Father’s Day is more than just a card and a handshake , it’s the perfect excuse to spoil Dad with a mouthwatering meal straight from your kitchen. Whether he’s a grill master, comfort food enthusiast, or lover of all things saucy and savory, nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade dinner crafted with care. These Father’s Day dinner recipes are handpicked to satisfy a wide range of tastes and appetites.
Even better, each recipe includes simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps so the whole family can join in on the cooking fun. From backyard barbecue vibes to slow-cooked comfort food, this list has it all. So don your apron, turn up Dad’s favorite tunes, and prepare a dinner that shows just how much he means to you because the way to a dad’s heart really is through his stomach.
Fire up the oven, sharpen those knives, and get ready to make Dad’s day extra tasty!
1. Grilled Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
2 ribeye steaks
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Steps
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Brush steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Grill for 4–5 minutes per side (medium-rare), or adjust to desired doneness.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic and parsley.
Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes, then top with garlic herb butter before serving.
Serve with mashed potatoes or grilled veggies.
2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
8 chicken drumsticks
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tbsp olive oil
Steps
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season drumsticks with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan and sear drumsticks until golden brown.
Transfer to a baking dish and brush with BBQ sauce.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through.
Serve with corn on the cob and coleslaw.
3. Creamy Bacon Carbonara
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
6 slices bacon (chopped)
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Steps
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Fry bacon until crispy, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Whisk egg yolks and Parmesan in a bowl.
Drain pasta and immediately toss with bacon and garlic.
Remove from heat and stir in egg mixture, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with extra cheese.
4. Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped onion
Salt and pepper
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
Steps
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes.
For the gravy: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add beef broth and stir until thick.
Slice meatloaf and serve with gravy and mashed potatoes.
5. Beer-Battered Fish and Chips
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup cold beer
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
3 large potatoes, cut into fries
Steps
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Mix flour, baking powder, and beer into a batter.
Season fish with salt and pepper, then coat in batter.
Fry fish until golden and crispy (4–5 minutes per piece).
Fry potatoes until golden, drain, and season with salt.
Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
6. Slow-Cooked Beef Chili
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 small onion (chopped)
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Steps
Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain fat.
Add onion and cook until soft.
Transfer beef and onion to a slow cooker.
Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread.
7. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Steps
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side.
Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp.
Toss with parsley and remove from heat.
Serve with rice or pasta.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
4 bell peppers (tops cut off, seeds removed)
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup shredded cheese
Salt and pepper
Steps
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook beef until browned, then mix with rice, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
Stuff mixture into bell peppers and place in a baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover, top with cheese, and bake another 10 minutes.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
9. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tsp ginger (grated)
1 cup cooked rice
Steamed broccoli or vegetables
Steps
In a pan, cook chicken pieces until browned and fully cooked.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch with water.
Pour sauce into pan and simmer until thickened.
Serve chicken over rice with steamed veggies.
Drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
10. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients
2 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 onion (sliced)
Salt and pepper
Burger buns
Coleslaw (optional)
Steps
Place pork, onion, BBQ sauce, and broth in a slow cooker.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Shred pork with two forks once tender.
Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw if desired.
Add extra BBQ sauce for more flavor.
No matter what’s on the menu, the real secret ingredient in every Father’s Day dinner is love. So gather your ingredients, pour a drink for Dad, and serve up a plate full of gratitude and good flavor.
Here’s to great food, happy memories, and celebrating the incredible father figures in our lives—one bite at a time. 🍽️💙