Start the New Year right with a whole month's worth of dinners. We've put together a January meal plan loaded with cozy Sunday dinners, casseroles and more delicious comfort food.
Your January Meal Plan
Updated on Nov. 27, 2024
1
/
31
Day 1: Pot Roast with Mushrooms
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, shiitake mushrooms, beef broth
Level: Intermediate
This slow-cooker pot roast with mushrooms takes 25 minutes to prep, then cooks on low all day, leaving your house smelling like a dream when you walk through the door. Served with mashed potatoes, it’s a wonderful way to end the day.
“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
2
/
31
Day 2: Shrimp in Cream Sauce
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Shrimp, heavy whipping cream, butter
Level: Easy
This shrimp dinner has a rich and buttery sauce that perfectly coats noodles. Lap up any extra sauce with a slice of bread.
“Looking for an extra-special entree to delight guests? My family enjoys this rich shrimp dish on a holiday. I serve it over golden egg noodles.” —Recipe contributor Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey
3
/
31
Day 3: Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo from Olive Garden
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, cheese tortelloni, Alfredo sauce
Level: Easy
This Olive Garden copycat recipe has only five ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, easy and cheesy dinner.
“My family loves all types of pasta, but this is one of their favorites. Swap in your favorite flavor of tortellini or tortelloni if you can’t find any with Asiago.” —Recipe contributor Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
4
/
31
Day 4: Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Broiler/fryer chicken, tomato sauce, mushrooms
Level: Easy
This rustic dinner makes use of your pantry herbs and spices. Even if you can fit all the chicken pieces into the skillet, it’s better to work in batches to make sure the chicken steams.
“This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It’s inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables.” —Recipe contributor Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
5
/
31
Day 5: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground pork, ground sirloin, mozzarella cheese
Level: Easy
These meatballs are made with both pork and beef. But the best part is the ooey, gooey cheesy center.
“It’s fun to watch my friends eat these meatballs for the first time. They’re pleasantly surprised to find melted cheese in the middle. These meatballs are also great in a hot sub sandwich.” —Recipe contributor Michaela Rosenthal, Indio, California
6
/
31
Day 6: Artichoke Chicken
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, artichoke hearts, mushrooms
Level: Easy
If you love artichokes, you’ll love this easy dinner! Chicken, artichokes and mushrooms bake in a savory rosemary-infused sauce that keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
“Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give this chicken a wonderful, savory flavor. I’ve served this healthy canned vegetable recipe for a large group by doubling the batch. It’s always a big hit with everyone—especially my family!” —Recipe contributor Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
7
/
31
Day 7: Slow-Cooker Meat Loaf
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, pork sausage, tomato sauce
Level: Easy
You can have juicy meat loaf on the table in just a few hours. This hands-off dish cooks in the background, and cleanup is a breeze.
“This simple, easy-to-make meat loaf is one of my personal favorites. I’m often asked for the recipe.” —Recipe contributor Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
8
/
31
Day 8: Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, mushrooms
Level: Easy
Mushrooms, onions and ground beef top a bed of buttery potatoes for an easy dinner. This nostalgic and hearty dish is ready in just 30 minutes.
“I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn’t stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it’s quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it.” —Recipe contributor Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
9
/
31
Day 9: Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork sirloin roast, orange zest, oregano
Level: Easy
Make the most of your January citrus with this slow cooker recipe. Orange juice, sugar, grapefruit juice, steak sauce and soy sauce combine to make an unforgettable sauce.
“The genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It’s nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy.” —Recipe contributor Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
10
/
31
Day 10: Baked Ziti and Sausage
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Italian sausage links, ziti, mozzarella cheese
Level: Easy
This white ziti uses three cheeses: Parmesan cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese. Be sure to cut the sausage into small pieces so every bite has some!
“This is my husband’s favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.” —Recipe contributor Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas
11
/
31
Day 11: Southwest Chicken Chili
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken thighs, green chiles, cilantro
Level: Easy
Ham hock and chicken thighs combine in this cold weather dish. You can take a shortcut by substituting the ham hock for bacon strips.
“Chicken thighs are a nice change-of-pace in this easy chili. I also add a smoked ham hock and fresh cilantro to add flavor and keep the dish interesting.” —Recipe contributor Phyllils Beatty, Chandler, Arizona
12
/
31
Day 12: Cashew Chicken
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, cashews, mushrooms
Level: Easy
You can have your favorite takeout dish ready and on the table in 30 minutes. The secret is to slightly undercook your vegetables so that they’re still crunchy.
“There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it’s easy to prepare.” —Recipe contributor Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
13
/
31
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken, broccoli, stuffing mix
Level: Easy
Using store-bought stuffing and cooked chicken, whether from a rotisserie chicken or your own leftovers, makes this one of the easiest weeknight dinners. Make two pans, and you’ll have a perfect dish to store in the freezer for another ready-to-go meal.
“Broccoli is a favorite vegetable in our home. This is one dish that always gets rave reviews. Serve it for a brunch or dinner.” —Recipe contributor Colleen Lewis, Cottonwood, Arizona
14
/
31
Day 14: Blue Plate Beef Patties
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, beef gravy, mushrooms
Level: Easy
You don’t have to head to the closest diner to enjoy a blue-plate special. It couldn’t be easier to prepare a savory and comforting meal, thanks to the magic of a great gravy.
“A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms.” —Recipe contributor Phyllis Miller, Danville, Indiana
15
/
31
Day 15: Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowl
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Popcorn chicken, potatoes, chicken gravy, corn
Level: Easy
The only thing better than a KFC mashed potato bowl is an irresistible homemade version. The best part? You can customize it with all kinds of toppings.
“This iconic and irresistible one-bowl meal is quick and easy to create at home. Savor the comforting combo of golden popcorn chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, tender sweet corn and melty cheese.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
16
/
31
Day 16: Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork loin chops, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, french-fried onions
Level: Easy
This dump and go meal can be prepared in the morning and ready by dinner. With chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and fire roasted tomatoes, the pork chops have a nice kick.
“I love the tender texture of pork chops made in the slow cooker! The flavor of this sauce is similar to barbecue but with a little extra kick. The crispy onions on top add a delectable crunch.” —Recipe contributor Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
17
/
31
Day 17: Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork loin chops, apples, onion
Level: Easy
Everyone knows that apples and pork are an unbeatable combination. This recipe further proves that point with a flavorful sweet garlic sauce.
“Now that my husband and I are trying to lose weight, I find it a challenge to come up with healthy dishes that are flavorful, quick and appealing to us and our young daughter. This one fits the bill on all counts.” —Recipe contributor Beverly McLain, Endicott, New York
18
/
31
Day 18: Garlic Chicken with Maple-Chipotle Glaze
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken leg quarters, maple syrup, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic
Level: Intermediate
If you like a sweet and savory dish, look no further than this herby chicken. Marjoram, parsley, sage, thyme and rosemary make an irresistible coating for the chicken.
“This herby one-dish garlic chicken dinner is a updated version of an old standby recipe. The smoky flavors pair well with the savory chicken and the hint of sweetness from the maple syrup.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
19
/
31
Day 19: Slow-Cooker Poblano Pork Loin
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork loin roast, poblano peppers, fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Level: Easy
This slow cooker pork is seasoned with fajita seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder and cayenne pepper. If you want even more heat, add some hot sauce.
“I live in Arizona and this slow-cooker pork loin is an easy dish with many southwestern seasonings. It’s fantastic with rice and beans or in a taco with hot sauce.” —Recipe contributor Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
20
/
31
Chicken Tetrazzini
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, half-and-half
Level: Intermediate
Baked spaghetti has never looked so good. This nostalgic and hearty recipe is pure comfort food.
“Rotisserie chicken turns this baked spaghetti into a warm, cozy meal our family craves. If we have leftover turkey, we use that, too.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Petrino, Newnan, Georgia
21
/
31
Day 21: Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Chicken thighs, potatoes, spinach
Level: Easy
Not every meal requires multiple pots and pans. Sheet-pan chicken and veggies is an all-in-one dinner with roasted red potatoes, caramelized onions, herb-encrusted chicken thighs and baby spinach.
“This one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy!” —Recipe contributor Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
22
/
31
Day 22: Beef Stew Skillet Pie
Total Time: 2 hoursMain Ingredients: Beef round steak, beef broth, potatoes
Level: Intermediate
You’ve never had beef stew like this. Topped with a buttery crust, similar to a chicken pot pie, the filling is packed with carrots, peas and potatoes.
“Puff pastry makes a pretty topping for this homey skillet potpie.” —Recipe contributor Josh Rink, Culinary Producer, Taste Recipes
23
/
31
Day 23: Seafood Casserole
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Crabmeat, shrimp, long grain and wild rice
Level: Easy
Shrimp, crab, vegetables and rice are combined in a single dish, bathed in a rich sauce and topped with crunchy, golden bread crumbs. Serve it with a simple salad or veggie.
“A family favorite, this rice casserole is filled with plenty of seafood and veggies. It’s hearty, homey and so easy to make.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Billups, Princeton, Iowa
24
/
31
Day 24: Taco Spaghetti
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, taco seasoning
Level: Easy
This simple, kid-friendly taco spaghetti casserole is a perfect mashup of two favorites, and the cheesy goodness is ready in less than an hour.
“I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I’m lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one.” —Recipe contributor Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
25
/
31
Day 25: Kentucky Hot Brown
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Turkey breast, bacon strips, Texas toast
Level: Easy
The Hot Brown was created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. To this day, it is still served at the hotel and appears on Derby party menus everywhere. Try this version that’s warmed to bubbly perfection.
“The Kentucky Hot Brown is the best sandwich you will ever eat with a knife and fork. This epic open-faced delight has thick slices of bread, turkey, bacon, tomato and cheese, all bathed in a rich, irresistible sauce.” —Recipe contributor Kristina Vanni, North Hollywood, California
26
/
31
Day 26: Roast Beef Pasta Skillet
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, roast beef, tomato
Level: Easy
Put your leftover roast beef or pot roast to good use in this pasta dinner. it comes together in a snap!
“Leftover beef is the star in a skillet dinner that’s perfect for two. Chopped tomatoes and Parmesan cheese add color and flavor to this no-fuss dish.” —Recipe contributor Bill Hilbrich, St. Cloud, Minnesota
27
/
31
Day 27: Chili Tortilla Bake
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, green chiles, whole wheat tortillas
Level: Easy
Add your favorite toppings to this cheesy Mexican bake. The freezer-friendly recipe is a great addition to your next potluck. It even freezes and reheats well.
“A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers.” —Recipe contributor Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
28
/
31
Day 28: Cheesy Wild Rice Soup
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Long grain and wild rice mix, Velveeta, bacon strips
Level: Easy
For a quick weeknight dinner, turn to this cheesy bacon and rice soup. Serve it with bread or oyster crackers.
“We often eat easy-to-make soups when there’s not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix. This creamy concoction is now a family favorite.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Hofer, Hitchcock, South Dakota
29
/
31
Day 29: Chicken-Fried Steak
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef cubed steaks, milk, flour
Level: Easy
Tender steak is pan-fried and covered with a gravy made from the drippings. It tastes just like what you get at a restaurant.
“As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too.” —Recipe contributor Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
30
/
31
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, noodles, mushrooms, sour cream
Level: Intermediate
Ground beef stroganoff is a simplified version of the classic beef stroganoff. The old-school version typically used strips or cubes of a reasonably tender cut of beef, like sirloin. Ground beef makes the dish come together much quicker without sacrificing any flavor.
“This easy ground beef Stroganoff makes a quick weeknight dinner. I like to serve with a side salad for a complete meal.” —Recipe contributor Deb Helmer, Lynden, Washington
31
/
31
Day 31: Pappardelle Bolognese
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, chicken breast, Italian sausage, tomato paste
Level: Easy
Pappardelle is a type of wide noodle, but you can serve this sauce over any pasta. The slow cooked sauce is made with a mix of ground beef, sausage, chicken.
“My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It’s even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread.” —Recipe contributor Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, New York
