Pick a fun alternative like roast beef, fish, or steak.
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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 butternut squash pasta, instead. Then again, 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. 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 (that means more time for the holiday pies). Just look at the shortcut chicken and stuffing casserole or the herb-roasted pork tenderloin—it's ready in just 20 minutes! Looking for something meatless? Try the vegetarian pot pie or the quinoa and mushroom stuffed acorn squash. Of course, any one of these holiday showstoppers will pair perfect with your mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and more.
1
Chicken Fried Turkey
This twist on a Southern favorite is perfect for a more casual Thanksgiving feast. You'll still get your turkey fix, but instead of a whole bird, you're working with crispy fried turkey cutlets instead.
Get the Chicken Fried Turkey recipe.
2
Beef Burgundy
This recipe 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.
3
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.
Get the Smothered Chicken recipe.
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4
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Here's an elegant way to serve turkey without cooking a whole bird. The turkey breast is rolled and stuffed with a filling made from bacon, apple, and cornbread.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
5
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.
6
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 in a casserole instead.
Get the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe.
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7
Cowboy Steak
If you're going to make steak for Thanksgiving this year, 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 everyone will love.
Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.
8
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Impress your TikTok-loving family with this pasta that went viral on the internet. It's like a combination of French onion soup and hearty baked noodles, but you only need one pot to make it!
Get the One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.
9
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.
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10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
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13
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.
14
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Keep things quick and easy this holiday with a main dish that's ready in just 45 minutes! The best part? It won't take up any of your precious oven space.
Get the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe.
15
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.
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16
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.
17
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.
18
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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19
Grilled Lobster Tail
No oven space? No problem. This recipe uses a quick, 15-minute marinade to infuse the lobster with flavor and moisture, then it just gets a quick sear out on the grill! One lobster tail for each guest takes the guesswork out of calculating pounds to individual servings.
Get the Grilled Lobster Tail recipe.
20
Butternut Squash Pasta
Everything about this pasta recipe screams fall! From the seasonal butternut squash sauce to the fresh sage and walnut garnish.
Get the Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.
