15 Thanksgiving Main Course Recipes That Aren't Turkey
Your guests will gobble them up!
Everyone knows that the star of the Thanksgiving menu is the roasted turkey, right? Well no, not all the time! Maybe you don't really like turkey or perhaps you want to switch to a non-traditional dinner this year. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of other holiday main courses that are just as impressive to consider. Take ham, for instance. It's just as traditional as turkey in some households.
If you're looking for other Thanksgiving main course recipes that aren't turkey, start with this list right here. You'll find all manners of protein from pork to beef to chicken to lamb and a few vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner ideas that prove you don't even need to serve meat for a holiday. All of them pair well with traditional Thanksgiving side dishes if you want to keep the rest of the meal fairly straightforward. Who wouldn't want a pile of creamy mashed potatoes with their prime rib or pork tenderloin?
But of course, don't feel like you have to stick to the usual suspects at all for any of the recipes. With a turkey-less Thanksgiving feast, the only rule is there are no rules. Just have fun with it and impress everyone with your creative culinary skills! You can still plan out your holiday timeline in advance with plenty of appetizers and desserts to round out the menu. Your guests (even the turkey aficionados!) will most certainly gobble everything up―no bird necessary.
Slow Cooker Ham
While you can roast an impressive glazed ham in the oven, you can also save space for your other dishes and make it in the slow cooker, too. It's just as flavorful with way less work.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Ham recipe.
Roast Beef
Studded with garlic cloves and coated in a peppery rub, tender roast beef is a great idea to serve a crowd. This version also has a scrumptious pan sauce made from caramelized onions, red wine, and beef stock to make it extra special.
Get the Roast Beef recipe.
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
If you still crave poultry, roast a chicken instead! It takes less time than turkey and doesn't require a long brining process, but it's just as delicious. Plus, you can roast your veggies right alongside.
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves
This dish is one of those secretly easy recipes that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did. But it'll be done in 20 minutes with just a few simple steps.
Get Ree's Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves recipe.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
For a hearty alternative with seasonal flavor, look no further than this lasagna! The pan is loaded with layers of hot Italian sausage, butternut squash puree, spinach, and plenty of cheese.
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.
Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon
Who says you can't have fish on Thanksgiving? Roasting salmon is very easy to do and takes only about 20 minutes. The apple cider glaze gives it the perfect autumnal twist.
Get Ree's Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon recipe.
Rack of Lamb
Even just saying "rack of lamb" sounds impressive, doesn't it? All you have to do is coat the meat in the garlicky, herbaceous rub, roast it in the oven for about 30 minutes, slice it, and serve.
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Just because there's no turkey doesn't mean there can't be stuffing. Make this casserole and you can your main dish and sides all in one pan. (Psst: It's got veggies in it, too.)
Prime Rib
Prime rib is the ultimate holiday meal for when you want something that tastes amazing and looks special and impressive. The key to making sure it's cooked properly is using a meat thermometer.
Get Ree's Prime Rib recipe.
Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pie
Vegetarian dishes are anything but boring. Case in point: this pot pie. It's packed with butternut squash, mushrooms, spices, and covered in a golden brown lattice crust.
Get Ree's Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pie recipe.
Pumpkin Ravioli
Seasonal pasta that you can make from scratch? Yes, please! But don't stress about making the dough. Ree's easy hack is using wonton wrappers instead. You can use canned pumpkin puree, too.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.
Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Another vegetarian recipe that'll satisfy even the meat lovers out there! Stuff acorn squash with quinoa, mushrooms, almonds, cheese, and herbs. Edible bowls are always a fun idea.
Beef Burgundy
Channel your inner Julia Child and make this French classic. You'll get meltingly tender beef, veggies, gravy, and a pile of mashed potatoes. It'll warm you up, body and soul.
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Manicotti
Who would ever argue with a hot meal of cheesy, saucy pasta? Manicotti takes a bit to assemble but it's so worth the effort. Serve with garlic bread and chow down.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
Surf and Turf
Treat them to a restaurant-quality meal right at home! The key is timing to get the steak and shrimp on the table at the same time. But don't worry, just follow the easy steps provided to you.
Get the Surf and Turf recipe.
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