There's no need to wonder what you should make for dinner during the busy holiday season—we've figured it out for you! Here are delicious dinners for each day in December.

Your December Meal Plan

Day 1: Slow-Cooker Barbacoa
Main Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, jasmine rice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Level: Intermediate
This slow-cooker barbacoa is tender and flavorful. It can be served with rice, tortillas or salad greens.
“My husband adores this slow-cooker barbacoa simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime.” —Recipe contributor Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Day 2: Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta
Main Ingredients: Orecchiette, Swiss chard, Italian sausage
Level: Easy
Hearty pastas go beyond marinara sauce. This meal is full of Italian sausage and veggies. Serve immediately after cooking.
“I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture.” —Recipe contributor Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Day 3: Paprika Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, paprika, heavy whipping cream
Level: Easy
Pork paprikash is a Hungarian dish made with pork, paprika and some kind of cream base. This quick and easy version uses heavy cream as a base and can be served with noodles or rice.
“When I was little, I would often ask my mom to make “favorite meat.” She knew I was requesting this homey pork recipe. It’s been in my family for more than 30 years and it’s still a favorite!” —Recipe contributor Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Shrimp Enchiladas
Day 5: Pot Roast with Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, shiitake mushrooms, onions
Level: Intermediate
This quick-prep recipe lets the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. To avoid the veggies getting too mushy, put them on top of the meat.
“Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special entree all ages will like. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy.” —Recipe contributor Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas
Swedish Meatballs
Day 7: Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage
Main Ingredients: Potato gnocchi, Italian chicken sausage links, spinach
Level: Easy
With pre-packaged gnocchi, you can have an elegant dinner without too much work. The Parmesan cream sauce is similar to an Alfredo sauce, but less heavy.
“Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry.” —Recipe contributor Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan
Day 8: Chorizo Spaghetti Squash Skillet
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti squash, chorizo chicken sausage links, mushrooms
Level: Easy
This pasta-style dinner has everything but the pasta! Spaghetti squash acts as a healthy (and delicious) replacement for noodles in this hearty, chorizo dinner.
“Get your noodle fix minus the pasta with this spicy one-dish meal. It’s a fill-you-up dinner that’s low in calories—which makes it a weeknight winner in my book!” —Recipe contributor Sherrill Oake, Springfield, Massachusetts
Day 9: Meatball Cabbage Rolls
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, tomato sauce, ground beef
Level: Intermediate
These cabbage rolls are stuffed with a delectable meatball mixture with tomato sauce, onion, rice, chili powder, garlic powder and salt. They cook all day on a nice, low simmer.
“My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I’ve tried.” —Recipe contributor Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Beef Stroganoff
Day 11: Stuffed Salmon
Main Ingredients: Rice, imitation crabmeat, salmon fillets
Level: Intermediate
This stuffed salmon recipe is simple to make, but fancy enough to serve for special occasions. The crab filling is loaded with cream cheese, savory spices and buttery rice.
“You could get stuffed salmon from a big-box store, but my fillets are loaded with flavor from crab, cream cheese and savory herbs. We love them.” —Recipe contributor Mary Cokenour, Monticello, Utah
Day 12: Beef and Rice Skillet
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes
Level: Easy
This beef and rice skillet includes all your favorite flavors of a stuffed pepper without all the work. Best part? You can prepare this entire meal in one pan, making dinner cleanup a breeze.
“I like to serve this kicked-up skillet dish with warm flour tortillas and a side of guacamole. If you like things a little spicier, add more jalapeno and enjoy the heat!” —Recipe contributor Pat Hockett, Ocala, Florida
Day 13: Slow-Cooker Short Rib Ragu over Pappardelle
Main Ingredients: Beef short ribs, mushrooms, pappardelle
Level: Intermediate
This rich and hearty short rib ragu is made in the slow cooker. This makes the short ribs so tender you can cut them with just a fork.
“An irresistible sauce gives the beef in this short rib ragu another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions.” —Recipe contributor Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey
Turkey Stew with Dumplings
Day 15: Meatless Chili Mac
Main Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, chili beans, great northern beans
Level: Easy
Despite not having any meat, this chili mac is hearty, savory and delicious. It’s the perfect cozy dinner that everyone can enjoy.
“I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages.” —Recipe contributor Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Day 16: Taco Noodle Dish
Main Ingredients: Egg noodles, ground turkey, taco seasoning
Level: Easy
This taco noodle dish has a fun twist. Instead of your usual ground beef, it uses ground turkey for extra leanness. Top it with all your favorite taco fixings.
“I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter…and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories.” —Recipe contributor Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Day 17: Tortellini Carbonara
Main Ingredients: Cheese tortellini, bacon strips, Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy
Want a creamy pasta dish that’s not macaroni and cheese or Alfredo? This tortellini carbonara hits all the right notes.
“Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. It’s a delightful option for company!” —Recipe contributor Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Day 18: Sweet Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Broiler/fryer chicken, orange marmalade, barbecue sauce
Level: Easy
For a sweet and savory take on dinner, try this orange chicken. Orange marmalade and barbecue sauce make for a tangy marinade.
“This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It’s sure to be a hit at your next get together!” —Recipe contributor Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Day 19: Black Beans with Bell Peppers & Rice
Main Ingredients: Black beans, ready-to-serve brown rice, bell peppers
Level: Easy
This vegetarian dish is a quick and easy dinner. It’s so hearty, you won’t miss the meat.
“My meat and potatoes husband goes for this cheesy, hearty black beans and rice recipe, and the kids gobble it up. For extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce.” —Recipe contributor Stephanie Lambert, Moseley, Virgina
Day 20: Tarragon Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs, carrots, tarragon
Level: Intermediate
Tarragon is a criminally underrated spice that shines in this easy chicken dinner. Serve with bread to dip in the dreamy, creamy sauce.
“I tried this dish one night when I had friends coming over for dinner and was pleased with how fresh-tasting it was. Serve it with crusty French bread to soak up all the delectable sauce.” —Recipe contributor Shanelle Lee, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Day 21: Farmhouse Pork and Apple Pie
Main Ingredients: Pork, bacon, apples, potatoes
Level: Easy
Pork and apples is an undeniably cozy combination. Similar to a shepherd’s pie, the dish is topped with buttery mashed potatoes.
“I’ve always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort.” —Recipe contributor Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Day 22: Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, pepperoni, pizza sauce
Level: Easy
This creative meal is great for when you can’t decide what you want to eat. Chicken breast is stuffed with pepperoni, mozzarella and pizza sauce, but you can add your favorite pizza toppings to the mix.
“I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn’t eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys.” —Recipe contributor Tanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio
Day 23: Chicken Marsala en Croute
Main Ingredients: Marsala wine, chicken breast, puff pastry
Level: Intermediate
These chicken marsala pockets are a fun twist on your usual chicken dinner. Make extra mushroom sauce if you like a saucier dish.
“I love puff pastry and chicken Marsala, so I decided to combine the two. The result is a very special meal perfect for Sunday dinner or any special occasion. Be sure to keep the puff pastry chilled so it is easier to work with.” —Recipe contributor Lorraine Russo, Mahwah, New Jersey
Day 24: French Onion Soup
Main Ingredients: Onions, beef broth, Gruyere cheese
Level: Easy
This rich and comforting French onion soup recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home. It rivals the soup you’ll find at any restaurant.
“Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top.” —Recipe contributor Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Day 25: Easy Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells, Italian meatballs, spaghetti sauce
Level: Easy
This dinner only has four ingredients: pasta shells, Italian meatballs, spaghetti sauce and mozzarella. It gives you plenty of room to customize.
“I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish.” —Recipe contributor Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Day 26: Beef in Mushroom Gravy
Main Ingredients: Beef top round steak, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup
Level: Easy
This five-ingredient dinner simmers on the slow cooker for most of the day. The fork-tender meat soaks up the creamy onion and mushroom gravy.
“This is one of the best and easiest meals I’ve ever made. It has only four ingredients, and they all go into the pot at once. The meat is nicely seasoned and makes its own gravy-it tastes wonderful when you serve it over mashed potatoes.” —Recipe contributor Margery Bryan, Royal City, Washington
Day 27: Chicken Crouton Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing cubes, chicken, cream of chicken soup
Level: Easy
The croutons in this creamy chicken casserole are none other than seasoned stuffing cubes. Serve with veggies like carrots, mushrooms and celery, or add them directly to the casserole.
“This Chicken Crouton Casserole recipe has practically made my mom famous. When she takes it to get-togethers, it’s loved by all who taste it. Whenever she serves it to family, the dish is empty by the end of the meal.” —Recipe contributor Beth Gramling, Warren, Pennsylvania
Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes
Day 29: Alfredo Chicken & Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Alfredo sauce, chicken breast, biscuits
Level: Intermediate
Like a potpie, this dish has a creamy vegetable base mixed with tender chicken. Use the buttermilk biscuit to lap up all the Alfredo goodness.
“For a cute potpie presentation, dish this creamy chicken up in ramekins and top each with a biscuit. I sometimes serve it over hot linguine, too.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Jordan of Hubbard, Ohio
Day 30: Clam Chowder
Main Ingredients: Chopped clams, clam juice, bacon strips
Level: Easy
Enjoy a big bowl of award-winning clam chowder, a traditional favorite from the New England coast. It’s creamy and chock-full of clams, potatoes and bacon.
“This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren’t readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable.” —Recipe contributor Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Day 31: Chicken Royale
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, butter, mushrooms
Level: Intermediate
Start the new year off right with this elegant and creamy chicken. It’s stuffed with a bread crumb filling and topped with a creamy mushroom sauce.
“Treat your dinner guests like kings and queens by serving them this chicken royale recipe.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Schubert, Lake Forest, Illinois