19 Cozy Dinners For the Day After Christmas

Christmas is over, but dinner tonight still needs to happen. Chances are you’re craving comforting but easy food that still fills you up and screams “I’m on vacation.” These dinners come together quickly, won’t turn your kitchen upside down and fit those requirements so you’re not stuck with leftovers from yesterday.

Pesto Ricotta Pasta

Ricotta melts into the pasta to create a soft, creamy base while pesto brings herbal depth that feels familiar and grounding. The sauce comes together quickly and coats every bite without needing much attention. It works well on the day after Christmas when something comforting and low key sounds better than leftovers again.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Ricotta Pasta

One Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

This casserole keeps the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage but skips the prep that usually goes with it. Cabbage softens in a rich tomato sauce alongside ground meat and rice, all in one pan. It feels hearty and comforting, which fits the slower pace of the day after Christmas.
Get the Recipe: One Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork cooks quickly with cabbage and mushrooms, soaking up a savory sauce that keeps everything balanced. The texture stays tender with just enough bite, and the whole dish comes together fast in one pan. It’s a solid option when the fridge looks random but dinner still needs to feel grounding.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Store bought ravioli cooks in minutes, then gets coated in a simple sage butter sauce that adds richness without effort. The squash filling keeps the dish soft and comforting while still feeling like a step up from basic pasta. It works well for a quiet evening after Christmas when cooking energy is low.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Mediterranean Baked White Fish

White fish bakes quickly with lemon, garlic, and herbs, staying flaky and light without feeling spare. Everything goes into the oven at once, which keeps cleanup minimal. It’s a nice reset meal after heavier holiday food while still feeling complete.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Baked White Fish

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef browns fast and mixes with vegetables in a garlicky sauce that coats everything evenly. The flavors are familiar and filling without requiring much planning. This kind of straightforward skillet dinner fits well when the holiday rush has passed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Salsa Chicken

Chicken cooks slowly with salsa and seasoning until it pulls apart easily. The result works for bowls, tacos, or over rice depending on what’s already on hand. It’s the kind of hands off dinner that makes the day after Christmas feel easier.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce that coats the chicken and keeps it tender. The seasoning stays simple but comforting, and the dish cooks without much babysitting. It’s filling without feeling heavy, which suits a quieter night at home.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Biscuit pieces bake up soft inside a layer of sauce and cheese, creating a familiar pizza style dinner with minimal prep. It feeds a group easily and reheats well the next day. This is the kind of relaxed comfort food that fits the post holiday lull.
Get the Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Chicken & Pasta Casserole

Chicken and pasta cook together in a creamy tomato sauce that thickens as it simmers. The slow cooker handles most of the work, which keeps the day moving without much kitchen time. It’s steady, filling food that works well when energy is still low.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Pasta Casserole

Baked Ravioli Casserole

Ravioli layers with sauce and cheese and bakes until everything melds together. The edges crisp slightly while the center stays soft and comforting. It’s a simple oven dinner that feels reassuring after the busyness of Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli Casserole

Tahini Pasta

Tahini blends into a smooth sauce with garlic and lemon, coating pasta in a rich, nutty layer. The dish cooks quickly and uses pantry ingredients, which helps when grocery trips feel unnecessary. It’s comforting in a quiet, understated way.
Get the Recipe: Tahini Pasta

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken simmers with honey, garlic, and pineapple until it becomes tender and glazed. The sauce thickens naturally as it cooks, creating a balanced sweet savory finish. It’s an easy choice for a slower day when the stove stays mostly off.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Beans and vegetables cook together in one skillet until everything softens and picks up flavor. The texture stays hearty and filling without needing meat. It works well as a lighter reset meal after heavier holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Pesto Salmon

Salmon roasts quickly with pesto, keeping the fish moist while adding bold flavor. The entire dish finishes in under half an hour with very little prep. It’s a calm, reliable dinner that doesn’t feel like starting from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Cabbage softens as it cooks with ground beef in a simple savory sauce. The dish stays filling and balanced without needing sides or extras. It’s practical comfort food that suits a quiet night in.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pasta cooks directly in the skillet with ground beef and sauce, soaking up flavor as it simmers. The texture ends up rich and cohesive without a long cook time. It’s an easy way to make dinner feel complete without much thought.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet potatoes soften alongside ground beef and spices, creating a hearty one pan dinner. The flavors stay balanced and filling, and leftovers hold up well. It’s a solid option when the fridge still feels half holiday.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Chicken cooks quickly with garlic, mushrooms, and peppers, picking up flavor as everything browns together. The bite sized pieces keep the dish light while still filling. It’s a simple skillet dinner that fits the slower rhythm after Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet