December 5 Ingredient Dinners Meal Plan (Dec 1)

The first week of December calls for simplicity, especially after a busy Thanksgiving week. These easy 5-ingredient dinners are light, budget-friendly, and intentionally easy-perfect for easing into the holiday season without stressing over weeknight meals.

5 Ingredient Dinners Menu

This week's menu highlights five simple, 5-ingredient dinners that deliver big flavor with minimal prep. They're quick, comforting, and gentle on the grocery budget during one of the busiest (and most festive) months of the year.

• Monday: Roasted Cauliflower Bowls. A vibrant bowl layered with roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and cool, creamy tzatziki for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired start to the week. Serve with warm naan, extra greens, or a simple cucumber salad.
• Tuesday: Crockpot Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin. Set-and-forget tenderloin slow-cooked with pineapple for a sweet-savory dinner that practically makes itself. Serve with rice, roasted broccoli, or a quick cabbage slaw.
• Wednesday: Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms. Cozy, skillet-cooked chicken simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce-rich in flavor, wonderfully simple. Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed green beans.
• Thursday - Pan Seared Salmon with Greens. Crisp-edged salmon served over warm greens for a wholesome, nutrient-packed dinner in under 20 minutes. Serve with Lemon quinoa, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread.
• Friday - Upside Down Chili Pie. A fun, comforting twist on chili with a golden, cornbread-topped bake that the whole family will love. Serve with green salad, sliced avocado, or tortilla chips on the side.
• Treat - 3-Ingredient Hot Chocolate Mix. A cozy, holiday-ready mix that comes together in minutes and keeps beautifully all season long. Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, or peppermint stir sticks.

Have a delicious & easy week!

RELATED: More 31Daily Dinner Ideas >>

This Week’s Recipes

1

Monday: Roasted Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Bowls

These roasted cauliflower bowls are paired with caramelized sweet potatoes and a cool, creamy Greek tzatziki for a fresh, Mediterranean-style dinner. Simple, nourishing, and easy to prep ahead, they make a perfect weeknight meal or healthy lunch option. Customize with your favorite proteins or extra vegetables.

Mediterranean Cauliflower Bowl Recipe

2

Tuesday: Crockpot Hawaiian Pineapple Pork

This Crockpot Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Tenderloin is tasty, tender, and incredibly easy with 3 ingredients and a quick 5-minute prep time!

Pineapple Pork Tenderloin Recipe

3

Wednesday: Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms

This healthy creamy chicken recipe is delicious with any mushrooms you have on hand. Serve over whole-wheat pasta for an easy dinner.

Get the Recipe

4

Thursday: Pan Seared Salmon with Greens

Pan Seared Salmon with Greens is a quick and easy flakey and tender salmon recipe that's simmered in a honey ginger soy sauce. It's ready in about 15 minutes using one skillet and is incredibly delicious! Perfect for speedy and healthy weeknight dinners.

Salmon and Greens Recipe

5

Friday: Upside Down Chili Pie

Chili and cornbread are the perfect pairing, and this retro recipe combines the two into one glorious dish. It takes just four ingredients to make a complete dinner, perfect for weeknights.

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6

Treat: Hot Chocolate Mix for the Season

This 3 ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix, with optional espresso, is easy to whisk together, contains no dry milk, and is a fun winter staple or gift to give during the holidays.

Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

Find More Quick Meal Plan Ideas

For more healthy ideas, see our past weekly dinner meal plans!