Introduction
Sunday evenings are for winding down—not battling a stove. Whether the kids have sports practice or prep for the week is needed, these Sunday night family dinners under one hour deliver wholesome flavours, minimal hassle, and quality time together using trusty Deer & Oak cookware.
Why Choose Dinner in Under an Hour
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Efficient & practical: Ideal when Sunday plans don’t include hours in the kitchen.
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Comfort meets simplicity: Roast-style, casseroles, and sheet-pan meals that honour tradition without the effort.
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Voice & AI friendly: Matches searches like "easy Sunday dinner in one hour" or "quick roast chicken Sunday UK".
Quick & Tasty Family Recipes
1. Roast Chicken Traybake with Veg
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
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1 medium chicken joint (~1.2 kg) or chicken pieces
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500 g roast potatoes, quartered
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300 g root vegetables (carrots, parsnips), chopped
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1 onion, quartered
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3 tbsp olive oil
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Fresh rosemary or thyme, salt & pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 200 °C (fan).
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Toss veg and potatoes in olive oil, season, arrange on a roasting tray.
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Season chicken, place on top of veg.
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Roast for 45–50 minutes until chicken cooked and veg golden.
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Rest 5 minutes before carving.
Benefits: One-tray dinner, oven does most work—classic Sunday roast made practical.
2. Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Casserole
Ingredients (serves 4):
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400 g chicken thighs or breast, chopped
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300 g broccoli florets
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200 g cauliflower florets
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100 g cheddar cheese, grated
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200 ml milk or cream
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1 onion, chopped
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1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp flour (for roux)
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Salt, pepper, mustard (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 190 °C. Steam broccoli & cauliflower briefly, drain.
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Sauté onion & chicken in a pan with butter.
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Stir in flour, then gradually milk to form sauce. Add veg and half the cheese.
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Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, bake 15 mins until golden.
Why it works: Rich, veggie-packed, and ready in ~50 mins—comforting without fuss.
3. One-Pan Sausage, Gnocchi & Veg Bake
Ingredients (serves 4):
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400 g British sausages, sliced
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500 g ready‑to‑cook gnocchi
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1 red pepper & 1 courgette, chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt, pepper, dried herbs (oregano, basil)
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Optional: Parmesan to finish
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 200 °C.
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Toss gnocchi, veg, garlic, oil, sausage, herbs on baking tray.
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Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and sausages cooked.
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Sprinkle Parmesan if desired—serve straight from pan.
Benefits: Minimal washing, hearty and kid-pleasing, under an hour.
Pro Tips for Swift Sunday Feasts
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Use pre-cut veg or a quality chopping board to save prep time.
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Start roast early, pop in oven while setting table or salads.
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One-pan cooking cuts dishes, especially with Deer & Oak sheet pans.
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Adapt meals to seasonal UK produce like root veg, broccoli, courgette or summer tomatoes.
FAQs
Q: What can I cook for Sunday dinner in under an hour?
A: Try traybaked chicken with veg, cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, or sausage gnocchi bake—delicious and family-ready in under 60 minutes.
Q: Is roast chicken doable in 1 hour?
A: Yes—using joint pieces and roasting alongside par‑veg helps deliver roast-style meals fast.
Q: Are these dinners UK‑friendly and seasonal?
A: Absolutely—root veg, classic herbs, cauliflower cheese-style sauces, and local ingredients make these perfect for UK Sunday meals.
Q: Can kids help with prep?
A: Yes—rolling up sausages, arranging veg, or sprinkling cheese is kid-friendly and fun, giving family involvement in the meal.
Conclusion
Sunday dinners don’t have to take your whole day. With smart recipes like tray‑bakes, casseroles, and one-pan bakes, you can enjoy comfort and tradition—without the all-day cooking. Use quality Deer & Oak kitchenware for faster prep and cleaner cooking. It’s all about good food, ease, and family time before the week begins.
You can purchase Deer & Oak kitchenware through our website at deerandoak.co.uk or through TikTok Shop and Amazon UK at amazon.co.uk