The holiday season is the perfect time to bring family and friends together over comforting, flavorful meals. Here are three holiday dinner ideas that balance simplicity with classic holiday charm: a tender slow cooker pot roast, a hearty meatloaf, and a health-conscious roasted spaghetti squash. Each dish is perfect for gatherings, bringing warmth and holiday spirit to the table.
1. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Nothing says holiday comfort quite like a slow-cooked pot roast. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that fills your home with a savory aroma and is tender enough to fall apart with a fork. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work!
Read the full beef sirloin tip roast slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4–5 Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the roast to the slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes around it.
- Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast and vegetables. Add rosemary and thyme.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the roast is tender and falls apart easily.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker, shred with forks if desired, and serve with vegetables and broth on the side.
Tip: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth!
2. Classic Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a holiday staple for good reason—it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This recipe makes a moist, tender meatloaf with a touch of sweetness from a tangy glaze.
Read the full meatloaf recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients. Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tip: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a cozy, classic holiday meal.
3. Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan
For a lighter holiday option, roasted spaghetti squash is a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta. The squash transforms into delicate, noodle-like strands that pair well with garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Read the full spaghetti squash recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil over the inside of each half, then season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet. Roast for 35–45 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the squash flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the squash strands to the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with parsley.
Tip: Serve this dish as a healthy, gluten-free side or as a main for vegetarian guests.
These three holiday dishes provide a beautiful balance of flavors and options for different dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a hearty, traditional meal or a lighter twist, these recipes offer something special to make your holiday dinners memorable. Enjoy the season and happy cooking!
