and simple. It’s an ideal Sunday dinner when you need a warm, comforting dish that you can quickly whip up for the family.

8. Garlic and brown sugar pork chops

Category: Simple and easy

This dish is a great choice for any gathering, featuring pan-seared pork chops that are finished in the oven and basted in a sticky-sweet sauce. It makes for a flavorful Sunday supper that everyone will love.

9. Shrimp chowder

A bowl of shrimp chowder

Category: Simple and easy

Ready in just an hour, this shrimp chowder is loaded with fresh shrimp, sweet corn and tender potatoes.  It’s extra yummy with focaccia wedges on the side for dipping.

10. Chicken stir-fry

Category: Simple and easy

A stir-fry is perfect for using up any leftover veggies you have from the week, helping you make the most of your grocery budget. Serve with rice or noodles — whatever you have on hand.

11. Parmesan garlic orzo

A bowl of cheesy orzo

Category: Simple and easy

If you’re not making orzo, you’re missing out. The ingredients for this cheesy pasta may be basic, but the orzo brings it to a whole new level.

12. Ground beef quesadillas

Category: Simple and easy

This is a simple yet hearty classic that combines ground beef, melted cheese and toasted tortillas. It's an excellent option when you need something quick, easy and satisfying.

13. Cowboy chili with bell peppers and beans

A small bowl of cowboy chili

Category: Healthy

Cowboy chili is the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly night. Packed with beef, beans and a blend of spices, it's one of our favorite Sunday dinner ideas for family dinners or game nights.

14. Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce

Category: Healthy

This Greek-style meatball medley with tzatziki sauce features flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. With juicy, herb-packed meatballs and a refreshing homemade sauce, this dish brings a taste of Greece to your family dinner.

15. Parmesan-crusted tilapia

Parmesan tilapia

Category: Healthy

For a light and healthy dish, try this tilapia coated in Parmesan cheese and served with lemon and parsley.

16. Alfredo sauce without heavy cream

Category: Family-friendly 

This lighter take on a classic is just as creamy and delicious as the original. Made with simple pantry staples, this flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to pasta and makes for an easy Sunday dinner that you can feel good about serving to your family.

17. Arugula pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes

A plate of arugula pesto pasta

Category: Healthy

Flavorful and vibrant, this pasta dish brings together the peppery bite of arugula pesto with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It's a delicious choice for cozy dinners.

18. Chicken lettuce wraps

Category: Healthy

These chicken lettuce wraps are light, filling, and packed with flavor. They’re a great lunch idea for work.

19. Pad Thai chicken

A plate of pad thai chicken

Category: Healthy

Bursting with tangy, sweet and sour flavors, this classic Thai dish is an exciting Sunday supper idea when you want to try something new and fresh.

20. Teriyaki turkey burgers with grilled pineapple

Category: Healthy

If you’re bored of normal turkey burgers, try this new flavor combination. These turkey sliders are topped with grilled pineapple, making them anything but boring.

21. Mexican beef and bean burrito

Plated bean and ground beef burritos

Category: Healthy

Craving a burrito? These bean and ground beef burritos are quick to whip up and are a great low-calorie meal. Use a serving size calculator to ensure you get the right portion size.

22. One-pan roasted fish with cherry tomatoes

Category: Healthy

This elegant dinner features cherry tomatoes roasted with garlic and shallots to create a sweet and savory sauce for tender fish. It feels like a special Sunday meal, but it’s easy to make.

23. Spicy shrimp tacos

Chili lime shrimp tacos

Category: Healthy

Shrimp tacos are fresh, healthy and oh-so-tasty with this chili lime sauce that doubles as the marinade and dressing for the coleslaw topping. Add guacamole to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect meal.

24. Shrimp fried rice

Category: Healthy

This delicious shrimp fried rice recipe is a flavorful classic that comes together in about an hour, making it a delicious and ideal choice for Sunday dinner.

25. One-pot sausage and veggie

A plated sausage and veggie skillet

Category: Healthy

A sausage and veggie skillet is another great way to use up leftover vegetables from the week. Even better, this dish requires only one pan and takes 20 minutes to prepare.

26. Taco salad

Category: Chicken

This classic Mexican-American dish is a fun and customizable dinner that’s perfect for families. Choose your favorite corn chips for an easy, crowd-pleasing Sunday meal.

27. Chimichurri grilled flank steak

Chimichurri grilled flank steak

Category: Healthy

Fire up the grill for this flavorful flank steak topped with a bright, herby chimichurri sauce. It's a simple recipe that feels special, making it one of the best Sunday supper ideas. Serve it with a salad or roasted potatoes.

28. Stuffed bell peppers with Mexican rice

Category: Healthy

This vibrant one-dish meal is perfect for a relaxed weekend. Sweet bell peppers are filled with seasoned meat, Mexican rice and cheese, making it perfect for a healthy family meal.

29. Easy kung pao chicken

A skillet of kung pao chicken with rice

Category: Chicken

Instead of ordering Chinese takeout, make this healthier version of kung pao chicken at home. Use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber.

30. Slow-cooker chicken pot pie

Category: Chicken

Who doesn’t love chicken pot pie? This slow-cooker version lets you set it and forget it, so you can have a hot meal ready for dinner with little effort.

31. Cream of mushroom chicken

Cream of mushroom chicken

Category: Chicken

This simple yet flavorful dish combines perfectly cooked chicken breasts, mushrooms and a few household ingredients. It will become a favorite recipe in no time.

32. Baked chicken tenders with honey mustard

Category: Chicken

This crispy chicken tenders recipe is a delicious twist on a classic, featuring chicken that's juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Served with a honey mustard dip, they're perfect for any family dinner.

33. Greek stuffed chicken

stuffed Greek-style chicken on a plate

Category: Chicken

There are many wonderful ways to stuff chicken breasts, but this Greek recipe is one of our favorites. It includes classic Greek ingredients like onion, tomatoes and feta, but also incorporates zucchini and mozzarella for more veggies and creaminess.

34. Slow-cooker pulled pork

Category: Family-friendly 

If you need a set-it-and-forget-it meal for a busy Sunday, this slow-cooker recipe is it. The pork becomes fall-apart tender and can be served on buns or over rice, making it one of the most versatile Sunday meals on our list

35. Classic roasted chicken

classic roasted whole chicken

Category: Chicken

Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. This roast chicken is a fantastic way to start the week, especially since you can incorporate leftovers into other dishes throughout the week. Even better, the prep time for this recipe is only 15 minutes.

36. Colombian arroz con pollo (chicken and rice)

Category: Chicken

This one-pot Colombian dish is a flavorful blend of chicken and rice seasoned with traditional spices. It’s an easy and comforting Sunday family dinner idea, ideal for family get-togethers or a cozy evening at home.

37. Spicy sesame noodles with chicken and peanuts

Spicy sesame noodles with chicken and peanuts

Category: Chicken

This quick and spicy noodle dish is full of flavor from red pepper flakes, orange peel and sesame oil. The chile-peanut oil makes it one of the best ideas for a fast and delicious Sunday dinner everyone will love.

38. Bruschetta chicken

Category: Chicken

If you want a fresh and filling meal, this bruschetta chicken is perfect. Depending on your mood and hunger level, serve with pasta or a side salad.

39. Chicken fajitas

Chicken and veggie fajitas in a skillet

Category: Chicken

Fajitas are a Tex-Mex staple. This simple recipe allows you to get dinner on the table quickly and customize the toppings to your liking.

40. Honey garlic chicken

Category: Comfort food

It doesn’t get much easier than this five-ingredient 15-minute recipe for honey garlic chicken over rice. It’s perfect for those Sunday nights when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner.

41. Hawaiian huli huli chicken + pineapple salsa

Hawaiian huli huli chicken and pineapple salsa

Category: Chicken

The chicken is marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and then grilled or baked until caramelized and juicy. Paired with a fresh pineapple salsa, this dish is a feel-good, easy Sunday dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

42. Chili with beef and beans

Category: Comfort food

This hearty chili is easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Loaded with protein and fiber, it’s one of the best Sunday dinner ideas for family gatherings, as everyone can personalize their bowl with their favorite toppings.

43. Slow-cooker lasagna

Slow cooker lasagna on a plate

Category: Comfort food

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, but the traditional version can be time-consuming. This recipe takes the work out of the equation by layering the ingredients directly in your slow cooker. It’s a great option for a Sunday family dinner that lets you spend more time together. 

44. Chicken dumpling soup

Category: Comfort food

This chicken dumpling soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort and one of the best easy weeknight dinners. With tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmering in a savory broth, you can't go wrong with this Sunday night dinner idea.

45. Comforting baked spaghetti

Baked spaghetti in a white baking dish

Category: Comfort food

This cheesy, decadent dish takes classic spaghetti to the next level by baking it all together in one pan. It’s a perfect traditional Sunday meal, combining all the flavors of your favorite Italian dish with a cheesy topping.

46. Classic chicken noodle soup

Category: Comfort food

There’s almost nothing more comforting than a bowl of chicken noodle soup. When you’re in the mood for this classic dish but don’t want to spend too much time on it, this 20-minute recipe is a lifesaver.

47. Eggplant parmesan

Eggplant parmesan in a bowl

Category: Comfort food

Eggplant parmesan is a quintessential comfort meal. With crispy eggplant slices and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this beloved Italian dish doesn’t disappoint.

48. Chicken and dumplings

Category: Comfort food

If you’re craving chicken and dumplings but don’t want the hassle, this recipe is for you. Featuring fresh thyme, it will exceed your expectations.

49. Classic beef shepherd’s pie

American-style shepherd’s pie

Category: Comfort food

For a comforting freezer meal, try this shepherd’s pie recipe. This simple beef casserole dish is a no-brainer for a Sunday.

50. Oven-baked mac and cheese

Category: Comfort food

Homemade mac and cheese is a treat, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. This recipe takes less than an hour and will definitely satisfy your craving.

51. Smoked chicken wings

Smoked chicken wings on a plate

Category: Comfort food

This recipe combines smoky flavors and seasonings with tender, juicy meat. The wings are perfect for game nights, tasty weekend meals, or fun family feasts.

52. Pot roast chuck with vegetables

Category: Comfort food

If you’re not sure what to cook for dinner on a Sunday night, you can always turn to the classics. This pot roast is every bit as comforting as it is easy to prepare. Add the ingredients to a Dutch oven and let them roast for a little over an hour for a warm, delicious meal.

53. Hearty baked ziti

Baked ziti in a white baking dish

Category: Comfort food

Love lasagna but don’t have the time to make it? This hearty baked ziti delivers all the comfort of lasagna in 25 minutes. There are many different ways to switch up this recipe, so have fun with it!

54. White chicken chili

white chicken chili

Category: Comfort food

Spice up your typical chicken chili with green chiles. This is an ideal recipe for those Sundays when you just want to curl up with a good bowl of soup.

55. Three-cheese stuffed shells

Category: Comfort food

If you’re looking for a dish you can make ahead of time, try these stuffed shells. They only take 15 minutes to prep and can be stored in the fridge for one to two days until you’re ready to bake them.

56. Old-fashioned goulash

Old-fashioned goulash

Category: Comfort food

Goulash is a classic comfort meal. If you want, you can make it a bit healthier with lean ground beef and reduced-sodium broth and tomato sauce. It will still taste every bit as flavorful as you remember it.

57. Creamy garlic basil pasta

Category: Comfort food

This 15-minute pasta dish is a light alternative to a traditional Alfredo sauce. With fresh basil and a hint of lemon, it's one of the best easy Sunday dinner ideas for something quick and delicious.

58. Pressure-cooker glazed ham

Pressure-cooked glazed ham plated

Category: Comfort food

For a traditional Sunday meal that’s ready in 25 minutes, try this glazed ham made in a pressure cooker. Serve with baked veggies or cheesy potatoes to create a complete comfort meal. Use a ham cooking time calculator to ensure your ham is cooked perfectly every time.

59. Easy pulled-pork sandwiches

Category: Family-friendly

Pork sandwiches are popular among families, especially when they’re as easy to make as this recipe. Let the Dutch oven do most of the work for you, and then enjoy this wonderful meal with the family.

60. Homemade spaghetti and meatballs

Homemade spaghetti and meatballs on a white plate

Category: Family-friendly

A meal that always stands the test of time is spaghetti and meatballs. Not only do kids love this dish, but it also makes for great leftovers throughout the week.

61. Simple beef stroganoff

Category: Family-friendly

Nothing says family dinner like stroganoff. This easy recipe cuts down the cooking time, so your family can sit down for dinner together in just under 45 minutes.

62. Classic meatloaf

meatloaf with ketchup

Category: Family-friendly

This meatloaf recipe is a labor of love, but it’s worth every minute. It’s savory, sweet and topped with ketchup, making it more approachable for kids while helping to keep the meat moist.

63. Flatbread pizza

Category: Family-friendly

Make-it-yourself pizza nights are excellent for families with different tastes, and it’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in dinner. Use this pizza recipe as a base and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

64. Sloppy joe sandwich

Sloppy joe sandwich

Category: Family-friendly

Kids and parents alike can appreciate a good tavern sandwich. This recipe is sweet, slightly tangy and can be made with ground beef or ground turkey.

65. Shrimp and potato boil

Category: Family-friendly

Category: Family-friendly

A shrimp boil is a fun, hands-on family meal. If you want to make it extra exciting for kids, put down a washable tablecloth or tape paper bags to the table, dump the shrimp boil on the table and let everyone go to town.

66. American sliders

A trio of American sliders on a wooden plate

Category: Family-friendly

Classic sliders never disappoint. Use sweet rolls to make them even more tasty and personalize your toppings!

67. Beef lasagna

Category: Family-friendly

Is your family a fan of lasagna but short on time? This recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare before going into the oven.

68. Baked lasagna with ravioli

Baked lasagna with ravioli in a white baking dish

Category: Family-friendly

Perfect for family dinners and potlucks, this dish is a fun and flavorful combination of two Italian favorites. It's a great traditional Sunday meal for when you’re craving hearty comfort food.

69. Sizzling chicken skewers

Category: Family-friendly

This recipe is ideal for a picnic or barbecue party, featuring chicken skewers seasoned with savory spices. Ready in less than an hour, they’re a quick and delicious crowd-pleaser. 

70. Salisbury steak

Salisbury steak on a black plate

Category: Family-friendly

Who needs TV dinners when you have this scrumptious Salisbury steak? Once you see how easy it is to make and taste it, you won’t even think about buying another TV dinner.

71. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin 

Category: Family-friendly

This dish looks and tastes fancy, but it's surprisingly simple to prepare. Wrapping a tender pork loin in bacon and roasting it creates a flavorful and juicy main course.

Start your week off right with Instacart

Looking ahead to your meal plan for the rest of the week? Check out this guide of easy meal planning ideas for families. Then make it even easier on yourself by skipping the grocery store and getting your groceries delivered right to your door with Instacart.

sunday-dinner-hero

Course:

Dinner

Cuisine:

American

Difficulty:

Easy

71 Sunday Dinner Ideas for Families

Recipe byMel Hull, Heather Matley

The best Sunday meal ideas the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Directions

1.
Follow one of the recipes above.
2.
Enjoy your delicious Sunday night dinner!
Mel Hull

Mel Hull

Author

Mel is a seasoned content strategist and food writer with over a decade of experience helping brands tell compelling stories. Inspired by her hometown of Houston, TX, she brings her love of bold flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. In the kitchen, she loves baking (especially banana bread!) and experimenting with Tex-Mex dishes.

Heather Matley

Heather Matley

Editor

Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.

Cutting tomatoes on a cutting board after grocery delivery.