30 Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Anything But Traditional
Pick a fun alternative to a classic turkey.
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There's no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesn't mean there isn't room at the table for other main courses, too. If you’re hosting a crowd this year, you'll most certainly want another Thanksgiving main dish, like ham or beef, to serve alongside your favorite turkey recipe. And for those who aren't keen on turkey altogether, they'll appreciate the fact that you thought to make a chicken recipe or a vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe like the stuffed acorn squash instead.
All of these ideas are a great way to switch things up for a change. Don't get us wrong, Ree Drummond's citrus-brined turkey is a tasty idea for the holidays if you have the time and oven space. But many of the Thanksgiving main courses on the list have the advantage of being even quicker to make. Just look at the shortcut chicken and stuffing casserole or the herb-roasted pork tenderloin—it's ready in just 20 minutes. That means more time for the holiday pies!
Looking for something meatless? Try the vegetarian pot pie. Or perhaps you're hosting Friendsgiving this year and just want to keep things casual with our recipe for chicken fried turkey or a hearty Thanksgiving casserole. Of course, any one of these holiday showstoppers will pair perfectly with your mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and more. So you have have a touch of tradition while you also try something new―now that's something to be thankful for!
Chicken Fried Turkey
This twist on a Southern favorite is perfect for a more casual Thanksgiving feast. You'll still get your turkey and gravy fix, but instead of a whole bird, you're working with crispy fried turkey cutlets instead.
Get the Chicken Fried Turkey recipe.
Beef Burgundy
This classic is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. It's made with chuck roast, carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions, and richly flavorful red wine sauce.
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Manicotti
Talk about pure comfort food! Manicotti is cheesy, meaty, saucy, and impressive―all things to be super grateful for! Add a side of garlic bread and you'll wonder why you hadn't thought to serve baked pasta earlier.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
Spatchcock Chicken
When you butterfly a chicken, it cooks more evenly and faster. Bonus: You can cook it on a bed of potatoes and veggies so this meal is an all-in-one feast!
Get the Spatchcock Chicken recipe.
Turkey and Biscuits Casserole
Another all-in-one idea is to make a casserole! This version has is similar to pot pie, filled with a creamy veggie and turkey base and topped with herbed biscuits made from scratch.
Get the Turkey and Biscuits Casserole recipe.
Smothered Chicken
Just because you're not serving turkey doesn't mean you can't have gravy! This chicken thigh recipe is covered in the dreamiest gravy we ever did see and it goes perfect with mashed potatoes.
Get the Smothered Chicken recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Here's an elegant way to serve turkey without cooking a whole bird. The turkey breast is rolled filled with a stuffing made from bacon, apple, and cornbread.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken cordon bleu is a retro dish that we've made even easier! Instead of stuffing the chicken, all the creamy sauce, cheese, and ham are layered and baked in a casserole.
Get the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe.
Cowboy Steak
If you're going to make steak, just be sure it's fit for a crowd! This cowboy steak is extra-thick and great for sharing. Oh, and it's topped with a ranch butter that's perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Looking for a dish that you can make alongside your turkey? This pot roast won't take up any of that precious oven space! Instead, it gets meltingly tender in your handy kitchen appliance.
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Braised Short Ribs
It doesn't get more comforting than a pot of braised short ribs! They'll fall right off the bone so you'll want a pile of mashed potatoes to catch them!
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Lasagna might just be the easiest way to feed a crowd. And this version made with seasonal squash and sausage is hearty and flavorful. Make it up to two days ahead for easy holiday planning!
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.
Root Beer Glazed Ham
Ree often makes this ham for Easter, but that doesn't mean it can't be served on Thanksgiving too! In fact, the root-beer glazed dish should definitely be put on repeat throughout the year.
Get Ree's Root Beer Glazed Ham recipe.
Slow Cooker Brisket
Thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and vegetables are placed right on top of the brisket in this slow cooker recipe. It helps to infuse the brisket with flavor without over-cooking.
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
A warm, creamy, seasonal risotto is like a bowl of pure comfort food. Top it off with crispy sage leaves, pepitas, and bacon for even more pops of flavor.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Vegetarian Pot Pie
This pot pie is loaded with a creamy sauce of white beans, mushrooms, and veggies so you know it'll keep your guests satisfied. Plus, the topping is made from puff pastry so it couldn't be easier!
Get the Vegetarian Pot Pie recipe.
Rack of Lamb
Surprise your family and friends with an out-of-the-box main course like rack of lamb. It has a garlic and rosemary crust that will have everyone going back for seconds.
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Not only do these pork chops get perfectly tender thanks to the slow cooker, but they also come with an incredibly creamy, savory gravy. It's perfect for serving with mashed potatoes!
Get the Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe.
Chicken Fried Chicken
Comfort food is the key to a good Thanksgiving meal and this crispy fried chicken is just that! It even has a gravy recipe that you'll want to drizzle over the whole plate.
Get the Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
A whole roast chicken is a great alternative for those who don't love turkey. It's just as festive, comforting, and impressive as a table centerpiece.
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
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