14 Slow Sunday Dinners That Make November Special

November calls for dinners that take their time. The kind that fill the house with warmth and make everyone want to linger a little longer at the table. Slow Sunday meals give families a reason to relax, share stories, and enjoy something hearty. From tender roasts to creamy pastas, these dishes make cool evenings feel cozy and calm.

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Pot Roast with Root Vegetables

A pot roast makes Sunday dinner feel special and slow. Beef simmers gently with carrots, onions, and potatoes until everything turns tender and rich. The gravy thickens as it cooks, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory smell. It’s a dish that feels like comfort after a long week.

You’ll need 3 pounds (1.3 kg) chuck roast, 4 carrots cut into chunks, 3 potatoes cubed, 1 onion sliced, 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few sprigs of thyme.

Brown the roast in a large pot, then add broth, tomato paste, and herbs. Tuck the vegetables around the meat. Cover and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 3½ to 4 hours until the roast pulls apart easily. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serve with the pan juices.

Chicken and Dumplings

This cozy meal fills the house with comfort and warmth. Chicken cooks in a creamy broth, while soft dumplings puff up on top. Each bite feels rich and hearty, perfect for a cool November evening. Families love this one because it brings everyone to the table.

You’ll need 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 1½ cups flour, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 carrot diced, and 1 celery stalk chopped.

Simmer the chicken, broth, and vegetables for 15 minutes. Mix flour, baking powder, and milk to make a thick dough. Drop spoonfuls into the bubbling soup, cover, and simmer 15 minutes more. Serve hot with cracked pepper on top.

Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine

Short ribs turn meltingly tender when given time. The meat cooks slowly in red wine with garlic, onions, and herbs until it’s rich and full of flavor. It’s an ideal Sunday dinner for when you want something filling but relaxed.

You’ll need 3 pounds (1.3 kg) beef short ribs, 2 cups (480 ml) red wine, 2 cups beef broth, 1 onion chopped, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, salt, and pepper.

Brown the ribs in a Dutch oven, then stir in tomato paste, garlic, and onions. Add wine and broth, cover, and cook at 325°F (165°C) for 3 hours. Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta with the thickened sauce spooned on top.

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese makes any cold Sunday feel better. The noodles bake under a bubbling golden crust, hiding a creamy cheese sauce inside. It’s simple, filling, and full of comfort.

You’ll need 12 ounces (340 g) elbow macaroni, 3 cups shredded cheddar, 2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Cook pasta until just tender. Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and stir in milk to make a thick sauce. Add cheese and seasonings, mix with pasta, and pour into a greased dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until golden.

Butternut Squash Risotto

This creamy risotto has a soft sweetness that fits the season. Roasted squash blends with Parmesan and broth until the rice turns silky and rich. It’s filling enough for a meatless Sunday dinner.

You’ll need 1½ cups Arborio rice, 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth, 2 cups roasted squash cubes, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 small onion diced.

Sauté onion in butter, stir in rice, and cook one minute. Add warm broth one cup at a time, stirring often. When rice turns creamy, fold in roasted squash and cheese. Serve hot with thyme on top.

Beef Stew with Ale and Mushrooms

A slow-simmered stew makes the house smell amazing. Beef, mushrooms, and potatoes cook in an ale broth that deepens with every hour. It’s thick, savory, and perfect with bread on the side.

You’ll need 2 pounds (900 g) beef chuck, 2 cups ale or beef stock, 1 onion chopped, 2 cups mushrooms, 3 carrots, 2 potatoes, 1 tablespoon flour, salt, and pepper.

Brown the beef in a heavy pot, add vegetables, and sprinkle with flour. Stir in ale, cover, and simmer on low for 2½ hours. The sauce should coat the spoon. Serve with warm rolls or over rice.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

These peppers bring color to the table and comfort to the plate. The filling of rice, beef, tomato, and cheese makes every bite satisfying. Baking them slowly lets the flavors blend together.

You’ll need 6 large bell peppers, 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup shredded cheese, 1 onion diced, salt, and oregano.

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Mix the filling ingredients and spoon into each pepper. Arrange in a dish, pour a little water around them, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle cheese, and bake 10 minutes more.

Baked Ziti with Sausage

This baked pasta is pure comfort on a cold Sunday. Layers of noodles, sausage, sauce, and melted cheese bake together until bubbling and golden. It’s hearty, simple, and family-friendly.

You’ll need 1 pound (450 g) ziti, 1 pound Italian sausage, 3 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup ricotta, and ½ cup grated Parmesan.

Cook pasta and brown the sausage. Mix half the sauce with pasta and layer with cheeses in a baking dish. Top with the rest of the sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork makes Sunday feel easy and relaxed. The meat cooks all day until it falls apart with a fork. A smoky, sweet sauce gives every bite rich flavor.

You’ll need 3 pounds (1.3 kg) pork shoulder, 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1 onion sliced, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, salt, and paprika.

Place everything in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the meat with forks and mix with the sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw or roasted corn.

Shepherd’s Pie

This classic comfort food warms everyone up. Ground meat and vegetables bake under a thick layer of mashed potatoes. The top turns golden, while the filling stays rich and savory.

You’ll need 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb, 1 onion chopped, 2 cups mixed vegetables, 2 cups mashed potatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and salt and pepper.

Cook meat and onion, add vegetables and tomato paste, and season. Spread into a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until browned.

Chicken Cacciatore

This rustic Italian dish is full of color and flavor. Chicken cooks with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs until tender and saucy. It’s simple enough for Sunday but feels like something special.

You’ll need 6 chicken thighs, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ½ cup (120 ml) broth.

Brown chicken, then add vegetables and garlic. Stir in tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer on low for 45 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve over pasta or rice.

Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

This lighter meatloaf still feels rich and satisfying. The glaze caramelizes on top while the inside stays moist and tender. It’s a wholesome, old-fashioned meal perfect for Sunday dinner.

You’ll need 1½ pounds (680 g) ground turkey, 1 egg, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ½ onion minced, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and salt.

Mix everything except half the ketchup and sugar. Shape into a loaf and top with the glaze. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

A flaky crust hides a creamy filling of chicken and vegetables. It’s comforting, warm, and smells amazing while baking. One bite makes the whole table quiet for a moment.

You’ll need 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 pie crust.

Melt butter in a pan, stir in flour, and whisk in milk and broth. Add chicken and vegetables. Pour into the crust, cover with the top layer, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes until golden.

Slow-Baked Lasagna

Lasagna takes time, and that’s what makes it perfect for Sundays. The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce melt together into something rich and comforting. The smell alone makes everyone hungry.

You’ll need 9 lasagna noodles, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 egg.

Cook noodles and mix ricotta with the egg. Layer sauce, noodles, and cheeses in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more until the top browns.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.