If you’re ready to shake up your holiday menu, this roundup of 25 Thanksgiving main dish recipes that aren’t turkey brings fresh, flavorful inspiration to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a smaller group, craving something more exciting than the traditional bird, or simply want a main dish that better fits your style, these recipes deliver. From elegant beef roasts and hearty pork dishes to seafood stunners and impressive vegetarian options, each main offers a festive, dinner-worthy centerpiece that still feels perfectly at home on a Thanksgiving spread.
I’ve gathered a collection of holiday-worthy mains, from elegant roasts to comforting pastas, that are sure to impress your family and guests, and make your feast unforgettable.
Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese
Pumpkin risotto combines forces with creamy and tangy goat cheese, studded with dried zingy cranberries for a festive, colorful dish. This elegant yet simple vegetarian main offers rich, earthy flavors perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. This dish would also be delicious with some of this crispy prosciutto crumbled on top!
Find the full Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese recipe here.
Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Loin
A juicy pork loin is stuffed with herbed rice and wrapped in salty prosciutto for an elegant, flavorful main. It roasts in one pan alongside rosemary potatoes for a simple yet impressive holiday meal.
Find the full Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Loin recipe here.
Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta
This creamy, cheesy pasta combines savory sausage and sweet butternut squash in a luxurious sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of autumnal flavor.
Learn how to make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta here.
Easy Roasted Chicken
Achieve perfectly crisp, golden skin and juicy, tender meat with this fuss-free roasted chicken. It's a simple, classic main that’s perfect for a crowd, creating a delicious pan gravy for a comforting meal. Use any leftovers in White Chicken Chili, Chicken Soup or Sesame Noodles.
Find the full Easy Roasted Chicken recipe here.
Mushroom Pot Pie
A rich, savory filling of mushrooms bathed in a red wine cream sauce is topped with a flaky puff pastry crust. This deeply comforting pot pie is a satisfying vegetarian main that can be prepared ahead of time.
Find the full Mushroom Pot Pie here.
Cornish Game Hen Recipe with Apricot Glaze
These individual Cornish game hens are glazed with a sweet and flavorful apricot sauce. They make an elegant and visually appealing holiday main that cooks in a fraction of the time a turkey requires.
Find the full Cornish Game Hen Recipe with Apricot Glaze here.
Creamy Tarragon Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Pork tenderloin medallions are seared and served in a rich, creamy tarragon sauce. This elegant dish, with its subtle anise-like herb flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes for an impressive weeknight or dinner party meal.
Find the full Creamy Tarragon Pork Tenderloin Medallions recipe here.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Air fryer meatloaf is a tender, juicy dish with wonderfully crisp and caramelized edges. It’s a quicker, less messy version of the classic that’s never greasy, making weeknight comfort food effortless.
Find the full Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe here.
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Polenta
Succulent short ribs are slowly braised in a rich red wine sauce until fall-apart tender. Served over creamy polenta, this is a decadent, make-ahead dish perfect for a stress-free dinner party that’s sure to impress.
Find the full Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Polenta here.
Steak Diane
Elevate your steak with a luxurious, pan-seared sauce of cream, cognac, and shallots. This classic Steak Diane is surprisingly simple to make, creating a restaurant-worthy meal for a special weeknight or holiday.
Find the full Traditional Steak Diane Sauce Recipe here.
Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy
These Instant Pot pork chops are incredibly tender and smothered in a flavorful gravy. This flexible recipe works with boneless or bone-in chops for a quick, comforting meal served with mashed potatoes or rice.
Find the full Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy recipe here.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage
Enjoy the taste of fall with this rich and creamy pumpkin pasta, laced with crispy sage and savory sausage. This satisfying, restaurant-quality dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
Find the full Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage recipe here.
Sous Vide Short Ribs
Sous vide short ribs are cooked to fall-apart tenderness with guaranteed perfection every time. Give it a quick sear in a hot skillet before serving with a red wine reduction over polenta or mashed potatoes.
Find the full Sous Vide Short Ribs recipe here.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Pan-seared chicken and mushrooms are smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This one-pan meal is both simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests, all ready in 30 minutes.
Find the full Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe here.
Sous Vide Roast Beef
Sous vide cooking results in roast beef that’s perfectly medium-rare and incredibly tender from edge to edge. This foolproof method delivers a holiday-worthy centerpiece, especially when paired with a creamy mushroom sauce.
Find the full Sous Vide Roast Beef here.
Instant Pot Pot Roast with Red Wine
This Instant Pot pot roast is fall-apart tender and covered in a deeply flavorful red wine gravy. Cooking the meat, carrots, and potatoes together in one pot makes this classic comfort food faster and easier than ever.
Find the full Instant Pot Pot Roast with Red Wine recipe here.
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Savory ground lamb and vegetables in a rich, wine-infused gravy are topped with a layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden, this is the ultimate hearty and comforting casserole.
Find the full Lamb Shepherd’s Pie recipe here.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Browned Butter Sauce
This pillowy, homemade sweet potato gnocchi requires just five simple ingredients. They are beautifully complemented by a nutty browned butter and sage sauce for a sophisticated fall dish.
Find the full Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Browned Butter Sauce recipe here.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Tender chicken meatballs are simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Inspired by the famous "Marry Me Chicken," this dish is sure to impress at any family dinner or date night.
Find the full Marry Me Chicken Meatballs here.
Pesto Panko Crusted Salmon
Salmon fillets are topped with basil pesto and a crispy, herbed panko crust, then baked until flaky. This 30-minute recipe transforms simple salmon into a restaurant-quality, impressive meal.
Find the full Pesto Panko Crusted Salmon recipe here.
Braised Lamb Shoulder with Gravy
This lamb shoulder is slowly braised until it's fall-apart tender and incredibly moist. Served with a simple gravy from its own drippings, it's a fuss-free yet spectacular centerpiece for a dinner party.
Find the full Braised Lamb Shoulder with Gravy here.
Baked Pumpkin Gnocchi
Pillowy gnocchi and kale are baked in a creamy, cheesy pumpkin sauce until bubbly and golden. This luxurious casserole is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food, perfect for a fuss-free holiday side or main. Use homemade gnocchi or store-bought!
See this Baked Pumpkin Gnocchi here.
Spatchcock Roasted Chicken with Cabbage & Potatoes
A spatchcocked chicken roasts evenly and quickly, with its juices dripping down to flavor the potatoes and cabbage beneath. This one-pan meal is simple enough for any night but special enough for the holidays.
Find the recipe for Spatchcock Roasted Chicken with Cabbage & Potatoes here.
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
A sweet and savory glaze of brown sugar, mustard, and honey creates a beautiful, caramelized crust on this holiday ham. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that also provides delicious leftovers for making Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with Everything Bagel Seasoning or Ham & Bean Soup.
Find the Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham here.
Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops
These lamb chops are coated in a savory parmesan crust and pan-fried to a perfect golden brown. They are a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed main for a special dinner, like Thanksgiving!
Find the Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops here.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these Thanksgiving mains can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Mains
Elevate your Thanksgiving meal with these standout sides, designed to pair beautifully with any main dish you choose.
- Check out these 50+ Thanksgiving Side Dishes!
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