December Instant Pot Meal Plan (2021)

With just one month left in the year, it’s time to start planning your next 12 months. With this last Meal Plan for 2021, I have included some easy and delicious holiday favorites that will help make those pesky holiday meals less stressful!

I know that this time of year is always hectic so, I’ve created this meal plan to help make your holiday season a bit easier. This December Meal Plan includes a special Christmas dinner as well as ideas for New Year’s Eve so you can enjoy these important celebrations without worrying about what to make. Here’s what you can expect:

instant pot meal plan december 2021

Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Soups are a perfect way to warm up and these soup recipes will keep the warmth coming! The first one, Vanilla Jalapeno Corn Chowder, has a creamy sweetness with just enough spice for good measure, making every sip feel like pure bliss. And using that leftover turkey after Christmas dinner, try something more hearty but still deliciously Christmasy: White Turkey Chili. This recipe will warm you right up.

Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

There are plenty of comforting pasta dishes like my much loved Chicken Tetrazzini, Cheeseburger Mac, and Taco Pasta to choose from. I love making these recipes using the pressure cooker because there’s no need for dirtying a strainer! That means more space on your kitchen sink during this time of year when everyone is cooking up some delicious holiday meals together

Instant Pot Christmas Recipes

For Christmas dinner, you’ll find a deliciously juicy Turkey Roast with Gravy. I made this recipe specifically for the Instant Pot so that all your Christmas dinner needs are met without needing an oven or stovetop! For a great side dish to go along with it, try some of my Homemade Cornbread Stuffing. It’s the perfect complement for the turkey roast. And don’t forget dessert: there’s nothing better than the sweet tanginess of Ambrosia Salad.

Instant Pot Holiday Side Dishes

The side dishes in this month’s Meal Plan are not only delicious but they’re perfect for this time of year! The Butternut Mac & Cheese is just… Wow! It’s so creamy and has a hint of sweetness from the squash that makes it phenomenal for any time you’re craving something cozy-homemade without much effort.

You’ll also find more sides perfect for this time of year including Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Lemon Butter Broccoli.

Instant Pot Desserts

Dessert time is finally here! This month you can enjoy my Coconut Flan, Dulce de Leche, and Turtle Lava Cakes. These Instant Pot desserts are so rich and decadent that I just cannot wait any longer to dig into them all at once.

Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!

Make sure you also check out my latest Instant Pot Meal Plan.

December 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan

Below the list of recipes, you will find a link to the downloadable calendar and links to all my monthly Instant Pot meal plans.

Main Dishes

  • a spoonful of vanilla jalapeño corn chowder
    December 1
    Vanilla Jalapeño Corn Chowder
    from One Happy Housewife

    The gentle sweet heat of a warm bowl of this amazing soup is so comforting.

  • chicken tetrazzini
    December 2
    Chicken Tetrazzini
    from One Happy Housewife

    With tender bite-sized chicken served over spaghetti and topped with a creamy sauce, this Chicken Tetrazzini will be a family favorite.

  • a large bowl of taco soup
    December 3
    Taco Soup
    from One Happy Housewife

    A wonderful dump-and-go meal that’s loaded with taco flavor, requires very little prep, and uses easy to find ingredients.

  • close up of fall off the bone pork ribs evenly spreaded out
    December 4
    BBQ Pork Ribs
    from Spice Cravings

    If you’re looking for a fantastic BBQ recipe, then these fall-off-the-bone pork ribs certainly fit the bill.

  • overhead shot of cashew butter chicken in a bowl garnished with cilantro
    December 5
    Cashew Butter Chicken
    from Paint the Kitchen Red

    This quick and easy recipe has all the taste of butter chicken without all the calories.

  • close up of a dr pepper pulled pork sandwich topped with onions and pickles
    December 6
    Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
    from One Happy Housewife

    Made with only 4 ingredients, this fall apart delicious pulled pork is so tasty and versatile.

  • instant pot chicken biryani
    December 7
    Chicken Biryani
    from Ministry of Curry

    This delicious one-pot Indian dish is made with long grain basmati rice, chicken, fresh spices and herbs.

  • instant pot carrot soup
    December 8
    Carrot Soup
    from Piping Pot Curry

    This dump-and-go recipe makes a wonderfully creamy and comforting soup in just 30 minutes.

  • a white bowl with instant pot cheesy sausage rigatoni topped with parmesan cheese
    December 9
    Cheesy Sausage Rigatoni
    from One Happy Housewife

    Rigatoni pasta and savory ground sausage are covered in a cheesy marinara sauce. This is a quick, easy, and filling pasta dish that the entire family will love.

  • serving instant pot salsa chicken
    December 10
    Salsa Chicken
    from One Happy Housewife

    A very popular recipe that’s fast, easy, and so versatile. The perfect busy weeknight meal!

  • a dinner plate with meatloaf
    December 11
    Meatloaf
    from The Halfway Homesteaders

    Perfect for the meat lover, meatloaf just got way easier to make!

  • a bowl of creamy sun-dried tomato pasta topped with parmesan and basil leaves
    December 12
    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
    from One Happy Housewife

    Penne pasta drenched in an impossibly creamy sun-dried tomato and basil sauce. And since you’ll have it on the table in less than 20 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for any weeknight dinner.

  • a plate with a hawaiian sloppy joe sandwich
    December 13
    Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
    from One Happy Housewife

    Pineapple, red and yellow peppers, and sweet onion give the traditional Sloppy Joe a Hawaiian twist.

  • chicken couscous on a large white plate
    December 14
    Chicken Couscous
    from One Happy Housewife

    Pearl couscous, shredded chicken, peas, and carrots come together to make a quick and easy dump meal that’s full of flavor. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner

  • December 15
    French Dip
    from One Happy Housewife

    An unbelievably flavorful and juicy meat, covered in melted cheese and served on toasted, crispy, buttered bread.

  • a creamy bowl of chicken broccoli alfredo pasta
    December 16
    Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
    from One Happy Housewife

    A incredibly delicious pasta dish that features a homemade Alfredo sauce that’s unforgettably rich, creamy, and flavorful.

  • instant pot taco pasta
    December 17
    Taco Pasta
    from One Happy Housewife

    Love Mexican food but tired of the same ‘ole, same ‘ole? Then try this easy and delicious pasta dish. It’s kid-approved and will be ready in no time. It’s the perfect hearty meal for a busy weeknight.

  • instant pot chicken soup
    December 18
    Chicken Soup
    from One Happy Housewife

    This hearty, healthy, homemade chicken soup is so tasty and loaded with nourishing vegetables and spices.

  • a bowl of creamy homemade tuna casserole
    December 19
    Tuna Casserole
    from One Happy Housewife

    This classic comfort dish is made fast – from scratch. Egg noodles, tuna, and peas covered in a deliciously creamy homemade sauce with just the right seasonings will make this recipe an instant family favorite.

  • juicy and tender carnitas
    December 20
    Carnitas
    from One Happy Housewife

    Authentic flavor, incredibly juicy pork, and crispy edges. Traditional pork carnitas made in a fraction of the time.

  • overhead shot of chicken lo mein in a bowl garnished with sesame seeds
    December 21
    Chicken Lo Mein
    from Spice Cravings

    An easy and delicious dump & start recipe for this popular Chinese dish.

  • a bowl of broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheese
    December 22
    Broccoli Cheese Soup
    from One Happy Housewife

    The combination of broccoli, carrots, cream, and cheddar make for a hearty soup that’s amazingly creamy and flavorful.

  • instant pot spaghetti and meatballs
    December 23
    Spaghetti & Meatballs
    from One Happy Housewife

    You can never go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs. Everyone loves it and it’s always easy. This recipe makes it even easier because it requires no prep and is ready in minutes.

  • close up of a balsamic apple pork tenderloin
    December 24
    Balsamic Apple Pork Tenderloin
    from Simply Happy Foodie

    Tender and moist pork medallions drenched in an amazingly sweet & tangy sauce.

  • a close up of a plate with sliced instant pot turkey roast, mashed potatoes, and gravy
    December 25
    Turkey Roast
    from One Happy Housewife

    This tender, juicy turkey roast covered in a homemade turkey gravy is perfect for a no-fuss fall or holiday dinner.

  • a hearty bowl of white turkey chili
    December 26
    White Turkey Chili
    from One Happy Housewife

    If you’re looking for the perfect recipe for that leftover turkey, then this hearty and delicious chili is perfect!

  • overhead shot of tuscan chicken pasta served on a plate
    December 27
    Tuscan Chicken Pasta
    from One Happy Housewife

    Creamy, delicious, and very easy to make, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit with your family!

  • a bowl of instant pot tomato soup
    December 28
    Tomato Soup
    from One Happy Housewife

    This wonderfully delicious and creamy tomato soup is infused with basil and lightly sweetened with honey.

  • chili in a bowl topped with shredded cheese and green onions
    December 29
    Chili
    from One Happy Housewife

    The rich, smokey flavor of this Chili makes it the perfect comfort meal.

  • instant pot cajun pasta
    December 30
    Spicy Cajun Pasta
    from One Happy Housewife

    Simple ingredients like pasta, sausage, and cheese seasoned with the perfect touch of Cajun spices make this a winning combination. This is a super easy weeknight dinner with a wonderful kick of cajun.

  • lobster tails meat dipped in melted butter
    December 31
    Lobster Tails
    from One Happy Housewife

    Perfectly cooked and tender lobster tails made fast in the Instant Pot.

Side Dishes

  • overhead shot of lemon butter broccoli in a large bowl
    Lemon Butter Broccoli
    from One Happy Housewife

    An incredibly delicious and healthy side dish that can be served fast using the help of the Instant Pot.

  • a plate with a serving of mashed potatoes and pot roast
    Mashed Potatoes
    from One Happy Housewife

    Cooked and seasoned to perfection, these mashed potatoes are so fast and easy to make.

  • a baked and homemade sweet potato casserole
    Sweet Potato Casserole
    from One Happy Housewife

    This holiday favorite side dish is sweet, delicious and bursting with holiday goodness.

  • a dinner plate served with green beans
    Green Beans
    from One Happy Housewife

    The buttery garlic flavor make these tender green beans a favorite side dish.

  • a bowl of butternut mac and cheese
    Butternut Mac and Cheese
    from One Happy Housewife

    Fall spices and a rich and creamy cheddar flavor are perfectly paired with sweet butternut squash in this comforting pasta dish. This is an amazing comfort dish.

Desserts

  • taking a slice of flan
    Flan
    from One Happy Housewife

    One of my favorite desserts growing up! A heavenly dark caramel blankets this rich, creamy, and silky smooth flan. You’ll want to make this one all the time!

  • close up of apple slices on a plate with a small bowl of dulce de leche
    Dulce de Leche
    from One Happy Housewife

    Enjoy this deliciously rich and sweet caramel spread that is a common treat in many Hispanic countries. And, thanks to the pressure cooker, there’s no need to wait for hours to turn condensed milk into this amazing treat! This stuff is so good, it’s addictive!

  • close up of coconut flan on a plate
    Coconut Flan
    from One Happy Housewife

    A delicious custard-like dessert filled with with coconut flavor and shredded coconut in every bite.

  • Turtle lava cake fresh out of the Instant Pot
    Turtle Lava Cakes
    from One Happy Housewife

    These deliciously decadent mini cakes are overflowing with a molten chocolate center, caramel and pecans. They are an indulgence like no other!

  • a spoonful of arroz con leche
    Arroz con Leche
    from One Happy Housewife

    This traditional Hispanic dessert is so creamy, rich and delicious. Simple ingredients and so quick and easy to make.

Download the December 2021 Meal Plan Calendar.

For more Instant Pot Meal Plan ideas for the month of December, check out my archive of December Instant Pot Meal Plans.

Past Instant Pot Meal Plans

Each month I publish a new, updated Instant Pot Meal Plan. So don’t miss out on seeing what wonderful dishes I’ve included in my latest one.

Looking for a past meal plan?

You can also access all of my previously published Instant Pot Meal Plans through the links below. I handpick the recipes that appear each month, so you will find that each month is unique with its own set of recipes geared specifically toward that month. Plus, on each meal plan page, you can download the printable calendar for that month.

2024 Meal Plans

2023 Meal Plans

2022 Meal Plans

2021 Meal Plans

2020 Meal Plans

2019 Meal Plans

2018 Meal Plans

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