Dinner ideas, perfect for family gathering

Here are 10 Sunday dinner ideas, perfect for gathering the family together:

1. Sunday Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Potatoes
   • Total Duration: 2 hours
   • Nutrition: Juicy roast chicken served with crispy garlic herb potatoes.
   • Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
   • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
   • 4 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
   • Olive oil
   • Fresh parsley for garnish
   Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
   3. Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
   4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   5. Toss potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, until golden and crispy.
   6. Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
   7. Serve the roast chicken with garlic herb potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this classic Sunday meal with your family!
2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
   • Total Duration: 8 hours (slow cooker)
   • Nutrition: Hearty beef stew loaded with vegetables and tender beef, cooked low and slow.
   • Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 4 cups beef broth
   • 1 onion, diced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
   • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
   • 2 celery stalks, sliced
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
   • 1 bay leaf
   • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
   Instructions:
   1. Season beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then coat with flour.
   2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
   3. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
   4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
   5. Once the stew is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful beef stew with your family on a cozy Sunday evening!
3. Vegetarian Lasagna
   • Total Duration: 1 hour
   • Nutrition: Layers of pasta, marinara sauce, vegetables, and creamy cheese.
   • Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially vegetarians and adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
   • 2 cups marinara sauce
   • 2 cups ricotta cheese
   • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach)
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
   Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   2. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
   3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   4. Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
   5. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the chopped vegetables.
   6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables.
   7. Repeat layers with marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining vegetables, and half of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
   8. Top with a final layer of marinara sauce and remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
   9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
   11. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying vegetarian lasagna with your family!
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
   • Total Duration: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
   • Nutrition: Tender pulled pork tossed in barbecue sauce, served on buns.
   • Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 onion, sliced
   • 2 cups barbecue sauce
   • Hamburger buns
   • Coleslaw for serving (optional)
   Instructions:
   1. Season pork shoulder or pork butt with salt and pepper.
   2. Place sliced onion in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
   3. Pour barbecue sauce over the pork, covering it completely.
   4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
   5. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
   6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it in the barbecue sauce.
   7. Serve hot pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy these delicious and satisfying BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with your family!
5. Homemade Beef Burgers
   • Total Duration: 30 minutes
   • Nutrition: Juicy beef burgers topped with your favorite toppings, served with fries.
   • Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially children and adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 1 lb ground beef
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 4 hamburger buns
   • Lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles for topping
   • Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise for spreading
   • Optional: cheese slices, bacon slices
   Instructions:
   1. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
   2. Season burger patties with salt and pepper.
   3. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness is reached.
   4. Toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
   5. Spread ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the toasted buns.
   6. Place cooked burger patties on the bottom halves of the buns.
   7. Top burgers with lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
   8. Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve hot with fries or your favorite side dish. Enjoy these classic homemade beef burgers with your family!
6. Mushroom Risotto
   • Total Duration: 45 minutes
   • Nutrition: Creamy Arborio rice cooked with mushrooms, onions, and Parmesan cheese.
   • Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 1 cup Arborio rice
   • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1 onion, diced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
   • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
   Instructions:
   1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable or chicken broth over medium heat until hot.
   2. In a separate large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
   3. Add Arborio rice to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
   4. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their juices and are tender.
   5. If using, pour white wine into the skillet and cook until evaporated.
   6. Begin adding hot broth to the skillet, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
   7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   8. Serve mushroom risotto hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this luxurious and comforting dish with your family on a relaxing Sunday evening!
7. Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter
   • Total Duration: 30 minutes
   • Nutrition: Tender baked salmon fillets with a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.
   • Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 4 salmon fillets
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • Juice of 1 lemon
   • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
   Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
   2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish.
   3. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
   4. Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
   5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
   6. Remove salmon from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
   7. Serve hot baked salmon with lemon garlic butter, accompanied by your favorite side dishes. Enjoy this elegant and flavorful meal with your family on a special Sunday!
8. Eggplant Parmesan
   • Total Duration: 1 hour
   • Nutrition: Crispy breaded eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
   • Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially vegetarians and adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds
   • Salt
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 2 eggs, beaten
   • 2 cups breadcrumbs
   • Olive oil for frying
   • 2 cups marinara sauce
   • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
   Instructions:
   1. Place eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
   2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
   3. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
   4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
   6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices on top.
   7. Spoon more marinara sauce over the eggplant slices and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
   8. Repeat layers until all eggplant slices are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
   9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
   10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy this classic and comforting Eggplant Parmesan with your family on a leisurely Sunday!
9. Homemade Pizza Rolls
   • Total Duration: 45 minutes
   • Nutrition: Bite-sized pizza rolls filled with cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce.
   • Calories: Approximately 360 per serving
   • Age Group: All ages, especially children and adults.
   Ingredients:
   • 1 lb pizza dough
   • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
   • Olive oil for brushing
   • Additional marinara sauce for dipping
   Instructions:
   1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   2. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
   3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by sliced pepperoni.
   5. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
   6. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds.
   7. Place pizza rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
   8. Brush the tops of the pizza rolls with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
   9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   10. Serve hot pizza rolls with additional marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy these irresistible homemade pizza rolls with your family on a fun Sunday night!
10. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
    • Total Duration: 30 minutes
    • Nutrition: Tender chicken and colorful vegetables stir-fried in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
    • Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
    • Age Group: All ages, especially children and adults.
    Ingredients:
    • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
    • 1 onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
    • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
    • Cooked rice for serving
    • Sesame seeds for garnish
    • Sliced green onions for garnish
    Instructions:
    1. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
    2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
    3. In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
    4. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through.
    5. Serve teriyaki chicken stir-fry hot over cooked rice.
    6. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy this delicious and colorful stir-fry with your family on a relaxing Sunday evening!

These Sunday dinner ideas offer a variety of flavors and options to enjoy with your family, making it the perfect way to wrap up the weekend and prepare for the week ahead!