December is a whirlwind of shopping, wrapping, and juggling a million things at once, leaving dinner as an afterthought. But you still need something that’s quick and easy—preferably without resorting to frozen pizza again. These stress-free dinners are perfect for the nights when time is short, and your to-do list is longer than Santa’s. They’re straightforward and get food on the table without adding to the chaos.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Whip up this quick stir fry with thinly sliced beef and crisp broccoli for a meal that’s ready before you can finish wrapping a gift. It’s flavorful, simple, and perfect for a packed December evening.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Quick and convenient, this air fryer salmon with maple mustard sauce makes dinner stress-free during the holiday chaos. Ready in minutes, it’s an effortless option when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Air Fryer Ribeye
Enjoy a perfectly cooked ribeye steak made in the air fryer. It’s a fast, flavorful choice for when you need a satisfying dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This southwestern-inspired skillet with ground beef and sweet potatoes is a one-pan wonder. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a breeze to make on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Quick and easy, this ground beef stir fry is loaded with fresh vegetables and bold flavors. It’s a reliable go-to for dinner when the schedule is packed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream cheese chicken is rich, savory, and simple to prepare. It’s a comforting dinner option with just the right amount of flavor for a hectic night.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Smashed white beans and kale stuffed in crispy quesadillas make for a fast, meatless dinner packed with flavor and melty cheddar goodness.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Blackened Cod
Blackened cod is a quick dinner that’s bold and flavorful, using simple pantry spices to create a meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Gochujang Chicken
Spice up your weeknight with gochujang chicken, a sweet and spicy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with rice for a quick dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
This sheet pan chicken and sweet potato dinner is as easy as it gets. With caramelized pecans for added flair, it’s a one-pan solution to a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This Mexican ground beef skillet is a hearty, 30-minute meal packed with bold flavors. Perfect for when you need a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
BBQ pulled pork nachos are a fun, crowd-pleasing dinner idea. Load them with toppings and make use of any leftover pulled pork for a no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
General Tso Shrimp
General Tso shrimp is a sweet and spicy skillet dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy bold flavors without the wait.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas is a one-skillet wonder. Packed with savory spices, it’s a hearty dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Sheet pan steak and shrimp fajitas bring surf and turf to your table in under 20 minutes. With bold seasoning and easy prep, it’s a December dinner lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
