Celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with our delicious dinner ideas. Whether you’re a beginner or a kitchen pro, we have a selection of recipes for every skill level including classic steak, hearty pasta dishes and super-rich comfort food. Make date night extra special with our showstopping mains.
Complete your meal with our Valentine’s Day dessert recipes such as chocolate fondant, panna cotta and chocolate torte. Pair your dinner with a Valentine’s Day cocktail, like a sweet passionfruit martini, a citrusy cosmopolitan or a strong espresso martini.
If you’d prefer to do less cooking on Valentine’s Day, try a restaurant meal kit and recreate your favourite dishes at home. Our review includes special occasion boxes with luxury ingredients and vegan boxes for dietary restrictions.
Best Valentine’s Day meals
1) Sirloin steak
You can’t go wrong with a classic steak. Our method uses oil and butter for a nice brown crust. Season with crushed garlic and fresh thyme for a subtle flavour. Serve with chunky chips, fondant potatoes or hasselback potatoes. Pair with one of our delicious steak sauce recipes.
2) Stuffed pasta bake bolognese
This showstopping dish isn’t your average pasta bake. Stuff pasta shells with a cheesy filling made from mascarpone and mozzarella, then pair with a meaty bolognese. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling, and the pasta is tender. Find more rich dishes in our comfort food collection.
3) Crispy za’atar chicken pilaf with pomegranate
Nestle crispy za’atar chicken pieces amongst pistachio pilaf rice for an irresistible supper. The chicken thighs are succulent and the skin is perfectly crisp. The za’atar gives a sharp, scented and lingering savoury taste that is fragrant, herbal and citric. Try pairing with our dark chocolate & passion fruit tart.
4) Beef stroganoff
Learn the secret to tender beef in our next-level beef stroganoff. Porcini powder gives it the wow factor. Top with a generous dollop of soured cream, then scatter with parsley and a pinch of paprika. Your other half will be weak at the knees.
5) Roast chicken risotto
Elevate a standard risotto to something out-of-this-world with a few tweaks – think chicken crackling and truffle oil. It’s also great for using up leftover roast chicken.
6) Spaghetti puttanesca
Spaghetti puttanesca is a timeless pasta dish filled with thrifty storecupboard ingredients. Cook up this classic sauce in one pan, then toss with spaghetti for a simple Valentine’s Day meal. Ours is filled with anchovies, black olives and capers.
7) Ratatouille
Vegetables are slow-cooked in a dish that sings of summer. Serve with toasted bread, or for a more substantial meal, as a side with roasted meat or fish. This healthy dish packs in your five-a-day, and it’s vegan.
8) Grilled lobster tails
What could be more decadent than lobster tail covered in lemon and herb butter? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes. Simply prepare the lobster tails and grill for 10 minutes until cooked through. Finish with a drizzle of infused butter and a scattering of fresh herbs.
9) Beef bourguignon
Take beef bourguignon to new heights with our ultimate recipe. It tastes better a day or two after cooking, which means you can make it ahead and enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s, tucking into melt-in-the-mouth beef and hearty veg in a red wine sauce.
10) Melty cheese & potato pie

Drawing from the apres-ski classic tartiflette, this indulgent pie transforms into a cheesy fondue with creamy sliced potatoes and crisp puff pastry. Super-indulgent and perfect for an extra special date night dinner.
11) Smoky steak with Cajun potatoes & spicy slaw
Steak and Cajun potatoes make a tasty meal for two – perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s. Make our simple spicy slaw with red cabbage, onion, mayo, soured cream and chipotle.
12) Spaghetti & meatballs
Make the ultimate meatballs in a rich tomato sauce for your Lady and the Tramp moment. They’re made with a mix of beef and pork mince, with ciabatta breadcrumbs and a melty mozzarella or fontina middle.
13) Creamy salmon, leek & potato traybake
Nestle leeks, potato and capers around salmon fillets, and pour over a creamy garlic and caper sauce. Such little effort and washing-up will leave you with all the more time with your amore.
14) Paella
Choose the freshest ingredients for our world-class paella. Serve this classic Spanish seafood dish in the pan for a flavourful fiesta.
15) Baked chicken arrabbiata
16) Tomato & mascarpone risotto
17) Vegan wellington
18) Macaroni cheese lasagne
19) Slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot
20) Baked garlic prawns with roasted peppers & gremolata toasts
21) Next level spaghetti carbonara
22) One-pot paneer curry pie
23) Pot-roast chicken with stock
24) Baked cod with creamy mushroom & leek orzo
25) Creamy mushroom pasta
26) Rump steak
27) Creamy fish & leek pie
28) Sausage ragu
29) Salmon en croûte
30) Three-cheese meatball lasagne
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