The week between Christmas and New Year’s – the ultimate food coma zone! You’ve got leftover turkey, stale cookies, and a serious case of culinary fatigue. But don’t worry, friend, I’ve got just the thing to spice up your holiday recipes game! From cozy winter dinners to slow cooker holiday meals, I’m sharing my top 25 faves to get you through this deliciously chaotic week.
Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Soup
This comforting classic is a leftover beef recipes dream come true! Use up that leftover roast beef and make a big pot of creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth, dried basil, and leftover beef.
3. Blend until smooth, then stir in heavy cream.
Why You’ll Love It:
This cozy winter dinner is a hug in a bowl – perfect for a chilly evening in. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Recipe 2: Baked Mac ‘n Cheese
Who doesn’t love a good family comfort food classic? This holiday recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups grated cheddar
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni al dente, then set aside.
3. Make a cheesy sauce with flour, butter, and milk.
Why You’ll Love It:
This slow cooker holiday meal alternative is a crowd-pleaser – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 3: Chicken and Dumplings
This cozy winter dinner is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night. And the best part? It’s made with leftover chicken!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and celery until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth, leftover chicken, and dried thyme.
3. Make fluffy dumplings with flour, eggs, and butter.
Why You’ll Love It:
This holiday recipe is a game-changer – it’s easy, comforting, and ready in under an hour!
Recipe 4: Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Need a quick and easy holiday recipe? This leftover beef recipes stir-fry is a winner!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet.
2. Add the leftover beef and broccoli – cook until tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and grated ginger.
Why You’ll Love It:
This cozy winter dinner is a flavorful and healthy option – and it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Recipe 5: Chicken Tacos
Who says holiday recipes can’t be fun and spicy? These slow cooker holiday meals tacos are a fiesta in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add the leftover chicken, jalapeño, and taco seasoning.
3. Serve in tacos with your favorite toppings!
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a cozy winter dinner twist – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 6: Breakfast Strata
Brunch goals, anyone? This holiday recipe is a cozy winter dinner alternative – and it’s perfect for using up leftover bread!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups leftover bread, cubed
- 2 cups grated cheddar
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Layer the leftover bread, cheese, and ham in a baking dish.
3. Bake until golden and puffed!
Why You’ll Love It:
This slow cooker holiday meal alternative is a family comfort food favorite – and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Recipe 7: Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe dream come true! Use up that leftover cream and make a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the mushrooms until tender.
2. Add the heavy cream and dried thyme.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 8: Chicken and Rice Casserole
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe classic! Use up that leftover chicken and make a comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup grated cheddar
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the leftover chicken, cooked rice, and frozen peas.
3. Top with grated cheese and cream of chicken soup.
Why You’ll Love It:
This slow cooker holiday meal alternative is a family comfort food favorite – and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Recipe 9: Beef and Guinness Stew
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe showstopper! Use up that leftover beef and make a rich, hearty stew.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover beef
- 2 cups Guinness stout
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add the leftover beef, Guinness, and beef broth.
3. Simmer until the meat is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 1 hour!
Recipe 10: Chicken Quesadillas
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe fiesta! Use up that leftover chicken and make a delicious quesadilla.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add the leftover chicken and shredded cheese.
3. Cook in a skillet until crispy and melted.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Recipe 11: Creamy Tomato Pasta
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe classic! Use up that leftover cream and make a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the cherry tomatoes until tender.
2. Add the heavy cream and dried basil.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 12: Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe staple! Use up that leftover chicken and make a comforting soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add the leftover chicken, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables.
3. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Recipe 13: Beef and Mushroom Gravy over Egg Noodles
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe showstopper! Use up that leftover beef and make a rich, savory gravy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover beef
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the mushrooms until tender.
2. Add the leftover beef, beef broth, and dried thyme.
3. Serve over egg noodles.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Recipe 14: Chicken Fajitas
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe fiesta! Use up that leftover chicken and make a delicious fajita.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover chicken
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the bell peppers and onion until tender.
2. Add the leftover chicken and fajita seasoning.
3. Serve with warm flour tortillas.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 15: Creamy Broccoli Pasta
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe classic! Use up that leftover cream and make a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the broccoli until tender.
2. Add the heavy cream and dried basil.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 16: Chicken and Rice Bowl
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe staple! Use up that leftover chicken and make a comforting bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the mixed vegetables until tender.
2. Add the leftover chicken, cooked rice, and soy sauce.
3. Top with grated ginger and sesame seeds.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Recipe 17: Beef and Vegetable Stew
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe showstopper! Use up that leftover beef and make a hearty stew.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add the leftover beef, mixed vegetables, and beef broth.
3. Simmer until the meat is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 1 hour!
Recipe 18: Chicken Tacos
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe fiesta! Use up that leftover chicken and make a delicious taco.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add the leftover chicken and taco seasoning.
3. Serve in tacos with your favorite toppings!
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 19: Creamy Mushroom Soup
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe dream come true! Use up that leftover cream and make a rich, creamy soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the mushrooms until tender.
2. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth.
3. Simmer until the soup is hot and creamy.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Recipe 20: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe classic! Use up that leftover chicken and make a delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups leftover chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated cheddar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the broccoli until tender.
2. Add the leftover chicken and grated cheese.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 21: Beef and Guinness Pie
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe showstopper! Use up that leftover beef and make a rich, savory pie.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover beef
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add the leftover beef, Guinness, and beef broth.
3. Top with puff pastry and bake until golden.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 40 minutes!
Recipe 22: Chicken Fajita Casserole
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe fiesta! Use up that leftover chicken and make a delicious casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover chicken
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the bell peppers and onion until tender.
2. Add the leftover chicken and fajita seasoning.
3. Top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Recipe 23: Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe dream come true! Use up that leftover cream and make a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the cherry tomatoes until tender.
2. Add the fresh spinach and heavy cream.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe 24: Chicken and Mushroom Crepes
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe showstopper! Use up that leftover chicken and make a delicious crepe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover chicken
- 1 cup mixed mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup crepe batter
- 1 cup grated cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the mushrooms until tender.
2. Add the leftover chicken and crepe batter.
3. Fill crepes with the chicken and mushroom mixture.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Recipe 25: Beef and Vegetable Soup
This cozy winter dinner is a holiday recipe staple! Use up that leftover beef and make a comforting soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add the leftover beef, mixed vegetables, and beef broth.
3. Simmer until the meat is tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This family comfort food favorite is a slow cooker holiday meal alternative – and it’s ready in just 1 hour!
In conclusion, these 25 holiday recipes are the perfect way to spice up your cozy winter dinners and use up those leftover ingredients. From slow cooker holiday meals to family comfort food favorites, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and make this week between Christmas and New Year’s one to remember! With these recipes, you’ll be enjoying cozy winter dinners in no time, and making the most of your leftover beef recipes and holiday recipes. Happy cooking!
