The holidays are a busy time, and sometimes you just don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, finding dinner options that are quick and easy can make the whole day feel less stressful.
These 12 easy Christmas dinners are designed for people who want a delicious meal without cooking all day. They’ll help you enjoy the festive season more and spend less time prepping and more time relaxing.
One-pot beef stew
If you want a hearty Christmas dinner without standing over the stove all day, one-pot beef stew is a great pick. You just throw in beef, veggies, and seasoning, then let it simmer until everything’s tender and flavorful.
This meal is low-effort but feels comforting and satisfying. Plus, cleanup is easy since everything cooks in one pot. It’s perfect when you want a warm, cozy dinner without the fuss.
Slow cooker turkey breast
If you want a juicy turkey without standing by the oven all day, the slow cooker is your best friend. Just season the breast with herbs, garlic, and a bit of butter, then let it cook for a few hours.
This method keeps your turkey tender and frees up oven space for sides. It’s perfect for small gatherings or a stress-free Christmas meal. You can start it in the morning and come back to a delicious dinner later.
Sheet pan roasted vegetables and sausage
If you want a simple dinner that doesn’t take all day, sheet pan roasted vegetables and sausage is your go-to. You just toss sausage links and a mix of your favorite veggies on a tray, season, and roast.
The sausage juices add flavor to the veggies as everything cooks together. Cleanup is easy since it’s all in one pan, perfect when you want a tasty meal without the hassle. You can customize it with whatever veggies you like, making it ideal for busy holiday weeks.
Make-ahead lasagna
If you want a stress-free Christmas dinner, make-ahead lasagna is a solid choice. You can prepare it the day before or even freeze it weeks in advance.
This saves you from spending hours in the kitchen on the holiday. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and let it warm up.
A good lasagna has layers of noodles, sauce, sausage, and cheese. It’s filling, tasty, and perfect for feeding a crowd without extra fuss.
Simple baked salmon with lemon
If you want a tasty dinner that doesn’t take all day, baked salmon with lemon is a great choice. You just season the salmon with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh dill, then pop it in the oven.
It cooks quickly—usually in about 20 to 25 minutes. The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor without much effort on your part. Perfect when you want something easy but still impressive.
Easy skillet chicken and rice
If you want a simple dinner that doesn’t take all day, skillet chicken and rice is a solid choice. You cook the chicken, rice, and veggies all in one pan, so cleanup is quick.
Season the chicken well to get good flavor, then just let everything simmer together. It makes a cozy, satisfying meal without much effort. You can serve it on its own or add a fresh salad to keep things light.
Crockpot creamy mushroom chicken
If you want a simple dinner that feels a bit special, crockpot creamy mushroom chicken is an easy choice. You just season chicken breasts, add mushrooms, cream cheese, and some soup, then let the slow cooker do the work.
By the time you’re ready to eat, the chicken will be tender and wrapped in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. It’s great with noodles or mashed potatoes and perfect when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Garlic butter shrimp with pasta
If you want a tasty Christmas dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, garlic butter shrimp with pasta is a great choice. It comes together in about 30 minutes, so you can relax and enjoy the day.
Juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce pairs perfectly with tender pasta. Add a squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs for a bright, simple flavor.
This dish feels a little fancy but is actually super easy, making it perfect for a quick holiday meal that still impresses.
Quick sausage and potato bake
If you want a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this sausage and potato bake is your go-to. It’s simple: just toss sliced potatoes and sausage in a baking dish, season well, and pop it in the oven.
You can add onions or your favorite veggies for extra flavor. In about an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Perfect for busy holiday nights when you want something satisfying but easy.
Prepped overnight casserole
You can save a lot of time on Christmas Day by making a casserole the night before. Just assemble your ingredients, cover it, and pop it in the fridge.
In the morning, all you have to do is bake it. This kind of meal is perfect if you want something warm and ready without standing over the stove all day. Plus, it often tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Honey glazed ham slices
If you want a tasty Christmas dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, honey glazed ham slices are a great choice. You can buy pre-cooked ham and simply add a sweet glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and a bit of mustard or pineapple juice.
Bake it low and slow so the glaze caramelizes nicely but doesn’t burn. The result is juicy, tender meat with a sticky, flavorful crust. It’s easy to carve and sounds fancy without the fuss. Perfect for a relaxed holiday meal.
Easy stuffed bell peppers
If you want a simple, colorful meal that doesn’t take all day, stuffed bell peppers are a great choice. You can fill them with anything from ground beef and rice to a vegetarian mix with cheese and veggies.
They’re perfect if you want something festive without too much fuss. Plus, you can prep them ahead and bake when ready. Your holiday dinner just got easier and tastier.
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