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 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
- December 1
Vanilla Jalapeño Corn Chowder
from One Happy HousewifeThe gentle sweet heat of a warm bowl of this amazing soup is so comforting.
- December 2
Chicken Tetrazzini
from One Happy HousewifeWith tender bite-sized chicken served over spaghetti and topped with a creamy sauce, this Chicken Tetrazzini will be a family favorite.
- December 3
Taco Soup
from One Happy HousewifeA wonderful dump-and-go meal that’s loaded with taco flavor, requires very little prep, and uses easy to find ingredients.
- December 4
BBQ Pork Ribs
from Spice CravingsIf you’re looking for a fantastic BBQ recipe, then these fall-off-the-bone pork ribs certainly fit the bill.
- December 5
Cashew Butter Chicken
from Paint the Kitchen RedThis quick and easy recipe has all the taste of butter chicken without all the calories.
- December 6
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
from One Happy HousewifeMade with only 4 ingredients, this fall apart delicious pulled pork is so tasty and versatile.
- December 7
Chicken Biryani
from Ministry of CurryThis delicious one-pot Indian dish is made with long grain basmati rice, chicken, fresh spices and herbs.
- December 8
Carrot Soup
from Piping Pot CurryThis dump-and-go recipe makes a wonderfully creamy and comforting soup in just 30 minutes.
- December 9
Cheesy Sausage Rigatoni
from One Happy HousewifeRigatoni 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.
- December 10
Salsa Chicken
from One Happy HousewifeA very popular recipe that’s fast, easy, and so versatile. The perfect busy weeknight meal!
- December 11
Meatloaf
from The Halfway HomesteadersPerfect for the meat lover, meatloaf just got way easier to make!
- December 12
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
from One Happy HousewifePenne 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.
- December 13
Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
from One Happy HousewifePineapple, red and yellow peppers, and sweet onion give the traditional Sloppy Joe a Hawaiian twist.
- December 14
Chicken Couscous
from One Happy HousewifePearl 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 HousewifeAn unbelievably flavorful and juicy meat, covered in melted cheese and served on toasted, crispy, buttered bread.
- December 16
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
from One Happy HousewifeA incredibly delicious pasta dish that features a homemade Alfredo sauce that’s unforgettably rich, creamy, and flavorful.
- December 17
Taco Pasta
from One Happy HousewifeLove 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.
- December 18
Chicken Soup
from One Happy HousewifeThis hearty, healthy, homemade chicken soup is so tasty and loaded with nourishing vegetables and spices.
- December 19
Tuna Casserole
from One Happy HousewifeThis 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.
- December 20
Carnitas
from One Happy HousewifeAuthentic flavor, incredibly juicy pork, and crispy edges. Traditional pork carnitas made in a fraction of the time.
- December 21
Chicken Lo Mein
from Spice CravingsAn easy and delicious dump & start recipe for this popular Chinese dish.
- December 22
Broccoli Cheese Soup
from One Happy HousewifeThe combination of broccoli, carrots, cream, and cheddar make for a hearty soup that’s amazingly creamy and flavorful.
- December 23
Spaghetti & Meatballs
from One Happy HousewifeYou 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.
- December 24
Balsamic Apple Pork Tenderloin
from Simply Happy FoodieTender and moist pork medallions drenched in an amazingly sweet & tangy sauce.
- December 25
Turkey Roast
from One Happy HousewifeThis tender, juicy turkey roast covered in a homemade turkey gravy is perfect for a no-fuss fall or holiday dinner.
- December 26
White Turkey Chili
from One Happy HousewifeIf you’re looking for the perfect recipe for that leftover turkey, then this hearty and delicious chili is perfect!
- December 27
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
from One Happy HousewifeCreamy, delicious, and very easy to make, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit with your family!
- December 28
Tomato Soup
from One Happy HousewifeThis wonderfully delicious and creamy tomato soup is infused with basil and lightly sweetened with honey.
- December 29
Chili
from One Happy HousewifeThe rich, smokey flavor of this Chili makes it the perfect comfort meal.
- December 30
Spicy Cajun Pasta
from One Happy HousewifeSimple 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.
- December 31
Lobster Tails
from One Happy HousewifePerfectly cooked and tender lobster tails made fast in the Instant Pot.
Side Dishes
Lemon Butter Broccoli
from One Happy HousewifeAn incredibly delicious and healthy side dish that can be served fast using the help of the Instant Pot.
Mashed Potatoes
from One Happy HousewifeCooked and seasoned to perfection, these mashed potatoes are so fast and easy to make.
Sweet Potato Casserole
from One Happy HousewifeThis holiday favorite side dish is sweet, delicious and bursting with holiday goodness.
Green Beans
from One Happy HousewifeThe buttery garlic flavor make these tender green beans a favorite side dish.
Butternut Mac and Cheese
from One Happy HousewifeFall 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
Flan
from One Happy HousewifeOne 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!
Dulce de Leche
from One Happy HousewifeEnjoy 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!
Coconut Flan
from One Happy HousewifeA delicious custard-like dessert filled with with coconut flavor and shredded coconut in every bite.
Turtle Lava Cakes
from One Happy HousewifeThese deliciously decadent mini cakes are overflowing with a molten chocolate center, caramel and pecans. They are an indulgence like no other!
Arroz con Leche
from One Happy HousewifeThis 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
- November 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- October 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- September 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- August 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- July 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- June 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- May 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- April 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- March 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- February 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- January 2023 Instant Pot Meal Plan
2022 Meal Plans
- December 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- November 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- October 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- September 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- August 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- July 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- June 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- May 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- April 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- March 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- February 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- January 2022 Instant Pot Meal Plan
2021 Meal Plans
- December 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- November 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- October 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- September 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- August 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- July 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- June 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- May 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- April 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- March 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- February 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- January 2021 Instant Pot Meal Plan
2020 Meal Plans
- December 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- November 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- October 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- September 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- August 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- July 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- June 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- May 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- April 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- March 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- February 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- January 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan
2019 Meal Plans
- December 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- November 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- October 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- September 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- August 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- July 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- June 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- May 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- April 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- March 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- February 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- January 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan
2018 Meal Plans
- December 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- November 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- October 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- September 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- August 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- July 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- June 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- May 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- April 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- March 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan
- February 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan