39 Christmas Dinner Recipes That Never Go to Waste

Holiday leftovers usually become mystery containers by New Year’s, but those 39 Christmas dishes don’t stand a chance of surviving that long. They’re the ones everyone keeps going back for, even after pretending they’re full. There’s no shame in second or third helpings when the food practically calls your name.

A close-up of a spoon scooping a portion of creamy baked casserole topped with herbs, with a dish of the casserole and a spoon in the background. — Christmas Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Serving up something rich and bubbly always draws attention at family dinners. French Onion Casserole blends sweet and hearty layers that fill plates with comfort. Each scoop brings warmth and a bit of crunch. Leftovers stand up well for lunch the next day, so nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary. — Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Weeknight dinners often get an upgrade with a classic like this. Creamy Beef Stroganoff features simple flavors and a creamy finish, perfect over a bowl of noodles or rice. Kids love the familiar texture, and there’s never a need to worry about leftovers. It truly works for big or small groups.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible. — Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

When you want something easy that also feels filling, this dish delivers. Cabbage Casserole mixes tender bites with a soft and golden top. It brings everyone to the table even if it’s not a regular on the menu. The best part is how every bite tastes good right to the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Roasted Turkey

It’s tough to go wrong with a tried-and-true favorite as your main. Roasted Turkey has golden skin and juicy slices that everyone expects and enjoys. Served with a range of sides, it’s usually the star of any special dinner. Even cold leftovers turn into tasty sandwiches and quick bites.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Creamy, layered sides make even simple dinners a bit more special. Dauphinoise Potatoes stack up thin slices into a pile that feels both fancy and easy to eat. People remember this dish for the soft, rich finish and golden top. It’s great for anyone looking to serve something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Beef Stew

Hearty bowls like this are perfect for getting everyone around the table. Beef Stew is loaded with filling bites in a thick broth that’s easy to enjoy. Big pots mean there’s usually enough for lunch the next day too. No one seems to mind when the same meal comes back second time around.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Close-up of a beef pot roast with mushrooms, carrots, and garnished with rosemary sprigs on a white plate. — Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Letting dinner cook away makes time spent together even better. Slow Cooker Pot Roast offers fork-tender meat and rich broth perfect for pouring over mash or bread. Guests often ask for second helpings, which speaks for itself. Best of all, it reheats well so no extras go unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning. — Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes a smaller cut is all you need for a special meal. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast hits the spot with a mild sweetness and juicy texture. Slices make easy work of leftovers for sandwiches or adding to salads later. It’s a house favorite once tried.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. — Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Rich stews like this one mean dinner is about more than just eating. Beef Bourguignon steeps every bite in deep flavor and comes packed with fork-tender chunks. It’s great on its own or spooned over bread or potatoes. Even those unfamiliar with the dish quickly become fans.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy mash never fails to bring smiles, especially when you want something classic. Southern Mash lays a smooth, buttery bed for meats or veggies. It works for big gatherings or as a simple side any night. Leftovers never sit long in the fridge—they get scooped up fast.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Beef Wellington

Bringing something showy to the table guarantees a few wows. Beef Wellington features flaky pastry around a tender center that’s perfect for sharing. Even after carving, it holds up well for seconds. People always remember when this dish is the highlight of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top. — Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Loaded potatoes always draw in the crowd, making side dishes popular. Mississippi Mud Potatoes deliver a creamy texture with that baked finish everyone loves. This pan goes fast, so make plenty if you want late-night leftovers. The extra flavor improves even more the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Turkey Tetrazzini

Leftover turkey turns into a creamy family favorite with this recipe. Turkey Tetrazzini is good for main meals and heats up quickly for busy days. Its smooth sauce makes a big casserole that works for big or small groups. Everyone enjoys pulling out an extra serving from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Baked veggies don’t always get top billing, but this changes minds. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole combines a soft inside with a crisp, bubbly layer on top. It’s one dish that never seems to go untouched at a meal. The secret is how even veggie skeptics get a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil. — Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing layers to the table always gets people talking and eating more. Homemade Lasagna has gooey cheese and pasta in each slice, which means leftovers work for both dinner and lunch. It freezes well, too, for later meals. No one leaves the table wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Roast Beef

Slicing into a big roast feels special, whether it’s a busy weekend or a big event. Roast Beef holds flavor and juiciness in every slice, great for piling on plates or making sandwiches after. Often kids ask for seconds before adults get theirs. This main never hangs around long.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Mashed Potatoes

Simple goes a long way when you serve the right comfort food side. Mashed Potatoes pair up with gravy or even just alone for a creamy finish to any meal. Picky eaters and food fans both dig in for helpings. The only problem is running out before everyone is done.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Busy times call for something streamlined from start to finish. Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner brings everything together on one tray, making serving easy. Just slice and scoop for a complete meal with hardly any fuss. Even the cleanup stays simple, which is a win for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish. — Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This bake proves that classic combos always win. Ham and Potato Casserole layers creamy potatoes and sweet bits for a soft, filling dish. It slides out of the pan with ease so leftovers are never wasted. Everyone finds something to enjoy in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges. — Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing sweet and savory to the center of the table means leftovers are never a problem. Copycat Honey Baked Ham gets sliced for dinners, snacks, and sandwiches. It’s a crowd-pleaser at dinners and makes great use of extra servings. Friends always want the recipe for their own table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Broccoli Casserole

Veggies come alive with a simple bake that’s quick to clean up. Broccoli Casserole combines a soft texture with a subtle crispness. This is a side that works well next to meats or even on its own. When there’s any left, it’s just as good reheated.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby. — Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big pots mean full bowls, especially when hunger strikes. Beef Chili is thick, hearty, and feeds a crowd without much effort. It stores well in the fridge for repeat meals all week. Many families keep this on steady rotation.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Turkey Casserole

Turning leftovers into a new meal saves time and pleases everyone. Turkey Casserole takes yesterday’s roast and spins it into something creamy and filling. Kids love getting something new, and adults appreciate no waste. Every pan is scraped clean by the end.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Mushroom Wellington

For something meatless yet still special, this dish always stands out. Mushroom Wellington wraps hearty filling in pastry for a satisfying slice. It comes out of the oven ready to impress even the biggest skeptics. Serving it feels like a treat for any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Wellington

Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface. — Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy, tender bites never last long when this is on the table. Pork Belly gets everyone excited for dinner, whether part of a feast or a quick get-together. Even small servings make a big impression with the mix of textures. Many hope for leftovers, but it’s rare to find any.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

A baked dish with slices of glazed ham, roasted sweet potato cubes, and green beans, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mixing mains and sides in one tray keeps life simple and plates full. Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies blend sweet flavors with a bit of crunch. It’s easy for big or small meals and stretches well for next-day lunches. The mix of colors and textures always gets noticed.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Vegan Nut Roast

A plate with a nut roast and potatoes on it. — Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone can eat together thanks to mains like this. Vegan Nut Roast packs each slice with texture and a gentle crunch that stands up on any table. It’s often gone fast as even meat-eaters reach for more. Nothing from this pan goes to waste after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro. — Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding something new to the mix gives everyone a dish to talk about. Turkey Chili swaps in a lighter protein but keeps the bold comfort you want. Leftovers get scooped up for days after. It’s a nice change when you want more than the usual chili.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Dinner feels fancier when you serve up a cheesy, layered bake. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has all the favorite flavors of the classic dish, but with less fuss. It heats up easily for another meal, which is always useful. Food rarely goes uneaten with a pan like this at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork. — Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich, bubbly sides make even weeknights feel special. Scalloped Potatoes feature thin slices stacked for a layered bite, with a golden crust on top. This dish matches up with any main dish and holds up well for leftovers. Plates get wiped clean almost every time.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweetness blends with a hint of tang in this classic offering. Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham is carved up easily and fits well into dinners all week long. You’ll see people sneaking extra slices before the table is even cleared. It stands out for how it complements every side.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted veggies are always a smart way to fill the plate. Roasted Broccoli offers a tender inside with crisp edges, making it good for pairing with many mains. It’s an easy choice for picky eaters or veggie lovers. This side disappears before seconds are served.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Sliced breaded chicken rolls filled with ham and cheese, topped with creamy sauce and garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A dinner classic gets people interested before it even reaches the table. Chicken Cordon Bleu fills plates with crispy texture and a soft, cheesy center. Those who try it at home realize how well it works for all ages. Even after dinner, leftovers make great lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon. — Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes veggies need a little help to become favorites. Brussels Sprouts Casserole blends soft and crispy bits for a dish that even skeptics end up loving. It partners well with rich meats or can stand alone on a plate. Casseroles like this rarely see a leftover.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery. — Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food shines brightest when it’s made with basic flavors and smart prep. Easy Meatloaf Recipe bakes up moist, slices evenly, and works for sandwiches the next day. Kids love the mild flavors and grownups like the ease of serving. Most pans are empty before anyone can ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs. — Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

All-in-one meals keep things simple on busy nights. Chicken and Rice Casserole comes together in one pan with a creamy texture and filling bite. It reheats well for lunch, saving time and effort later. Families request this main often.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Beef Pot Pie

A golden-brown homemade pie with a flaky crust, garnished with a sprig of rosemary on the side. — Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pies loaded with hearty bites make any table feel full. Beef Pot Pie has a golden crust hiding tender chunks and rich, warm filling. Slicing through it brings big smiles from both kids and adults at dinner. Even people who don’t usually want seconds will grab more.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Hasselback Potatoes

Sliced in a special way, these potatoes always get comments. Hasselback Potatoes deliver both soft centers and crisp edges in every serving. You can pair them with any main or serve them as a snack. The unique look gets people asking for your trick.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Christmas Casserole

When feeding a big group, it pays to keep things simple yet memorable. Christmas Casserole brings together comfort in every scoop with flavors everyone finds familiar. This pan always seems to run out before someone’s ready to stop eating. It’s the perfect way to use up extras without waste.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Casserole