What's for Dinner? 23 Must-Make Recipes Just Right for Weeknights in December

From the seasonal fruit and vegetable pairings to the roasted pork chops, everything about this meal is perfect for cold weather. Searing the pork chops before roasting them creates a golden brown, savory crust.

Here's a flavorful sauce for pasta that comes together in 45 minutes, which is quicker than a traditional Bolognese yet just as tasty. The secret? Using both ground white and dark meat.

This fragrant pizza is the perfect handheld dinner for Friday night. Broccoli is brightened up with thin slices of lemon and fresh rosemary, and gouda is a wonderful alternative to the usual mozzarella.

Tomatillos, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño peppers bring an intense green hue to this tasty vegan stew. White hominy and extra-firm tofu complete this dinner, which is perfect for meatless Monday.

By now you know how much we love an easy sheet-pan dinner; easy to prep, hands-off cooking, and just one sheet pan to wash after dinner. Here, juicy roasted chicken thighs, crispy potatoes, and wilted escarole make a cozy, delicious meal.

Grain bowls are popular for good reason. They're an easy way to serve up a variety of colorful, nutritious vegetables, legumes, and herbs. In the midst of heavy Christmas cookie consumption this healthy dinner recipe is just what you need.

Burger night, but make it different, delicious, and healthy, too. This recipe hits all those bases. Salmon fillet is mixed with goat cheese and baby spinach for delectably moist patties that pair wonderfully with your favorite flatbread.

A big pot of chili is filling, warm, and perfect for feeding the family when the weather is cold. Using ground turkey makes it healthier than the traditional beef version, and using the Instant Pot makes it faster.

Want to become a better home cook? Master an essential dish, such as this simple risotto recipe made with lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It's the perfect dish for a cool Monday evening.

It's taco Tuesday! Filled with chipotle shrimp, grilled pineapple, and avocado slices, this tropical dinner is welcome on a cold December night.

A one-skillet dinner not only makes for easy clean-up, but simple prep and presentation, too. Pork meatballs are hand-rolled, then baked with peppers, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and crusty Italian bread.

For an easy, breezy weeknight meal (this one comes together in just 30 minutes), make this beef and broccoli stir-fry. We love using skirt steak, it's an inexpensive cut that's easy to cook and super flavorful.

When you feel like fried chicken but don't have the time, turn to this crunchy, irresistible chicken dinner made with boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves or chicken cutlets. The meat is coated in seasoned panko and cooks quickly on the stovetop.

Rice and beans are an old favorite. Here, they're amped up with cremini mushrooms, bell pepper, scallions, and hot sauce for a spectacular meatless meal.

After just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you'll get to enjoy a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner. Who wouldn't love sweet Italian sausages with slices of acorn squash and red onion, finished with Asiago cheese and dried cherries? We like to serve this entrée over polenta or rice. 

Rich and comforting, this soup starts with store-bought chicken broth. The kale cooks in the broth, the egg whites are added, and then the yolks and Parmesan or Pecorino cheese are whisked in along with nutmeg and lemon juice. 

We're keeping it easy—and delicious—tonight with this hearty yet quick meal that starts with chicken cutlets, store-bought polenta, and jarred marinara sauce.

In honor of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, traditionally celebrated by Italians on Christmas Eve, we're serving this seafood risotto. Squid, halibut, small clams, and shrimp combine with orzo in this easy-to-make yet celebratory entrée.

A vegetarian sheet-pan dinner with couscous, cauliflower, carrots, chickpeas, and feta is just what you need for dinner after all those holiday feasts.

Need something crispy and tempting but also easy to make for dinner tonight? These baked chicken flautas feature ground chicken and plenty of ooey, gooey cheese. What's not to like?

This five-ingredient dinner is a genius crowd pleaser that turns a favorite side dish—caramelized Brussels sprouts and bacon—into the main course.

Everything about this vegetarian pizza says holiday. From the contrasting green pistachios and red pomegranate arils, it's a delicious and fun meal to serve between Christmas and New Year's.

If you're having a quiet dinner in on New Year's Eve, this simple stew made with your favorite white fish is a fabulous option. The best part is it that comes together in just half an hour, so there's plenty of time for dinner and celebrations before the ball drops.