Top 30 Valentine's Day meals

Now try our Valentine's Day menu ideas, budget Valentine's Day dinner ideas, and most popular Valentine's Day recipes.

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 lovely char. 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. Discover our guide for how to cook the perfect steak and discover more Valentine's Day steak 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 indulgent dishes in our comfort food collection.

3. Crispy za'atar chicken pilaf with pomegranate

Nestle crispy za’atar chicken pieces among pistachio pilaf rice for an irresistible supper. The chicken thighs are succulent and the skin is perfectly crisp. The za’atar gives a 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.

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. Or try our next-level mushroom risotto.

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 full of anchovies, black olives and capers. Now discover our ultimate pasta collection.

7. Caramelised red onion & anchovy pasta with gremolata

Looking for a budget-friendly Valentine's Day dinner? This easy pasta ticks all the boxes, with caramelised onions, anchovies and a homemade gremolata that feels fancy but won't break the bank. Discover more pasta for two recipes.

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 mins. Simply prepare the lobster tails and grill for 10 mins until cooked through. Finish with a drizzle of infused butter and a scattering of fresh herbs. Or go all out with 5 ways with oysters.

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. Try more spaghetti recipes.

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 loved one. Try more of our favourite salmon recipes.

14. Paella

Choose the freshest ingredients for our world-class paella. Serve this classic Spanish seafood dish in the pan for a flavour fiesta.

15. Baked chicken arrabbiata

Make this easy baked chicken arrabbiata with tomatoes, peppers and spinach for a simple Valentine's Day meal. Serve with the pasta of your choice.

16. Tomato & mascarpone risotto

Creamy mascarpone makes this risotto rich and full of flavour. A sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil are the perfect finishing touches. Or try our vegetarian Valentine's Day recipes or an easy veggie menu to save you the faff.

17. Vegan wellington

A decadent wellington is perfect for a special occasion. This clever vegan version is made with a mixture of mushrooms, black beans and wheat gluten, wrapped in pastry. Make a rich gravy with red wine, soy sauce, tomato purée and stock. Next discover our vegan Valentine's menu and vegan Valentine's Day recipes.

18. Macaroni cheese lasagne

Combine two comfort classics for the ultimate hug in a bowl. Make a rich ragu sauce with pancetta, beef and veggies. Top with creamy macaroni cheese, then grated cheddar and mozzarella. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

19. Slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot

Warm up on a chilly Valentine's Day with this glorious slow-cooked pork hotpot, cooked in cider and sage. It's topped with a crispy layer of potatoes and sage leaves. Why not serve it with one of our roasted vegetable recipes for a complementary side?

20. Baked garlic prawns with roasted peppers & gremolata toasts

Looking for an easy Valentine's Day dinner that looks impressive? Say hello to these baked prawns, cooked with roasted red peppers and topped with garlic and herbs.

21. Next level spaghetti carbonara

Make the ultimate spaghetti carbonara with a creamy sauce and crisp pancetta or guanciale. Top with an extra egg yolk to really show you care.

22. Pasta alla vodka

You can't go wrong with this five star-rated pasta dish. Don't fear the vodka – the alcohol is cooked off to create a wonderfully creamy sauce to offset the tomato.

23. Pot-roast chicken with stock

You can't go wrong with a classic roast chicken on Valentine's Day. We slow-roasted this with plenty of stock to ensure it's succulent and moist. Serve with your favourite roast dinner trimmings.

24. Baked cod with creamy mushroom & leek orzo

Rustle up our baked cod with orzo, creamy mushrooms and leeks in just 20 mins. It's a super-speedy supper – so there's no excuse not to make a pudding too.

25. Creamy mushroom pasta

Make this creamy mushroom pasta dish for an elegant veggie Valentine's offering. Cream, parmesan, white wine, lemon and parsley make this full of flavour.

26. Roasted red pepper soup with crispy croutons

Get your meal off to a warm and cosy start with this fiery harissa and roasted red pepper soup that's sure to get the pulse raising. It makes a lighter veggie main meal or an equally romantic starter. Like a kick? Discover more spicy soup recipes.

27. Creamy fish & leek pie

Make a comfort food classic Valentine's-worthy with king prawns, salmon and haddock, topped with a golden, cheesy mash.

28. Sausage ragu

This flavourful sausage ragu is a great way to keep Valentine's Day affordable. Any leftover sauce can be frozen for the next time you want to ignite some passion!

29. Salmon en croûte

Wow that special someone with a super-cheffy salmon en croûte. Our pro tips will guide you through, resulting in succulent salmon, soft cheese and dill encased in crisp puff pastry with a pickled cucumber side. You'll never eat out again.

30. Three-cheese meatball lasagne

Switch up your usual lasagne with sausage meatballs, fennel seeds and chilli, guaranteed to get the heart racing...

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