17 Family Favorite Lunches That Grandma Would’ve Called “Sunday Best”
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Some lunches just hit different, and these are something Grandma would’ve proudly served for her “Sunday best.” They’re hearty, comforting, and made with simple ingredients that actually satisfy instead of leaving you hungry an hour later. With these recipes, you’ll spend less time stressing over what to make and more time enjoying meals that feel special without extra effort.
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Cranberry chicken salad mixes tender chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery in a creamy dressing that tastes like a family tradition with a twist. It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something that feels special. Grandma might have saved it for Sunday, but you’ll want to keep it on repeat all week long.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad
Stuffed Meatloaf
Stuffed meatloaf takes juicy beef, fills it with melty cheese, and bakes it under a tangy BBQ glaze for a meal that feels like a centerpiece. It’s hearty enough for a big gathering yet simple enough to pull together on a regular weeknight. No wonder Grandma would’ve called it “Sunday best” while the rest of us call it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan-crusted chicken gives plain chicken a makeover with a crisp, cheesy coating that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. The quick prep and big flavor make it a smart choice for busy days when you still want something memorable. You can bet Grandma would’ve saved this one for when she wanted to impress at lunch.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Italian Salad
Italian salad brings together crunchy lettuce, creamy extras, and tangy dressing so every forkful is loaded with flavor. All the veggies are chopped small, making it easy to enjoy a perfect bite every time. It’s the kind of fresh, bold side Grandma might have set out with her Sunday spread.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salad
Pork Chops and Applesauce
Pork chops and applesauce deliver that sweet-and-savory balance everyone loves, with tender seared chops topped in homemade apple goodness. The recipe feels like something Grandma might have served when she wanted dinner to feel extra nice. Simple, easy, and memorable, it’s a meal that works for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce
Apricot Chicken
Apricot chicken comes out of the oven juicy and tender, coated in a glossy glaze that mixes sweet preserves with savory seasonings. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to feel like a special family meal. You can imagine Grandma smiling as she served it for her spread knowing everyone would clean their plates.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies gives you juicy chicken and roasted vegetables all cooked together with hardly any cleanup. The paprika seasoning brings warmth and depth, turning an easy recipe into something that tastes like a special occasion. It’s the sort of practical dish Grandma would’ve been proud to serve with her “Sunday best.”
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
Salisbury steak with mushrooms cooks up rich and beefy, with a savory mushroom gravy that coats every bite. It’s an old-school comfort food classic that feels just right for a big family meal. You can almost imagine Grandma setting it on the table for her Sunday lunch tradition.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Grilled sausage and peppers from the Ninja Woodfire grill burst with smoky flavor and colorful veggies that taste like a backyard gathering. The charred edges and juicy bites bring a sense of occasion to an otherwise simple meal. It’s the type of hearty plate Grandma might have served on a Sunday when the whole family came by.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Italian Mushroom Stew
Italian mushroom stew is slow-simmered until the flavors deepen, creating a rustic dish that feels both simple and rich. Served over crusty bread, it delivers the kind of old-world comfort that makes the whole table linger a little longer. A recipe like this easily fits into the meals Grandma would have proudly called her “Sunday best.”
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Stuffed baked potatoes come loaded with buttery mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, onion, and a touch of seasoning tucked back into crisp skins. Brushed with butter and paprika, they bake up into a golden side that feels hearty and homemade. You can imagine them sitting right alongside Grandma’s Sunday roast.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Colossal Cheeseburger
Colossal Cheeseburger isn’t just big, it’s stacked with beef, cheese, and toppings that make every bite feel over the top. It’s a family favorite that turns an ordinary lunch into something worth gathering around the table for. Bold and hearty, it carries that Sunday lunch energy even on a casual afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Colossal Cheeseburger
Surprise Potatoes
Surprise Potatoes use frozen hashbrowns as a base, then bake up cheesy, golden, and irresistible with just a handful of ingredients. They’re always a hit at potlucks, but also simple enough to make on an average day when you need comfort without effort. A dish like this could easily have been one of Grandma’s go-to sides.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Chicken tortilla casserole layers chicken, chilies, tortillas, and melted cheese into a bubbly dish that fills the kitchen with comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and made for family-style serving at the table. A recipe like this would’ve easily found its place in Grandma’s lineup of hearty lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine bakes together bacon, eggs, and cheese in a flaky crust that tastes both rich and comforting. It’s simple to make but always feels just a little fancy, especially when served warm out of the oven. That balance of ease and elegance is exactly why Grandma might have called it “Sunday best.”
Get the Recipe: Quiche Lorraine
Rump Roast
Rump roast slow-cooks into tender beef infused with herbs and spices that make the whole house smell amazing. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for Sunday but practical enough for weekday dinners. Grandma’s table would have felt complete with a platter like this in the center.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Mexican Casserole
Mexican casserole layers seasoned beef, Rotel tomatoes, tortilla chips, and gooey cheese into one dish that’s hearty and easy. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without a lot of fuss. Bold, comforting, and shareable, it’s exactly the type of meal that could have earned a spot on Grandma’s “Sunday best” menu.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole
