24 Best Weekend Dinner Ideas for Family and Beyond
on Nov 28, 2022, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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It’s the weekend which means you can kick back, relax, and have some fun! We’ve collected 24 of the Best Weekend Dinner Ideas for the family to gather around the table and enjoy some quality time. Whether you’re cooking a delicious Saturday dinner or a lazy Sunday meal, we’ve got you covered.
What Should I Cook on Saturday Night?
Whether you’re in a rush, not in the mood to cook, or have some picky eaters to feed, your Saturday night dinner options are endless! How about a hearty beef stew to keep you warm, or a Mississippi pot roast prepared in the crockpot, or a fillet of tender baked sockeye salmon for something a little lighter? And if you’re looking for something that’s fun and sure to please just about anyone, a homemade pizza is the way to go!
Fun Weekend Dinner Ideas for Family
Beef Stew
This melt-in-your-mouth dish is perfect for a weekend family dinner. It’s easy to prepare, and comes out tender and juicy with a deliciously rich sauce. Your family will certainly ask for this one again and again!
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
If it’s a comforting dish you’re looking for, give this recipe a try! It’s warm, savory, and delicious to the very last bite. Made with Bisquick, the dumplings are super-easy to make and can be cooked stovetop in a Dutch oven or in a slow cooker.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready to take your classic mac and cheese recipe to the next level! This baked macaroni and cheese is made from scratch and turns out incredibly creamy and cheesy every time! Serve it with a green veggie on the side for a complete meal your family will love.
Beef Stroganoff
Is there anything better than beef stroganoff? This recipe combines strips of beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a creamy sour cream sauce. This hearty dish is ready to eat in under an hour!
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
There’s no need to bake your shepherd’s pie in a casserole dish – this one is prepared and baked in a skillet, so fewer dishes to wash! It’s delicious, flavorful, and full of beef, onions, carrots and corn. You’ll love the creamy mash potato topping.
Baked Ziti
Perfect for you, your family, and guests – this baked ziti dish is ideal to feed a crowd. You’ll love how this recipe includes tips and tricks on how to perfectly cook pasta, and make a rich and flavorful homemade sauce.
Tuna Casserole
Don’t let the name fool you, this recipe is one you don’t want to miss! It’s a quick, hearty, and simple casserole that your whole family will love. Filled with egg noodles, tuna, mushroom soup, and cheese, this dish surely won’t disappoint.
Chili Con Carne
Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, chili con carne is a must-try! It’s a simple dish that goes a long way on those nights when you’re looking for something that’s healthy and comforting. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of shredded cheese.
Chicken Fried Steak
Looking for something different to enjoy on date night? Chicken fried steak is the perfect dish for two. To make it even better, it’s ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
Party Lasagna
This recipe takes your traditional lasagna routine and turns it upside down – literally! Party lasagna is a mouthwatering dish that’s full of meaty flavors and is ready to serve in half the time of regular recipes.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Time to skip the canned sauce and make creamy fettuccine alfredo completely from scratch. Using butter, parmesan cheese, garlic, heavy cream, and salt, this dish is sure to impress!
Filet Mignon
Forget the expensive restaurant bill and make an unforgettable filet mignon in the comfort of your home. It’s pan-seared and oven-baked, making it a recipe that’s completely foolproof!
Healthy Weekend Dinner Ideas
Baked Sockeye Salmon
Are you unsure about cooking fish? Don’t worry! This recipe turns out perfectly every time. You can even make it in the oven or on the grill!
Boneless Pork Chops
With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have an easy and healthy dinner for your family before you know it! These pan-fried boneless pork chops turn out juicy and flavorful every time! Serve them with roasted asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes for a meal that can’t be beat.
Vegetarian Enchiladas
If you’re looking for a meatless dinner option that’s big on flavor, this one’s for you! These vegetarian enchiladas are prepared with black beans and veggies, and then smothered in a homemade sauce. It’s easy to make, healthy, and gluten-free too!
Classic Stuffed Peppers
There’s something about stuffed peppers that make them perfect for weekend dinners! Made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings, this dish is easier than you think. Add a side of crispy garden salad and dinner is served!
Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
Are you ready for a vegan dish that’s also plant-based and gluten-free? These vegetarian burrito bowls give you and your family a huge dose of veggies while skipping the wraps! Loaded with Mexican flavors, these bowls are a great way to enjoy a healthy and wholesome meal.
Other Easy Weekend Dinner Ideas
Crockpot Mississippi Roast
For those that don’t slow down on the weekend, this one’s for you! Crockpot Mississippi roast is juicy, tender and only takes 10 minutes of your time to prep! From the succulent beef, to the tender veggies, and the rich gravy, this dish is perfect!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This recipe perfectly combines your love for sloppy joes and philly cheesesteak. It’s messy, cheesy, and everything your family will love for dinner!
Szechuan Chicken
Here’s a delicious Chinese dish that you can easily prepare at home. The combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors are amazing! Customize this dish to suit your taste, from mild to extra hot!
Slow Cooker London Broil
This london broil is moist and tender with mouthwatering flavors. You only need 10 minutes of prep before the slow cooker goes to work. Simply add potatoes and vegetables for an easy one-pot meal!
Baked Lemon Tilapia
Is there any better combination than lemon and garlic? Ready in under 20 minutes, this baked lemon tilapia is big on flavor, low in carbs, gluten-free, and keto-friendly!
Homemade Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? This recipe is easy, quick, and completely versatile. You’ll even get some tips and tricks on how to make this the best pizza you’ve ever had!
Indian Butter Chicken
Ready for a little ethnic flare for your weekend dinner? This butter chicken dish is creamy, spicy, and completely comforting. The tip here is to use yogurt in the marinade to ensure tender and succulent pieces of chicken every time.
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Best Weekend Dinner Ideas (Crockpot Mississippi Roast Recipe and More)
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound chuck roast
- 3/4 packet au jus mix, You can add the whole packet if you’d like to have a more salty flavor.
- 1 packet ranch mix
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 10 pepperoncini peppers
- optional vegetables such as potatoes and carrots
Instructions
- Place the roast into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the au jus mix, ranch mix, butter and peppers around the roast.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low setting for 8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart.
- Remove cover and shred the roast using two forks.
- (Optional) To thicken the gravy: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Then add the leftover liquid to a small saucepan and the cornstarch/water mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy has thickened.
- Garnish with optional minced parsley and drizzle with gravy.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
