That odd stretch between Christmas and New Year’s feels like a time warp where days blur, leftovers dominate, and you’re left wondering if you need another nap or a real meal. Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated this week — just easy, comforting, and something everyone will actually eat.
Tuna Melt Quesadillas
Tuna Melt Quesadillas are a quick, 30-minute recipe perfect for family dinners or an easy lunch. Mix up the tuna filling, layer it with cheddar cheese on flour tortillas, and cook until crispy and golden. Leftovers store well, so you can enjoy them for days. A simple, no-hassle meal when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls deliver all the flavors of the classic dish in an easier one-pot format. In just 1 hour, ground beef, onions, cabbage, rice, and seasonings simmer together for a hearty, low-effort meal. Cleanup is easy, and leftovers store well, making it a practical dinner for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Loaded Tater Tots
These Loaded Tater Tots are done in 35 minutes and are great for feeding a hungry crew during the holiday break, whether it’s kids home all day or a casual family dinner. Golden tots get topped with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. The recipe’s super easy, and if by some miracle there are leftovers, they’ll hold up well for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Reuben Bowls
Reuben Bowls are a quick 30-minute dinner or make-ahead lunch that’s easy to throw together. Brown some deli corned beef, mix it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, and melt on some Swiss cheese. Top with homemade Thousand Island dressing — or use store-bought to keep things simple. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a great way to keep things simple while still enjoying something hearty during the weird, in-between holiday week. Juicy chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and vegetables simmer together in a flavorful broth that’s ready in just 40 minutes. It’s easy to make, reheats well for another meal, and hits the spot when you want something comforting without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is perfect for when you want a homemade dinner that feels a little extra but doesn’t take much work. In just 30 minutes, chicken thighs simmer in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, making a rich, flavorful meal. It’s an easy weeknight option that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic that’s simple to make and hits the spot when you need a quick meal. Egg noodles, tuna, and peas bake together in a creamy casserole that’s ready in less than an hour. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want something homemade but low effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is the perfect go-to for when you need an easy, comforting meal. Frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and melted cheese bake together in about an hour, giving you a simple dish that feels homemade. It’s great for feeding the whole family without spending much time in the kitchen, and it’s easy to add to your weekly dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup
Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup is a great one-pot dinner that’s ready in about an hour. With sharp cheddar, veggies, and a good Wisconsin lager, it packs the classic flavor that makes this dish a favorite. The steps are simple: sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft, stir in flour, then slowly add the broth and beer. Let it simmer until thickened, and stir in sharp cheddar for a creamy finish.
Get the Recipe: Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is perfect for when you’re tired of holiday leftovers but don’t want to spend a ton of time cooking. Shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes cook up quickly in a garlic sauce that’s ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with bread or pasta, and you’ve got a meal that feels fresh and light while still being quick and easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Sausage Curry
Sausage Curry is a great way to switch things up while keeping dinner simple. The sausages simmer in a rich curry sauce, and the whole dish is done in under an hour. It’s a solid pick for evenings when you want something hearty and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen, especially during the laid-back days between Christmas and New Year’s.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is great for an easy dinner when you’re winding down after the holidays. The chicken and artichoke hearts simmer in a creamy garlic sauce, and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s simple to make, doesn’t leave a pile of dishes, and hits the spot for a low-key night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great pick for when you need dinner quickly but want something that feels a bit special. The creamy Dijon sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon come together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with veggies or a salad for a simple, comforting meal that’s easy to make and doesn’t require much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is an easy dinner that checks all the boxes during the post-holiday lull. Ready in 40 minutes, this soup combines white beans, carrots, and croutons into a wholesome meal that’s filling without being heavy. It’s perfect for when you want something quick and homemade that feels good to eat after the holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole gives you all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the extra steps. In just 45 minutes, this one-pan meal combines peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese for a hearty, filling dinner. It’s a practical choice for busy nights when you want something easy and homemade that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup delivers the comforting flavors of a pot pie without the hassle of crust. In about an hour, you’ll have a creamy soup filled with chicken, veggies, and all the cozy tastes you’re craving. This recipe is great for when you need something hearty but straightforward, making it a solid dinner option that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops make dinner quick and easy without cutting corners on flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, these pork chops are coated with mayo and a seasoning mix for a crispy outside and tender inside. Perfect for nights when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup handles dinner for you on a busy day. Just toss split peas, ham, carrots, and celery into the slow cooker, and let it do the work. By dinnertime, you’ll have a thick, hearty soup that’s ready to eat. It’s a great solution for when you need something hands-off but still filling and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a simple way to bring variety to dinner during the quieter days of the holiday week. The natural sweetness of the potatoes blends with roasted red peppers for a smooth, flavorful soup that’s ready in about an hour. Add a dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread, and you’ve got an easy, homemade meal that feels comforting without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole is great when you need an easy dinner that doesn’t take much effort. Broccoli, cheese, and a few pantry staples come together in under an hour for a hearty dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or using up what’s in the fridge, and it’s an easy way to add veggies to the table without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup is perfect for evenings when you want something homemade that doesn’t take too much time. In under an hour, hearty mushrooms simmer in a creamy broth, creating a comforting soup that pairs perfectly with fresh bread. It’s a practical way to make dinner feel special while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Keto Zuppa Toscana
Keto Zuppa Toscana is a flavorful soup that comes together in about an hour. Swapping potatoes for radishes gives it a fresh spin while keeping the classic hearty taste. This recipe works well for nights when you want something comforting and filling, with an easy, homemade feel that keeps dinnertime stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great way to get dinner on the table fast without making a mess. In just 30 minutes, tender chicken cooks in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that pairs well with veggies or rice, keeping cleanup easy. This is perfect for nights when you want something hearty and homemade without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken brings together chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy garlic sauce, all in one pan. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a great option for nights when you want a comforting meal that’s simple to make. Plus, the easy cleanup makes it even better for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick 30-minute meal that doesn’t overcomplicate dinner. Juicy chicken thighs cook in a creamy mushroom sauce with garlic and Parmesan, giving you a hearty dish that’s easy to pull together. Perfect for when you need something homemade but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in just 20 minutes and pack plenty of flavor. The chicken cooks in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it great for a quick meal. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got dinner without a lot of effort or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is done in 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and light dinner. Chicken, pasta, and crisp lettuce come together with Caesar dressing for a simple meal that’s filling but not heavy. It’s easy to throw in extra ingredients you have on hand, making it flexible and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is a quick 25-minute dinner that keeps things simple. Hearty sausage pairs with crunchy cabbage, and you can toss in any extra veggies from the fridge to make it a complete meal. Perfect for busy nights when you need something homemade but don’t want to spend all evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is ready in just 30 minutes, combining broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a comforting dish. It’s a great way to get veggies on the table while still keeping things easy. Perfect for nights when you want a simple, homemade meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is a great weeknight option when you need something quick but flavorful. With chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, this dish is rich without being complicated. Ready in 30 minutes, it pairs well with rice or veggies for a complete, no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake