Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Theres no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesnt mean there isnt room at the table for other main courses, too. If you’re having a lot of people over for Thanksgiving this year, you’ll need another main dish, like ham or beef, to go with your favorite turkey recipe. Of course, people who don’t like turkey will be glad you thought of making 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. Not at all. Ree Drummond’s citrus-brined turkey is a great holiday recipe if you have the time and room in the oven. But many of the main dishes on the list for Thanksgiving are even faster to make, which is an added bonus. The chicken and stuffing casserole or the herb-roasted pork tenderloin are quick and easy recipes that are ready in 20 minutes or less. That means more time for the holiday pies!.
Looking for something meatless? Try the vegetarian pot pie. You could also host Friendsgiving this year and want to keep things simple with our chicken-fried turkey or hearty Thanksgiving casserole recipe. Of course, any of these holiday hits will go great with your mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other sides. You can enjoy some traditions while also trying something new. Now that’s something to be thankful for!
This twist on a Southern favorite is perfect for a more casual Thanksgiving feast. While you’ll still get your turkey and gravy fix, you’ll be making crispy fried turkey cutlets instead of a whole bird.
This classic is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. Its made with chuck roast, carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions, and richly flavorful red wine sauce.
That’s what I call comfort food! Manicotti is cheesy, meaty, saucy, and impressive—all things I’m grateful for! Serve it with garlic bread and you’ll wonder why you not served baked pasta sooner.
When you butterfly a chicken, it cooks more evenly and faster. Plus, you can cook it on a bed of vegetables and potatoes, making it a one-pot meal.
Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t feel complete without a big spoonful of savory dressing on your plate. The buttery cubes of bread soaked in rich chicken or turkey broth are the perfect accompaniment to slices of roasted turkey. However more and more families are opting to cook something besides turkey as their holiday centerpiece. If you’re one of them fear not – your dressing will still have plenty of excellent pairing options!
Here are some delicious alternatives that complement dressing wonderfully:
Ham
Baked ham is likely one of the most popular turkey substitutes. The sweet, salty meat is a natural fit for dressing’s herbs and spices. The contrast of smoky ham against the soft, almost creamy texture of cornbread dressing is superb. Some nice options include:
- Spiral cut ham with a glistening brown sugar glaze
- Honey baked ham
- Country ham with redeye gravy
Pro Tip: Use the ham bone to flavor the dressing!
Roast Beef
Few entrées feel as festive and indulgent as a roast beef. The umami richness pairs so well with dressing’s savory depth Sliced roast beef also holds up nicely when layered onto a dressing-stuffed biscuit or sandwich. Ways to roast beef for Thanksgiving
- Roast prime rib with horseradish sauce
- Roast tenderloin tip with red wine reduction
- Slow roasted rump roast with au jus
Pork Roast
Tender, juicy pork is another excellent dressing mate. The slightly sweeter flavor provides balance against the dressing’s heartiness. Both pork loin and shoulder take nicely to slow roasting. Consider:
- Herb crusted pork loin
- Maple glazed pork shoulder
- Slow roasted porchetta with fennel
Chicken
For smaller gatherings, baked or roasted chicken can sub in for turkey. The mild flavor is enhanced by the dressing. A few preparation ideas include:
- Lemon pepper roasted chicken
- Chicken baked in cast iron with veggies
- Chicken cordon bleu with ham and Swiss
Seafood
Seafood may seem an unlikely pairing for dressing, but hear us out. The briny flavor and flaky texture complement the dressing surprisingly well. Options like:
- Baked salmon fillet with lemon
- Shrimp and crab étouffée
- Scallop, corn and bacon stuffing
Vegetarian Main Dishes
Meatless mains work great too, especially if you use vegetable broth. Try
- Hearty vegetarian shepherd’s pie
- Mushroom and pecan Wellington
- Pumpkin or squash casseroles
Complementary Sides
Round out your plate with classic Thanksgiving sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roast Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry sauce
- Butternut squash soufflé
- Green bean casserole
So go ahead – break from tradition and cook an alternative to turkey this Thanksgiving. Just be sure to keep dressing on the menu, and choose a main dish that will pair nicely. Your guests will still feel that wonderful comfort of holiday flavors!
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Want to cook something else besides turkey? This pot roast won’t take up any oven space and will get melt-in-your-mouth tender in your handy kitchen appliance.
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
A pot of braised short ribs is the most comforting thing in the world. They’ll fall off the bone, so you’ll need a pile of mashed potatoes to catch them.
Get Rees Braised Short Ribs recipe.
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.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Turkey and Biscuits Casserole
Another idea that can be used for more than one thing is to make a casserole! This one is like a pot pie; it has a creamy base of vegetables and turkey and herbed biscuits on top.
Get the Turkey and Biscuits Casserole recipe.
You can still have gravy even if you’re not serving turkey. This chicken thigh recipe has the most delicious gravy we’ve ever seen, and it goes great with mashed potatoes.
Get the Smothered Chicken recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Heres 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.
Should You Cook Your Stuffing Inside or Outside Your Turkey?
FAQ
What meat goes with dressing besides turkey?
What can I eat with stuffing?
What to serve for Thanksgiving dinner besides turkey?
What can I serve for Christmas dinner besides turkey?
How do you serve a turkey without cooking a whole bird?
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 is a retro dish that we’ve made even easier!
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Should you eat a roasted Thanksgiving turkey?
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.
Are slow cooked turkey legs good for Thanksgiving?
Slow-cooked turkey legs are this year’s ultimate Thanksgiving hack. No basting, no inevitable dry meat—no fuss at all. All you have to do is make an easy festive herb butter, wrap everything in foil, and let them roast unsupervised. Get the Roasted Turkey Leg recipe. Don’t let turkey have all the fun!
Can you eat a turkey if it’s overcooked?
“Once a turkey is overcooked, it becomes merely a vessel to get gravy and stuffing into your mouth.” If you still want the theatrics of a large table centerpiece that can be carved (just not a turkey), Chef Andrew Zimmerman of Michelin-starred Sepia + Proxi has a suggestion. “I would likely go with a roast rack of pork,” he says.
Is Ree Drummond’s Turkey good for Thanksgiving?
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.