December Meal Planner: Cozy, Festive & Freezer-Smart Recipes

byRossi Voss
0

December — Cozy, Festive, Freezer-Smart
December Meal Planner: Cozy, Festive & Freezer-Smart Recipes

Welcome to your December meal planner — packed with cozy, festive, and freezer-friendly recipes perfect for holiday gatherings, gift prep, and stress-free cooking. Whether you're hosting, gifting, or just want comforting meals without the fuss, these 30 recipes (using Instant Pot, Air Fryer, or Stockpot) will keep your kitchen warm and your table full.

✨ Featured Books:
Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes · Pie & Bread Perfection · 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Sauce Recipes
All Kindle versions: $0.99!

← November | January →

December Recipes

  1. IP Beefless Chili (Freezer)
  2. AF Garlic Butter Salmon
  3. Stockpot Chicken & Rice
  4. AF Holiday Veg Medley
  5. IP Red Lentil Dahl
  6. AF Turkey Stuffed Peppers
  7. Stockpot Brothy Chicken Soup
  8. AF Rotisserie Potatoes
  9. IP Pasta e Fagioli
  10. AF Cran-Orange Chicken
  11. Stockpot Loaded Baked Potato
  12. AF Pecan Pie Hand Pies
  13. IP Chicken Tikka
  14. AF Herbed Turkey Breast
  15. Stockpot Tomato Basil
  16. AF Party Meatballs
  17. IP Butter Chickpeas
  18. AF Shrimp Cocktail (AF twist)
  19. Stockpot Winter Veg Stew
  20. AF Garlic Parm Wings
  21. IP Chicken Pho-Style
  22. AF Veggie Pizza Bites
  23. Stockpot Turkey & Barley
  24. AF Cinnamon Apple Chips
  25. IP Quinoa & Beans
  26. AF Cranberry Turkey Skewers
  27. Stockpot Creamy Tomato
  28. AF Latke-Style Potato Cakes
  29. IP Chickpea Masala
  30. AF Garlic Knots (quick)
  31. Stockpot New Year Chili

IP Beefless Chili (Freezer)

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb plant-based ground
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Cool and freeze in portions for later use.

AF Garlic Butter Salmon

Servings: 4 | Protein: 32g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $4.50/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brush salmon with butter, garlic, and lemon.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
  3. Serve with rice or veggies.

Stockpot Chicken & Rice

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté chicken, carrot, celery 5 mins.
  2. Add rice, broth, thyme. Simmer 25–30 mins.
  3. Fluff and serve.

AF Holiday Veg Medley

Servings: 4 | Protein: 6g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $2.60/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet potato, cubed
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss veggies with oil and herbs.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 mins, shaking halfway.
  3. Serve warm.

IP Red Lentil Dahl

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.00/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Stir and serve over rice.

AF Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $3.40/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown turkey in skillet.
  2. Mix with rice, sauce, seasoning.
  3. Stuff peppers, top with cheese.
  4. Air fry at 375°F for 20–25 mins.

Stockpot Brothy Chicken Soup

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté chicken, onion, carrots, celery 5 mins.
  2. Add broth and thyme. Simmer 20–25 mins.
  3. Serve hot.

AF Rotisserie Potatoes

Servings: 4 | Protein: 6g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $2.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp rotisserie seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss potatoes with oil and seasoning.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 mins, flipping halfway.
  3. Serve warm.

IP Pasta e Fagioli

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz small pasta
  • 1 can white beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to IP.
  2. Seal → Manual 8 mins → Quick release.
  3. Stir and serve warm.

AF Cran-Orange Chicken

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $3.60/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • ¼ cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tbsp orange marmalade
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix cranberry sauce and marmalade.
  2. Brush over chicken.
  3. Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 mins.

Stockpot Loaded Baked Potato

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • 4 slices bacon, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • Green onions, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Simmer potatoes in broth 25–30 mins until tender.
  2. Mash slightly, stir in cheese, bacon, sour cream.
  3. Garnish with green onions.

AF Pecan Pie Hand Pies

Servings: 4 | Protein: 6g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 store-bought pie crusts
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup corn syrup
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix sugar, syrup, egg, pecans, vanilla.
  2. Cut crusts into circles, fill, fold, crimp edges.
  3. Brush with egg wash, air fry 12–15 mins at 350°F.

IP Chicken Tikka

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $3.40/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup light coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp tikka masala paste
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic 5 mins.
  2. Add chicken, tomatoes, coconut milk, paste. Seal IP 10 mins.
  3. Quick release, stir, serve over rice.

AF Herbed Turkey Breast

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb turkey breast cutlets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brush turkey with oil and herbs.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 mins.
  3. Rest 5 mins, slice, serve.

Stockpot Tomato Basil

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion 5 mins. Add tomatoes and broth. Simmer 20 mins.
  2. Blend until smooth. Stir in cream and basil.

AF Party Meatballs

Servings: 4 | Protein: 24g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients and form meatballs.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 mins.
  3. Serve with marinara or in subs.

IP Butter Chickpeas

Servings: 4 | Protein: 16g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger 5 mins.
  2. Add remaining ingredients except cream. Seal IP, Manual 10 mins.
  3. Quick release, stir in cream, and serve.

AF Shrimp Cocktail (AF twist)

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Cost: $4.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Cocktail sauce
  • Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Coat shrimp in egg, then panko and spices.
  2. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  3. Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon.

Stockpot Winter Veg Stew

Servings: 4 | Protein: 16g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Cost: $2.60/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup seitan or mushrooms
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and seitan 5 mins.
  2. Add broth, veggies, paste, herbs. Simmer 30–35 mins.

AF Garlic Parm Wings

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss wings with oil and seasonings.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 20 mins, flipping halfway.
  3. Serve with ranch or blue cheese.

IP Chicken Pho-Style

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $3.40/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, charred
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 200g rice noodles
  • Toppings: bean sprouts, basil, lime

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Simmer broth with onion, ginger, star anise 30 mins.
  2. Remove spices. Add chicken, cook 10 mins.
  3. Slice chicken, add noodles, serve with toppings.

AF Veggie Pizza Bites

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices garlic bread
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Chopped veggies (bell pepper, mushroom, onion)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Top bread with sauce, cheese, and veggies.
  2. Drizzle with oil.
  3. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  4. Serve warm.

Stockpot Turkey & Barley

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • ½ cup barley
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté turkey, onion, carrots 5 mins.
  2. Add barley, broth, thyme. Simmer 40 mins.
  3. Fluff and serve.

AF Cinnamon Apple Chips

Servings: 4 | Protein: 4g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $1.80/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar.
  2. Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 mins, flipping halfway.
  3. Cool and serve crispy.

IP Quinoa & Beans

Servings: 4 | Protein: 16g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to IP.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Fluff and serve.

AF Cranberry Turkey Skewers

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup cranberry sauce
  • 4 skewers (soaked if wooden)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, cranberry sauce.
  2. Form around skewers.
  3. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 mins.

Stockpot Creamy Tomato

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp basil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion 5 mins. Add tomatoes and broth. Simmer 20 mins.
  2. Blend until smooth. Stir in cream and basil.

AF Latke-Style Potato Cakes

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $2.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 2 large potatoes, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 onion, grated
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Squeeze moisture from potatoes and onion.
  2. Mix with egg, flour, seasoning.
  3. Form into patties.
  4. Air fry 12–15 mins at 375°F, flipping halfway.

IP Chickpea Masala

Servings: 4 | Protein: 16g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Stir and serve over rice.

AF Garlic Knots (quick)

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Cost: $1.80/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 8 store-bought breadsticks or rolls
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cut rolls into knots or chunks.
  2. Toss with butter, garlic, parsley.
  3. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 mins until golden.

Stockpot New Year Chili

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups broth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown turkey with onion and pepper.
  2. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 30 mins.
  3. Serve with toppings.

← November | January →

Want More Free Recipes?
I’ve created a free printable 4-week meal plan with high-protein, one-pot meals from these cookbooks.
👉 Get it here

— Rossi Voss | Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com

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