Four recipes for special occasion weeknight dinner ideas.

4 Special Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Planning special weeknight meals can get a little rushed and stressful. Here are four recipes that can be mostly prepped ahead, or even totally prepared ahead and reheated. These are some of our favorites which double as comfort food and special occasion meals. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or another special event, any of these would be great options to serve along with a big salad, and a tempting dessert.

 

Chicken Pot Pie: I’ve made this at least once a year during the winter months since discovering the recipe in 2000. It is a crowd-pleasing favorite and can be mostly prepped or made ahead a day or so, then topped with the pasty crust and popped in the oven to finish before serving.

Italian Style Garbanzos and Sausage: If you’re looking for a quick one-pot meal here’s one for ya. You can easily substitute white beans, or potatoes for the garbanzos in this dish. It’s so full of flavor and so very easy.

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: This one is such a family favorite. Even my picky eater doesn’t complain with a plateful of Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. Turn on some festive music, light a candle and celebrate!

Beef Short Ribs and Root Vegetables: A version of a pot roast using beef short ribs. One pot satisfaction and totally drool inducing. Other than a little stove top browning, this one cooks in the oven for a few hours, and makes your home smell so very nice in the process.

 

Of course, you don’t have to have a special occasion to cook something new. An ordinary weeknight can be turned into something special with a table set with tasty food, fun music, and a simple centerpiece of candles or greenery from your yard. Remember to celebrate the everyday and avoid getting bored in the kitchen by regularly trying new recipes out.

Enjoy! And happy cooking, y’all!