13 Cozy Sunday Dinner Ideas for Cold November Nights

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, there is nothing like a warm, hearty dinner to enjoy with family. Sunday nights are the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy comforting meals that will leave everyone satisfied. Whether you prefer a classic roast or a simple soup, there are plenty of cozy dishes to try this season. It is the ideal time to experiment with new recipes or revisit old favorites. 

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Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Beef stew is the perfect dish for a chilly Sunday evening. Tender chunks of beef simmered with hearty vegetables create a rich, comforting meal that will warm you from the inside out. The slow-cooked flavors meld together to form a dish that is both filling and satisfying. It is a great way to use seasonal vegetables, making it a perfect fit for the fall season.

For this recipe, you will need beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, beef broth, and thyme. You can also add parsnips or turnips for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and a little flour to help thicken the stew. You will also need a slow cooker or a large pot to cook everything in.

Start by browning the beef stew meat in a large pot with a little oil to lock in the flavor. Once browned, add the chopped vegetables and garlic, cooking for a few minutes. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the stew simmer for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables

Roast chicken is a classic dish that never goes out of style, especially when paired with hearty root vegetables. The golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat make it a satisfying meal for a Sunday night. The vegetables roast in the chicken’s juices, infusing them with flavor and making the entire dish a one-pan wonder. It is a meal that feels like a comforting tradition.

To prepare this meal, you will need a whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, olive oil, and fresh rosemary. You can also add parsnips or sweet potatoes for extra variety. Make sure to season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Fresh rosemary or thyme will add an aromatic touch.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F or 220 degrees C. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then place it in a roasting pan. Surround the chicken with chopped vegetables and garlic, drizzling them with a little olive oil. Roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.

Slow Cooker Chili

Chili is a comforting dish that gets better as it simmers, making it ideal for a slow cooker. The combination of beans, tomatoes, and ground meat creates a hearty, filling meal that is perfect for a cold November night. Chili can be made with beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with more beans and vegetables. Top it with cheese and sour cream for an extra indulgence.

The main ingredients include ground beef or turkey, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You can also add bell peppers or jalapeños for extra heat. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Serve with cornbread for a classic pairing.

Brown the ground meat in a pan, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, stirring everything together. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the flavors have melded together. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish that combines savory ground meat with creamy mashed potatoes. It is a one-dish meal that offers everything you need for a satisfying dinner, with layers of flavor in every bite. The ground meat, often mixed with vegetables and gravy, is topped with a smooth layer of mashed potatoes. It is a perfect meal to enjoy after a long week.

For this recipe, you will need ground beef or lamb, onions, carrots, peas, potatoes, butter, and milk. You will also need flour and beef broth to make the gravy. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. It is an easy, filling dish that will keep you cozy all evening.

Start by cooking the ground meat with onions and carrots, then add flour and beef broth to make a thick gravy. Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish, then spread a layer of mashed potatoes on top. Bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for about 20 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

Baked ziti is a comforting pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner. The combination of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella creates a hearty and filling meal. It’s a great dish to make ahead, as it can be assembled and stored until you are ready to bake. The melted cheese and tomato sauce make each bite incredibly satisfying.

To make baked ziti, you will need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and basil. You can also add ground beef or sausage for extra protein. Make sure to have plenty of cheese to make the dish extra creamy and delicious.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Mix the pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Beef Pot Roast

A classic pot roast is a cozy and satisfying meal for a cold November night. The tender beef, slow-cooked with vegetables, creates a rich and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. The key to a great pot roast is slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that is simple to prepare.

For the pot roast, you will need a beef roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beef broth, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Salt, pepper, and a little flour will help thicken the gravy. It’s a dish that’s easy to adjust to your taste with different vegetables or seasonings.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F or 160 degrees C. Brown the beef roast in a hot pan, then transfer it to a roasting pan with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and add the herbs. Cover and roast for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. It is a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce. The dish is hearty enough to be a main course but still light enough to feel like a treat. It is a perfect Sunday dinner to enjoy on a cold evening.

For chicken pot pie, you will need cooked chicken, carrots, peas, onions, garlic, flour, chicken broth, and butter. A pie crust, either homemade or store-bought, is needed to encase the filling. Season the filling with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary for a flavorful dish.

Start by cooking the vegetables in butter until softened. Add flour to make a roux, then slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the mixture thickens. Add the chicken and seasonings, then transfer the filling into a pie crust. Top with another layer of pie crust and bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of ground meat, rice, and vegetables inside a tender bell pepper creates a hearty dish that is both satisfying and healthy. You can adjust the stuffing ingredients to your preference, making it a versatile and customizable meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice or meat.

To make stuffed bell peppers, you will need bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and cheese. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or basil.

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Cook the ground meat with onions and garlic, then mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and top with cheese. Bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for 25 to 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a light yet hearty meal that is perfect for a chilly November night. Packed with seasonal vegetables and flavorful broth, it is both healthy and comforting. The beauty of vegetable soup lies in its versatility, since you can use whatever vegetables are in season or that you have on hand. It is a simple dish that warms you up without weighing you down.

For vegetable soup, you will need carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, and vegetable broth. You can also add beans or lentils for extra protein. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves will add depth to the flavor.

Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and carrots in a pot until soft. Add the potatoes, celery, and vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.

Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Pork tenderloin paired with apples is a flavorful combination that is perfect for fall. The tender, juicy pork combined with the sweetness of apples and the savory seasonings creates a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. This dish is easy to make and ideal for a Sunday dinner that will impress your guests or family. The apples also help keep the pork moist and flavorful during cooking.

For this recipe, you will need pork tenderloin, apples, onions, garlic, olive oil, and fresh thyme. You will also need chicken broth or apple cider to help create a flavorful sauce. Salt and pepper will bring out the natural flavors of the pork and apples.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Sear the pork tenderloin in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Transfer the pork to a roasting pan, surround it with sliced apples and onions, then drizzle with olive oil and broth. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F or 63 degrees C.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, rich dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night. The tender chicken, combined with the smooth Alfredo sauce, creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. This dish pairs well with pasta and is easy to prepare, making it ideal for a busy Sunday evening. The creaminess of the sauce and the savory flavor of the chicken create a comforting, indulgent meal.

To make chicken Alfredo, you will need chicken breasts, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings. You can also add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. Salt and pepper will help enhance the dish’s richness.

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, then add the cream and Parmesan cheese to make the Alfredo sauce. Toss the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce, then serve with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that is full of rich flavors. The earthy mushrooms combined with creamy Arborio rice create a satisfying meal that feels like a treat. The slow stirring required to make risotto allows the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in a creamy, tender dish. It is a great vegetarian option and pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

For this dish, you will need Arborio rice, mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onions, and butter. You will also need white wine to deglaze the pan and add extra depth to the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in butter until softened, then add the mushrooms and cook until browned. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat it with the butter, then pour in the white wine. Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the rice is tender and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Baked salmon is a light yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy, healthy Sunday dinner. The tender, flaky salmon paired with fresh lemon and dill creates a bright, refreshing meal. It is simple to prepare and cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for a busy evening. The natural flavors of the salmon are enhanced with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, making this dish both delicious and satisfying.

For this recipe, you will need salmon fillets, fresh dill, lemon, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the salmon moist and tender during baking.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.