3 Authentic European Dinners You Can Make at Home This Week

Our full guide on the Best European Dinners from Paella to Lasagna the most popular dishes to try on your next trip in Europe.

European cuisine offers a diverse array of flavors and dishes. Here are recipes for three classic European dinners: Italian Lasagna, French Coq au Vin, and Spanish Paella. Each recipe includes tips and calorie information.

European dinners are more than just meals; they are an experience rooted in culture, tradition, and deep culinary pride. From the cozy kitchens of Italy to the rustic tables of France and the hearty taverns of Spain, European dishes celebrate regional ingredients and centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. This post brings you three of the best European dinner recipes to recreate at home, each designed to transport your taste buds straight to the continent’s most beloved dining tables.

What makes these recipes perfect for your weekly rotation is their balance of flavor, simplicity, and nutritional transparency. You’ll find calorie counts for each dish to keep your health goals on track while still enjoying indulgent European classics. Whether you crave creamy pasta, rich stews, or oven-roasted mains, these recipes are designed to be approachable for any home cook, with tips to achieve authentic results every time.

Cooking these dishes is more than just filling your plate; it’s a way to bring a piece of Europe into your home, share meaningful meals with loved ones, and learn about traditions that define each country’s culinary heritage. Get ready to pour a glass of wine, set your table beautifully, and savor every bite of these comforting and satisfying dinners.

Read here Best eSIM for Europe and how to pack for Europe

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Best Time to Eat and What to Serve It With

These European dinners are perfect for hearty weeknight meals or elegant weekend dinners with family and friends. They’re especially ideal for cozy evenings when you want a filling, restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

How to Partner

Wine pairing is one of the most enjoyable parts of European dining. A creamy French chicken dish might be best with a crisp Chardonnay, while an Italian pasta pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied Chianti. Spanish stews often shine with a glass of Rioja or Tempranillo.

Beyond drinks, side dishes make the experience complete. Serve roasted seasonal vegetables, sautéed greens, or even a cheese platter before or after the main course to highlight regional traditions. These small touches can transport your kitchen straight to Europe.

Dessert doesn’t need to be extravagant. A piece of fruit, a square of dark chocolate, or a small pastry is enough to finish the meal on a sweet yet balanced note. The key is moderation and flavor, not excess.

One debate centers on portion size. Europeans often serve smaller portions compared to American standards, yet many argue this makes meals more enjoyable and balanced. Critics say the portions are too small, while others claim it’s the reason European diets are often healthier.

Another point of contention is calories. Some claim European dinners are inherently rich and heavy—loaded with cream, butter, and pasta. Others argue that balance lies in fresh ingredients, portion control, and mindful eating, making these meals no more indulgent than other global cuisines.

Lastly, authenticity sparks discussion. Some cooks insist that only traditional recipes should be called “European dinners,” while others embrace creative adaptations. The tension between authenticity and innovation keeps the cuisine both grounded and evolving.

Best European Dinners

1. Italian Lasagna

Ingredients:

12 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 eggs

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with eggs, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 6 noodles over the sauce. Spread with half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/3 of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese).

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips:

Prevent noodles from sticking together by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. Use fresh, high-quality ricotta and mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.

Approximately 450 calories per serving (assuming 12 servings).

Read here how to make Lasagna

2. French Coq au Vin

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups red wine (Burgundy)
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/2 pound pearl onions, peeled

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

Brown the Chicken

Brown the chicken in the bacon fat, working in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.

Cook Vegetables

Add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Deglaze and Simmer

Stir in the red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Cook Mushrooms and Onions

In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté the mushrooms and pearl onions until golden brown. Add to the chicken pot for the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serve

Serve hot, with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Tips:

Use a good quality red wine that you would drink; it enhances the dish’s flavor. Avoid boiling the stew too vigorously to keep the chicken tender.

Calories: Approximately 500 calories per serving (assuming 6 servings).

Read here how to make Coq Au Vin

3. Spanish Paella

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups paella rice (such as Bomba or Arborio)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 pound seafood mix (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid)
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Rice and Spices

Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice.

Simmer

Add chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked through.

Add Seafood and Peas

Arrange the seafood mix and peas on top of the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked and the rice is tender.

Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use high-quality saffron. Soak the threads in a little warm water before adding to the dish. Use fresh seafood if possible. Adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of seafood used.

Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (assuming 6 servings).

Read here how to make Paella

Origin and History

European home cooking has never been about spectacle. Most iconic dinners grew out of necessity, seasonality, and repetition rather than celebration. Families relied on what was local, affordable, and reliable, shaping dishes that could be made after long workdays without ceremony.

Across Europe, dinner traditions evolved around balance rather than abundance. Protein was stretched, vegetables carried weight, and sauces were built from patience instead of excess ingredients. These meals were designed to sustain daily life, not impress guests.

What makes these dinners “authentic” is not strict recipes but shared principles. Simplicity, respect for ingredients, and restraint define everyday European cooking far more than restaurant versions ever could.

Over time, globalization elevated certain dishes into icons while quietly erasing the ordinary meals people actually ate. Reclaiming these dinners is less about nostalgia and more about practicality.

One uncomfortable truth is that many Americans associate European food with luxury or complexity. In reality, most traditional dinners are simpler than modern weeknight meals filled with shortcuts and packaged sauces.

Another controversial point is portion size. European dinners tend to be smaller and more balanced, which often clashes with expectations shaped by oversized servings and heavy proteins.

There is also resistance to repetition. Europeans commonly eat variations of the same dishes weekly, while Americans often chase novelty. Familiarity, not variety, is what makes these meals sustainable.

Perhaps the biggest misunderstanding is time. These dinners are not “slow food” in the romantic sense. They are efficient, intentional, and designed to fit real lives.

How Long You Take to Prepare

Authentic European dinners are built for speed. Most can be prepared in thirty to forty minutes without rushing or multitasking stress.

Preparation is streamlined because ingredients are minimal and techniques are straightforward. There are few steps, but each one matters.

Cooking times are predictable. Sauces simmer briefly, proteins cook quickly, and sides are often incorporated into the main dish rather than prepared separately.

The result is food that feels thoughtful without feeling demanding. Time is respected, not consumed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these dinners family-style, placing the dishes in the center of the table for everyone to share. This creates a convivial atmosphere reminiscent of European households where meals are about connection as much as nourishment.

For weeknight dinners, keep the setup simple with just the main dish and one side. During weekends, turn the recipes into a full dining experience by adding appetizers, wine, and dessert for a leisurely multi-course meal.

If cooking for guests, take advantage of presentation. Use wide plates, garnish with fresh herbs, and keep portions balanced to elevate even the simplest recipe into something impressive.

Final Thoughts

Cooking European dinners at home is a way to travel without leaving your kitchen. Each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and flavor, bringing a touch of elegance and warmth to your weeknight meals.

The debates around calories, portions, and authenticity remind us that food is more than fuel—it’s a reflection of values and lifestyle. Embracing European dining means savoring flavor while respecting balance and tradition.

Ultimately, these epic dinners aren’t just about recipes; they’re about creating experiences. Whether cooking for yourself or loved ones, these meals promise not only great taste but also a chance to slow down, connect, and celebrate the timeless joy of good food.