There is something about a Sunday that makes me want dinner bubbling away in the background while we potter around at home. Not necessarily an all-day cooking project – just something cosy, comforting and worth looking forward to. This collection is full of exactly those kinds of dinners: Pot Roast, Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Homemade Chicken Stew and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, plus easier options like Quick Coconut Chicken Curry and Jammy Tomato Pesto Gnocchi Bake when I want the same cosy feeling with less effort. Some Sundays I’m very happy to let something slowly cook for hours, and other Sundays I want dinner in the oven and myself firmly back on the sofa. Either way, these are the kinds of meals that make staying in feel very appealing – and quite a few make brilliant leftovers for Monday too.
1
Shepherd’s Pie
This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe combines minced (ground) lamb with carrots, celery and peas in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile dish that can be made ahead or frozen, then served with your favourite steamed greens for a complete, cosy dinner.
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2
The BEST Beef Pot Roast Recipe
This easy oven-braised pot roast is made with a whole beef chuck roast, carrots, celery and onion, slowly cooked until the beef is fall-apart tender. Everything cooks in one pan with a simple homemade beef gravy made from tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and herbs – no packet gravy in sight. Serve The BEST Beef Pot Roast recipe with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comforting family dinner. The hands-on preparation is minimal and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
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3
Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie
A dreamy pot pie with a properly thick, creamy filling, tender chicken and that classic chicken-and-leek flavour everyone loves. No pastry base to fuss with – just top with puff pastry and bake. This Creamy Chicken and Leek Pot Pie recipe is make-ahead friendly and perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.
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4
Quick Coconut Chicken Curry
This Quick Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is comforting and flavourful, perfect for cosy family dinners any night of the week. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, coconut-based curry sauce, before being topped with yoghurt and mango chutney. It is freezer-friendly and is delicious served with basmati rice and naan bread.
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5
Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie”
This Crispy Potato Topped Beef “Pie” is a quick, comforting alternative to a traditional cottage pie, made with finely sliced potatoes as the topping instead of mash. It’s loaded with vegetables, cooked in one pan, and finished with a buttery, golden potato layer. A family favourite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
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6
One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne
Tender lasagne sheets, shredded chicken, broccoli and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, all cooked in the one pan. One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is freezer-friendly, too!
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7
Slow-cooked Chicken with Peas, Carrots and Gravy
This Slow-cooked Chicken with Peas, Carrots and Gravy is the kind of comforting dinner that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Tender chicken simmers low and slow in a rich gravy with soft carrots and peas, creating an easy family-friendly meal that’s perfect served over creamy mashed potato. Made with affordable ingredients and simple pantry staples, this is one of those low-fuss dinners that works beautifully for busy weeknights, meal prep or cosy weekends at home.
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8
Homemade Chicken Stew
This comforting Homemade Chicken Stew tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, but is actually quick, easy and all made in one pan. It’s a full meal in a bowl, so no extra sides are needed.
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9
Jammy Tomato and Pesto Gnocchi Bake
An easy one-pot meal, this Jammy Tomato and Pesto Gnocchi Bake recipe is the ultimate low-effort weeknight pasta dinner. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, the pesto melts into creamy pockets, and the top turns golden and bubbly – no boiling pasta and barely any washing up. Family-friendly, flexible, and ready in around 30 minutes, it’s comfort food designed for busy nights when you still want a proper home-cooked meal.
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10
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
These Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are slow-cooked until meltingly tender in a rich, veggie-packed gravy. With barely any prep and simple pantry ingredients, these beef ribs are a restaurant-style dinner you can make at home – perfect for date night, entertaining, or when you want something special without the stress.
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Susan says:
Love these. Definitely will try them