Recipes

61 Sunday Dinner Ideas for Families

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 61 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 pepper and corn casserole

Category: Simple and easy

Add red or green bell peppers to your corn casserole for a fun twist on this classic dish. Even with the extra element, this recipe requires very few ingredients.

4. Sheet pan 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 lemon shrimp

Category: Simple and easy

If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out this other easy sheet pan meal. Simply roast some bell peppers, scallions and potatoes before adding shrimp to cook for the last five minutes. Season with lemon and crushed red pepper flakes for a tasty zing.

6. One-pot cheese pasta

Category: Simple and easy

Don’t underestimate this simple dish! While it only takes 25 minutes to make, this cheesy pasta is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s great for when you can’t decide if you want spaghetti or mac and cheese, as it’s truly the best of both worlds.

7. Pressure-cooker vegetable soup

Pressure-cooker vegetable soup

Category: Simple and easy

Pressure-cooker recipes are an essential part of any multitasker’s arsenal. Dump in your ingredients and let the pressure cooker work its magic while you tackle other chores around the house. This soup recipe in particular is packed with veggies and can be topped with pesto or Parmesan for extra flavor.

8. Brown sugar and paprika steak

Category: Simple and easy

For a unique flavor profile, try these sweet and savory steaks. The recipe also includes a green bean salad with an anchovy vinaigrette — all ready in just 25 minutes!

9. Shrimp chowder

Category: Simple and easy

This shrimp chowder has a tomato base that makes it as delicious as it is easy. It’s extra yummy with focaccia wedges on the side to dip.

10. Chicken and veggie stir-fry

Category: Simple and easy

A stir-fry is perfect for using up any leftover veggies you have from the week, which is great for getting the most out of your grocery budget! This recipe can also be served with rice or noodles, so use whatever you have on hand.

11. 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. Ham quesadillas

Category: Simple and easy

Take a chance on this unique quesadilla recipe! The ham and cheese with homemade mango salsa is a perfect pairing.

13. Poblano pepper and pinto bean chili

Category: Healthy

This isn’t your typical chili. With pinto beans, potatoes, poblano peppers and a radish topping, this healthy and fun take on chili is more of a hearty stew than a soup. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for an extra element to the meal.

14. Parmesan tilapia

Parmesan tilapia

Category: Healthy

For a fresh dish, try this tilapia coated in Parmesan cheese. Served with lemon and parsley, this recipe is light and healthy.

15. Greek meatball skewers

Category: Healthy

Trying to think of another way to prepare meatballs? These Greek meatball skewers are grilled with cherry tomatoes and baby artichokes. It’s a great healthy meal to throw into your rotation!

16. Simple zucchini pasta

Category: Healthy

Craving pasta but don’t want the carbs? Make this zucchini pasta! And as an extra bonus, it only takes 15 minutes to make this healthy swap.

17. Chicken lettuce wraps

Category: Healthy

These chicken lettuce wraps are great for when you want something light but filling. This dish is light and healthy without sacrificing any flavor.

18. Whole grain pad Thai

Category: Healthy

Using whole grain brown rice noodles is an easy swap to make your favorite beef pad thai healthier. You’ll also get an extra 3 grams of protein in your dish with this ingredient change.

19. Grilled pineapple turkey sliders

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.

20. 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.

21. Roasted tomato salmon

Category: Healthy

Elevate pan-seared salmon with an herb crust and a topping of roasted tomatoes, capers and raisins. Once you try this recipe, you won’t want to go back to your old way of preparing salmon.

22. Chili lime 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.

23. Sweet chili popcorn shrimp

Category: Healthy

This popcorn shrimp recipe is guaranteed to be a hit in your home. The sweet chili dipping sauce uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, so it’s a healthier option while still tasting just as good.

24. 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, you only need one pan and 20 minutes to make this dish.

25. Easy kung pao chicken

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.

26. 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.

27. Mushroom chicken

Category: Chicken

This simple but flavorful dish only needs chicken breasts, mushrooms, capers and a few household ingredients. It will become a favorite chicken recipe in no time.

28. Dijon mustard chicken

Category: Chicken

Dijon mustard and tarragon pair incredibly well in this creamy chicken recipe. It’s a saucy dish that only takes 20 minutes from start to finish.

29. Stuffed Greek-style chicken

Category: Chicken

There are tons of great ways to stuff chicken breasts, but this Greek recipe is one of our favorites. It has classic Greek ingredients like onion, tomatoes and feta, but also adds zucchini and mozzarella for more veggies and creaminess!

30. Classic roast chicken

roasted chicken

Category: Chicken

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

31. Healthy taco salad with chicken

Category: Chicken

This recipe is your normal taco salad, but better. With a lime vinaigrette, peppery arugula and grilled chicken, you’ll wonder how you ever had taco salad any other way.

32. Creamy chicken casserole

Category: Chicken

Nothing beats a good casserole. This creamy chicken casserole can also be adapted to use turkey, so you can use whichever protein you have on hand.

33. Chicken and noodle curry

Category: Chicken

This East Asian-inspired dish sounds harder than it is. In reality, it only takes 20 minutes to make this flavor-filled chicken and noodle curry.

34. Bruschetta-topped chicken

Category: Chicken

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

35. Simple chicken and veggie fajitas

Category: Chicken

Fajitas are a Tex-Mex staple. This simple recipe is great for getting dinner on the table quickly, and you can customize your toppings however you like.

36. Honey chicken over rice

Category: Chicken

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

37. 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.

38. Baked eggplant Parmesan

Baked eggplant Parmesan

Category: Comfort food

Eggplant Parmesan is the ultimate comfort meal. With crispy eggplant slices and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this classic Italian dish doesn’t disappoint.

39. Quick chicken and dumplings

Category: Comfort food

If you’re in the mood for chicken and dumplings but don’t want the hassle, this recipe is for you. This dish is ready in 20 minutes and will exceed your expectations.

40. American-style shepherd’s pie

Category: Comfort food

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

41. 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 only takes 30 minutes and will definitely satisfy your craving.

42. Homemade chicken tenders

Category: Comfort food

Chicken tenders are a safe bet when nothing else sounds good. Take your chicken tender game to the next level with this homemade recipe.

43. Easy pot roast

Category: Comfort food

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

44. Creamy baked ziti

Category: Comfort food

If you love lasagna but don’t have the time to make it, this recipe for creamy baked ziti is perfect, as it’s ready in 25 minutes. There are a bunch of different ways you can switch up this recipe, too, so have fun with it!

45. Green chile chicken chili

Green chile chicken chili

Category: Comfort food

Spice up your typical chicken chili with green chiles! This is the perfect recipe for those Sundays where you just want to curl up with a good bowl of soup.

46. Three-cheese stuffed shells

Category: Comfort food

If you need a recipe you can make ahead of time, check out 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.

47. 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 comforting as you remember it.

48. Cheesy alfredo pasta

Category: Comfort food

Alfredo pasta is always hit! This recipe is cheesy, creamy and ready in just 15 minutes. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

49. Pressure-cooker glazed ham

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 make it a full comfort meal. 

50. Easy 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.

51. Homemade spaghetti and meatballs

Category: Family-friendly

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

52. Simple stroganoff

Category: Family-friendly

Nothing says family dinner like stroganoff. This simple recipe cuts down the cooking time, so your family can sit down for dinner together in under 30 minutes.

53. Quick meatloaf

Quick meatloaf

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, which makes it more approachable for kids while helping to keep the dish moist.

54. Make-it-yourself pizza

Category: Family-friendly

Make-it-yourself pizza nights are great for families with different tastes, and it’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in making dinner. Follow this pizza recipe and customize however you want.

55. Tavern sandwich

Category: Family-friendly

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

56. Shrimp and potato boil

Category: Family-friendly

A shrimp boil is such a fun family meal! If you want to make it extra fun for kids, you can 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.

57. American sliders

Category: Family-friendly

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

58. Beef lasagna

Category: Family-friendly

Does the family love lasagna but you’re short on time? This recipe only takes 10 minutes to prepare and then into the oven it goes.

59. Oven-baked ravioli

Category: Family-friendly

Kids love ravioli, and this recipe is a great way to get some extra protein in with ground beef. It’s a win for everyone!

60. Steak skewers

steak skewers

Category: Family-friendly

These steak skewers transform a basic steak and potatoes dinner. Plus, the steak is already in bite-sized pieces so it’s easier for kids to eat.

61. 30-minute Salisbury steak

Category: Family-friendly

Who needs TV dinners when you have this 30-minute Salisbury steak recipe? Once you taste it and see how easy it is to make, you won’t even think about buying another TV dinner.

61 Sunday Dinner Ideas for Families

Recipe by InstacartCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Here are the best Sunday meal ideas the whole family will love.

Directions

  • Follow one of the recipes above.
  • Enjoy your delicious Sunday night dinner!

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.

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