Eating together at home has become a lost art in many American households, with family and friends spending less time breaking bread and more time eating out. Studies have shown that there has been a 33% decline in family dinners in the past 20 years.  

This can be easily fixed, however. There’s no greater way to gather your loved ones during the winter than with a delicious, home-cooked Sunday dinner.   

There are endless possibilities for cooking up a savory dish that warms you from the inside out, from hearty soups to easy crockpot recipes to simple pasta dishes. Here are six dinners you can prepare this winter.

 

1.  One-Pot Dishes 

One-pot dishes are a popular winter meal for several reasons. They’re simple to whip up and can be cooked in large quantities to feed many people.

Try a traditional winter goulash with tender beef chunks or put your own spin on the classic Hungarian chicken paprika with root vegetables or egg noodles. These are sure to become two favorite entrees on your household’s dinner menu. 

Are your kids picky eaters? Then easy one-pot macaroni and cheese is the way to go. Feel free to add different cheeses or sneak in cauliflower, breadcrumbs or bacon to add a whole new flavor. 

If you’re looking to make kid-friendly macaroni and cheese a bit fancier for the grownups, lobster meat will deliver a decadent taste enjoyed by all.

 

2.  Sheet Pan Meals  

Sheet pan meals are an opportunity for you to get creative with your suppers in the winter. They are quick to throw together and even easier to clean up afterward. 

Spread an assortment of fingerling potatoes out on a sheet pan and bake alongside teriyaki-glazed pork tenderloins or zesty lemon chicken with herbs. 

Many vegetables are great for roasting, as well. Broccoli, carrots, green beans, turnips and asparagus are only a few options to choose from.  

Take things up a notch with seasonings and curries. Steam some rice as a starchy side, and you have yourself a delicious Sunday night dinner. 

 

3.  Casseroles 

During the colder months, holiday shopping, errands and other activities may fill your weekend schedules. The last thing you’ll want to do is spend hours standing over a cutting board and hot skillet for hours in the evening.  

Casseroles are simple to make and a great excuse to take the chill out of your home. Better yet, you can even prepare them the day before.   

Try a breakfast casserole loaded with eggs, sausage and hash browns or something cozy and slathered with melted Gruyere cheese like a French onion soup bake. Casseroles are bound to bring your loved ones together family-style.

 

4.  Classic Pasta 

Does anybody really need an excuse to boil a pot of pasta? If you’re crunched for time or simply craving comfort food, a classic pasta dinner will keep you toasty warm and well-fed during those cold winter nights.  

Keep it simple with spaghetti and red sauce, or prepare a baked ziti that leaves you with plenty of leftovers for Monday night. You may even choose to add traditional Italian-American meatballs to your pasta dish, too. 

Serve up your dinner with a crisp, fresh salad as an appetizer. Don’t forget the warm garlic bread knots for soaking up your sauce.

 

5.  Chili 

A thick, simmering pot of chili is the perfect food for a cold Sunday evening. It’s a versatile meal that can be served as dinner or a side dish. 

Enhance the flavors of your chili by using ground beef, chicken or turkey. You can also round out the flavor by adding extra cumin or adjusting the spiciness with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Vegetarians will appreciate that a meatless bean and vegetable chili takes no time at all to make.   

Garnish your bowl of chili with shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream and cilantro. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for dunking!

 

6.  Slow-Cooker Meals 

Is there an easier way to cook than with a crockpot? All you need to do is throw your ingredients together, adjust your slow cooker to your preferred settings and let it do its thing. 

Let’s face it: During the winter, many people gravitate toward rich, high-calorie foods and sweets. However, crockpots promote healthier eating, are great for tenderizing meats and even allow for hands-off cooking. That way, you can go about your daily business and rest assured your family will have a nutritious and delicious meal at night. 

Keep your slow cooker Sunday dinner simple with a beef stew, or let your crockpot cook a perfect pot roast you can share with others. There are so many delicious recipes for everyone’s tastes.

 

Sunday Dinners Made Perfectly 

Sunday is a great day to eat together — a time when everyone can reflect and talk before the new week ahead. What better way to spend that time than enjoying hot, mouthwatering dinners throughout the entire season?