Stress-Free December Dinners: 7 Prep-Ahead Meal Ideas to Save Time During the Holiday Hustle
December is one of the busiest months of the year. Between decorating, holiday shopping, parties, and school events, finding time to plan or cook dinner can feel impossible.
The solution? Prep-ahead meals that can be frozen and ready to cook when you need them. By preparing some easy, family-friendly meals ahead of time, you can free up your evenings and keep your family well-fed with minimal effort. Here are 7 prep-ahead meal ideas to help you conquer dinnertime during the holiday rush.
1. Cheesy Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a comfort-food classic that’s easy to assemble and freezes or refrigerates beautifully. Layer pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella in a freezer-safe dish.
When dinnertime rolls around, simply thaw overnight, bake until bubbly, and serve with a side salad or garlic bread. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal with no last-minute stress.
Here’s a link to an easy recipe, but you can make it even easier by using store-bought sauce! https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11688/baked-ziti/
2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Stews are perfect for busy December nights when you need something hearty and warm. Chop your vegetables and prepare the stew ingredients in a freezer bag.
On the morning of a busy day, dump everything into your slow cooker and let it simmer while you check items off your holiday to-do list. When you get home, dinner is ready to serve.
For an easy stew recipe, our favorite is the Lawry’s recipe! https://www.mccormick.com/lawrys/recipes/main-dishes/lawrys-easy-beef-stew
3. Chicken Pot Pie
This comfort-food staple is the perfect prep-ahead meal. Make the filling with shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, then freeze it in a pie crust or portioned ramekins.
On a busy evening, bake the pie straight from the freezer for a warm, homey meal with zero fuss.
Here’s a simple, no-fuss recipe! https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8618/easy-chicken-pot-pie/
4. Taco Meat
Taco night is a family favorite and incredibly easy to prep ahead. Cook and season ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken, then freeze in meal-sized portions.
When it’s time for dinner, reheat the meat, and serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, lettuce, and your favorite toppings. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing option perfect for a chaotic December evening.
We love the Lawry’s taco seasoning packets for easy seasoning! https://www.mccormick.com/lawrys/recipes/main-dishes/lawrys-tacos
5. Homemade Pizza Kits
Pizza night is always a hit and can be made even easier with a little prep ahead of time. Buy the pre-cooked pizza crusts and keep them in the freezer until you need them. Keep the topping ingredients on hand, such as shredded cheese, cooked sausage, pepperoni, or sliced veggies.
When you need a quick dinner, thaw the crusts, assemble your pizzas, and bake. Everyone can customize their toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal for the whole family.
6. Crockpot Chili
A hearty chili is a lifesaver during a busy December. Brown your ground beef or turkey in advance, then toss it into the slow cooker with beans, tomatoes, spices, and any additional ingredients that your family enjoys, like corn or bell peppers. Let it simmer while you tackle holiday errands, and come home to a warm, satisfying meal. The best part? Chili freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze half for another no-fuss dinner later. Serve with cornbread or Fritos dipping chips.
For even more convenience, use a packaged spice kit from your grocery store, such as Lawry’s or Carroll Shelby’s Chili Kit.
7. Stock Up on Trader Joe’s or Costco/Sam’s Club Frozen Appetizers
Sometimes, the easiest prep-ahead meal is one you don’t have to prepare at all. Keep a stash of frozen appetizers and snacks from Trader Joe’s or Costco in your freezer. Mini quiches, meatballs, dumplings, and spanakopita are quick to heat and pair perfectly with a fresh salad or a simple soup. These make excellent options for busy weeknights or impromptu holiday guests.
Tips for Making December Dinners Stress-Free
- Plan Ahead: Schedule a day early in the month to prep and freeze your meals. It’ll pay off when the holiday season gets hectic.
- Use a Sharpie to Label: Clearly label each meal with the name, date, and cooking instructions, so you’re never left guessing what’s in the freezer.
- Portion Wisely: Freeze meals in family-sized portions or individual servings to make thawing and cooking as convenient as possible.
- Let Go of Perfection: This holiday season, prioritize presence and peace over perfect dinners. What matters most is that you and your family enjoy time together, not that every meal is flawless. Embrace the messiness of the month—it’s okay if things aren’t picture-perfect (and honestly, that’s true all year round!). Give yourself grace and remember, you can always return to your regular routines after the holidays. For now, soak in the joy of the season and cherish these moments with your loved ones!