15 Quick and Easy Christmas Recipes for When You’re Short on Time but Big on Holiday Spirit: Festive Dishes in a Flash

15 Quick and Easy Christmas Recipes for When You’re Short on Time but Big on Holiday Spirit: Festive Dishes in a Flash

By Sara Taylor

15 Quick and Easy Christmas Recipes for When You’re Short on Time but Big on Holiday Spirit: Festive Dishes in a Flash

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

With the holidays approaching quickly, I know how busy everyone's schedules can get. Between everything going on, it can be easy to let dinner plans slide. Along with selecting a fully festive dinner, I always have these 15 quick and easy dinner ideas to help save time in my calender. I spend little time cooking, and I do not have to do a lot of cleanup, all while maintaining the joyous spirit of the holidays. These meals will be ready before your favorite holiday carols even finish playing!

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1) Maple-Glazed Ham

a glossy maple-glazed spiral ham with caramelized edges resting on a white platter, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a holiday table with rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A sticky glaze turns this ham into the star of the show.

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Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

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a glossy maple-glazed spiral ham with caramelized edges resting on a white platter, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a holiday table with rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Maple-Glazed Ham

Glossy sweet crust caramelized with a maple-mustard glaze and sweet, sticky glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 lb fully cooked spiral ham
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
  2. Whisk together the maple syrup, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar.
  3. Brush a third of the glaze over the ham and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Bake 60 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 20 minutes.
  5. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  6. Rest 10 minutes before slicing along the spiral cuts.

Notes

Spoon the pan juices over the slices for an extra glossy finish.

2) Gingerbread Pancakes

a tall stack of golden gingerbread pancakes drizzled with syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a rustic plate over a cozy plaid napkin, warm morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

All the warm, cozy spices of gingerbread cookies, just waiting to be enjoyed at your table, as you wait for the coffee to brew.

a tall stack of golden gingerbread pancakes drizzled with syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a rustic plate over a cozy plaid napkin, warm morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Gingerbread Pancakes

These festive fluffy pancakes are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Perfect for a warm holiday morning.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp butter melted

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, and cinnamon.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the milk, molasses, egg, and melted butter.
  3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined; a few lumps are fine.
  4. Heat a greased griddle over medium and pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.
  5. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
  6. Stack and serve warm with syrup.

Notes

Let the batter rest a couple of minutes for extra fluffy pancakes.

3) Pineapple-Coconut Salad

a bright pineapple and coconut salad with mandarin oranges and marshmallows in a creamy dressing, served in a wide horizontal shot in a glass bowl on a white table with tropical greenery nearby, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A bright tropical little side that cuts thru all the heavy holiday food.

a bright pineapple and coconut salad with mandarin oranges and marshmallows in a creamy dressing, served in a wide horizontal shot in a glass bowl on a white table with tropical greenery nearby, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pineapple-Coconut Salad

Chilled salad with juicy pineapple and coconut mixed in a light creamy dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 0.5 cup mandarin orange segments
  • 1 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Drain the pineapple chunks and mandarin segments well.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt and honey.
  3. Fold in the pineapple, coconut, and mandarin oranges.
  4. Gently stir in the mini marshmallows.
  5. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Toss again and sprinkle a little extra coconut on top before serving.

Notes

Patting the fruit dry keeps the salad from turning watery.

4) Eggnog French Toast

golden eggnog French toast slices dusted with powdered sugar and topped with a pat of butter, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a ceramic plate over a festive table runner with cinnamon sticks, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This French toast is elevated to a custardy holiday experience by soaking the bread in eggnog instead of plain egg.

golden eggnog French toast slices dusted with powdered sugar and topped with a pat of butter, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a ceramic plate over a festive table runner with cinnamon sticks, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Eggnog French Toast

Slices of bread soaked in spiced egg nog and grilled until golden brown and custardy on the inside.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 thick bread slices
  • 1.5 cups eggnog
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the eggnog, eggs, nutmeg, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
  2. Soak each bread slice in the mixture for about 20 seconds per side.
  3. Melt the butter on a griddle over medium heat.
  4. Cook the slices 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and set.
  5. Transfer to plates and dust with powdered sugar.
  6. Serve warm with a drizzle of syrup.

Notes

Day-old bread soaks up the custard best without falling apart.

5) Garlic Butter Shrimp

plump golden shrimp glistening in garlic butter sauce with lemon and fresh parsley, served in a wide horizontal shot in a cast iron skillet on a wooden table with lemon wedges, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The time it takes to set the table is about how long these garlicky shrimp take to prepare. Enjoy this effort-free & fancy meal.

plump golden shrimp glistening in garlic butter sauce with lemon and fresh parsley, served in a wide horizontal shot in a cast iron skillet on a wooden table with lemon wedges, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Plump shrimp are sautéed in a delicious garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink.
  5. Squeeze in the lemon juice and toss to coat.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve right away.

Notes

Don't crowd the pan or the shrimp will steam instead of searing.

6) Cranberry Brie Bites

golden crescent cups filled with melted brie and ruby cranberry sauce topped with pecans and rosemary, arranged in a wide horizontal composition on a white serving board with greenery, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Just three simple ingredients and a single muffin tin are all you need to whip up an appetizer that everyone will love!

golden crescent cups filled with melted brie and ruby cranberry sauce topped with pecans and rosemary, arranged in a wide horizontal composition on a white serving board with greenery, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cranberry Brie Bites

These easy crowd-pleaser appetizers are made with flaky crescent cups, melted Brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tube crescent dough
  • 8 oz brie cut into cubes
  • 0.75 cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tbsp chopped pecans
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
  2. Unroll the crescent dough and cut into 24 small squares.
  3. Press a square into each muffin cup.
  4. Tuck a cube of brie into each cup and top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden, then garnish with rosemary.

Notes

Let them cool a couple of minutes so the brie sets enough to lift out cleanly.

7) Holiday Sausage Balls

golden savory sausage and cheddar balls piled on a white plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a festive table with greenery, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A classic retro party favorite, mix these up in just one bowl and bake for some addictive little bites!

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golden savory sausage and cheddar balls piled on a white plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a festive table with greenery, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Holiday Sausage Balls

Sausage and cheddar cheese flavor combinations will go especially great when baked together in a melt in your mouth golden appetizer treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 30 balls
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the sausage, baking mix, cheddar, milk, and garlic powder with your hands until combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
  4. Arrange the balls on the baking sheet about an inch apart.
  5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm with a dipping sauce if you like.

Notes

Let the cheese come to room temperature so the mixture binds more easily.

8) Festive Cheese Ball

a creamy cheese ball coated in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley surrounded by crackers, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a wooden board over a red cloth, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can roll it, chill it, and let it sit nicely on the table while you take care of the other things.

a creamy cheese ball coated in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley surrounded by crackers, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a wooden board over a red cloth, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Festive Cheese Ball

Cheeseball with nuts and cranberries, perfect for rolling and grazing with crackers!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Beat the cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, and garlic powder until smooth.
  2. Scrape onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a ball.
  3. Wrap tightly and chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
  4. On a plate, combine the pecans, cranberries, and parsley.
  5. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the nut mixture to coat.
  6. Serve with crackers.

Notes

Shape it the night before and just roll in the coating before serving.

9) Peppermint Chocolate Bark

swirled dark and white chocolate bark topped with crushed red and white peppermint candies broken into shards, arranged in a wide horizontal shot on parchment over a marble counter, cool natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

No baking and no fuss. All you have to do is melt, swirl, and let the freezer finish up!

swirled dark and white chocolate bark topped with crushed red and white peppermint candies broken into shards, arranged in a wide horizontal shot on parchment over a marble counter, cool natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peppermint Chocolate Bark

Smooth chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candy and broken into festive shards.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
  • 6 oz white chocolate chopped
  • 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 0.25 tsp peppermint extract

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Melt the semisweet chocolate in 30-second bursts until smooth and spread it into a thin layer.
  3. Melt the white chocolate, stir in the peppermint extract, and drizzle it over the dark layer.
  4. Swirl the two chocolates together with a toothpick.
  5. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top.
  6. Chill 30 minutes until firm, then break into shards.

Notes

Crush the candies in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.

10) Herb Roasted Salmon

a herb-roasted salmon fillet topped with lemon slices and fresh dill on a sheet pan, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a wooden table with extra herbs and lemon wedges, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

An elegant main that is actually the simplest dish on the menu. From sheet pan to table.

a herb-roasted salmon fillet topped with lemon slices and fresh dill on a sheet pan, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a wooden table with extra herbs and lemon wedges, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Herb Roasted Salmon

A festive main dish that is quick to make is the tender salmon fillet roasted with garlic, lemon and fresh herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb salmon fillet
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Place the salmon skin-side down and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Rub the garlic, dill, parsley, and salt over the top.
  4. Lay lemon slices across the fillet.
  5. Roast 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
  6. Squeeze a little fresh lemon over the top before serving.

Notes

Pull it from the oven just as it flakes to keep it moist.

11) Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

crispy caramelized brussels sprouts glazed in balsamic glistening in a wide horizontal shot in a white serving dish on a rustic table with a linen napkin, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This will win over the Brussels sprouts skeptics! They're crispy, caramelized, and just the right amount of sweet.

crispy caramelized brussels sprouts glazed in balsamic glistening in a wide horizontal shot in a white serving dish on a rustic table with a linen napkin, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts that are roasted, then brought to crispy, caramelized perfection and tossed in a balsamic glaze that will leave your taste buds wanting more!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb brussels sprouts halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
  2. Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread cut-side down on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast 20 minutes until the edges are crispy.
  5. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey and drizzle over the sprouts.
  6. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, then serve.

Notes

Placing them cut-side down is the trick to those crispy caramelized edges.

12) Mulled Apple Cider

steaming mulled apple cider in mugs with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and star anise floating on top, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a cozy wooden table beside a knit blanket, warm golden light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

With this simmering on the stove, your whole home will smell like the holidays!

steaming mulled apple cider in mugs with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and star anise floating on top, shown in a wide horizontal composition on a cozy wooden table beside a knit blanket, warm golden light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mulled Apple Cider

Cozy up with a warm holiday sipper made with apple cider simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and orange.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.
  3. Stir in the honey.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  5. Reduce the heat and let it simmer 20 minutes to develop the flavor.
  6. Strain out the spices and ladle into mugs.

Notes

Keep it warm on low so guests can refill all evening.

13) Mini Yule Logs

mini chocolate yule log cakes frosted with bark-textured chocolate frosting and dusted with powdered sugar snow, arranged in a wide horizontal shot on a white plate with greenery and berries, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Experience all the delight of a traditional yule log made easy. Don’t worry about the hassle of making a whole one. These are made super cute and are in individual serving sizes.

mini chocolate yule log cakes frosted with bark-textured chocolate frosting and dusted with powdered sugar snow, arranged in a wide horizontal shot on a white plate with greenery and berries, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Yule Logs

Small chocolate sponge cakes with a cream filling and decorated to look like festive logs from the forest.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 8 logs
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1.5 cups chocolate frosting
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
  2. Beat the eggs and sugar until thick, then fold in the flour and cocoa.
  3. Spread the batter on the pan and bake 10 to 12 minutes until springy.
  4. Turn out onto a towel and roll up while warm, then let cool.
  5. Unroll, spread with whipped cream, and roll back up, then cut into small logs.
  6. Frost with chocolate frosting, drag a fork for bark texture, and dust with powdered sugar snow.

Notes

Rolling the warm cake in a towel first keeps it from cracking later.

14) Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

golden crispy roasted baby potatoes flecked with fresh rosemary and garlic, served in a wide horizontal shot in a rustic dish on a wooden table with a sprig of rosemary, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Deliciously fragrant with rosemary, and crispy on the outside while fluffy inside, these are great with anything.

golden crispy roasted baby potatoes flecked with fresh rosemary and garlic, served in a wide horizontal shot in a rustic dish on a wooden table with a sprig of rosemary, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Garlic and fresh rosemary are combined with crispy, golden, and roasted potato chunks that are delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb baby potatoes halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
  2. Toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut-side down.
  4. Roast 20 minutes without stirring.
  5. Flip the potatoes and roast 10 more minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Sprinkle with a little extra rosemary before serving.

Notes

A single uncrowded layer is the key to crispy edges.

15) Stuffed Bell Peppers

colorful red and green stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned beef and rice topped with melted bubbly cheese, shown in a wide horizontal composition in a baking dish on a holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is a colorful and fun meal that is very easy to prepare. It's easy because it makes itself once everything is stuffed inside.

colorful red and green stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned beef and rice topped with melted bubbly cheese, shown in a wide horizontal composition in a baking dish on a holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Stuffed Bell Peppers

For a colorful dish, try red and green bell peppers filled with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bell peppers tops removed and seeded
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1.5 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and stand the peppers in a baking dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain.
  3. Stir the rice, marinara, Italian seasoning, and salt into the beef.
  4. Spoon the filling into each pepper.
  5. Top with shredded mozzarella and cover with foil.
  6. Bake 30 minutes, uncover, and bake 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Use a mix of red and green peppers for extra holiday color.
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