When it comes to Thanksgiving mains, you want dishes that really stand out and impress your guests without adding too much stress to your holiday prep. These recipes are packed with flavor and designed to be both crowd-pleasers and stress-free to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the celebration. Whether you're looking for something classic or a bit different, these mains are perfect for making your Thanksgiving dinner a memorable one.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells bring together savory beef, peppers, and creamy provolone for a filling meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving, these stuffed shells are quick to make and offer a crowd-pleasing main that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake
This chicken and queso rice bake is a quick and cheesy dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings, but it also makes a great Thanksgiving main. The bold flavors and easy prep time make it an excellent choice when you're looking to keep things simple but delicious during the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan
The maple Dijon chicken sheet pan is full of flavor with its sweet and tangy glaze, crispy bacon, and roasted veggies. It’s a great option for Thanksgiving because it’s simple to prepare and offers a hearty, satisfying main without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
A vegan shepherd's pie made with lentils, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes is hearty and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for a Meatless Thanksgiving main. It’s a dish that requires just about an hour to prepare, offering a fulfilling meal for anyone looking for a meat-free option at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Gochujang cauliflower, coated in tangy Korean sauce, is bold and flavorful, offering a meat-free alternative for Thanksgiving. Whether served in tacos or with rice, this dish brings vibrant color and heat to the table while complementing other holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Vegan Turkey Roast
This vegan turkey roast made from chickpeas and seitan is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make alternative to traditional turkey. It’s a great choice for Thanksgiving, as it allows everyone to enjoy a wholesome, homemade option that fits well with the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
This tater tot casserole is a cozy dish with creamy vegetables and crispy tots on top, making it an easy-to-make choice for busy weeknights or a simple Thanksgiving main. It’s hearty and comforting, offering a satisfying meat-free option that still feels festive.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
Easy Mushroom Wellington
A vegan mushroom Wellington wrapped in flaky pastry and filled with savory mushrooms and fragrant herbs is an elegant addition to your Thanksgiving menu. This dish is not only eye-catching but also packed with flavor, making it a memorable Meatless Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Holiday Beef Wellington
Holiday Beef Wellington, featuring tender beef wrapped in puff pastry with prosciutto, rosemary, thyme, and mushrooms, creates an elegant main dish. It’s a showstopper for Thanksgiving, offering rich flavors and a simple preparation that still makes a big impression.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington
Easy Turkey Casserole
Turkey casserole is an excellent way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, flavorful dish. It's simple to prepare, making the most of your leftover turkey, veggies, and cheeses, and offers a satisfying meal for post-holiday dinners or cozy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Casserole
Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Smoking a sweet onion honey-glazed ham on a pellet grill adds a touch of sweetness and deep smoky flavors, making it a great main for Thanksgiving. With minimal effort, this recipe ensures a juicy, flavorful ham that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Onion Honey Glazed Ham
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice with walnuts and pomegranate seeds brings bright colors and textures to the Thanksgiving table. It's a flavorful, seasonal dish that works as either a main or side, offering a vibrant, meat-free option for your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Lasagna al Forno
Lasagna al forno, a classic Italian baked lasagna, combines layers of pasta, meat sauce, vegetables, and creamy béchamel. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that makes for a great Thanksgiving main, ideal for feeding a crowd with ease and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna al Forno
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet pan paprika chicken and veggies is a one-pan meal that’s as easy as it gets, making it a stress-free option for Thanksgiving week. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish delivers a hearty main that's perfect when you're looking for something simple yet substantial.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory elements. It makes a perfect Meatless Thanksgiving main, offering a healthy, colorful addition to the holiday spread without much preparation required.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Chicken and broccoli casserole combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, fresh broccoli, and a bubbly cheese topping. It's a comforting and easy-to-make dish, making it a great option for Thanksgiving when you want a hearty meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak is a dish that brings sophistication to your Thanksgiving table while being easy to prepare. The combination of sweet cranberry and savory filling makes it a standout option for the holiday, offering both flavor and elegance.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Vegetable Pot Pie
A vegetable pot pie with tender vegetables in a savory sauce beneath a flaky crust makes a great Meatless Thanksgiving main. This hearty dish showcases the flavors of seasonal vegetables, making it a satisfying option for anyone looking for a meat-free Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Vegetarian moussaka layers roasted eggplant, zucchini, and lentil tomato sauce with a gluten-free béchamel for a rich, hearty dish. This meat-free main is an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving table, offering depth and flavor with seasonal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast is tender enough to pull apart with a fork, and it’s simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the low-effort preparation ensures you have more time to focus on other holiday tasks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoking turkey breast with wood chips or pellets adds rich, smoky flavors that transform this classic Thanksgiving main. The result is juicy, flavorful turkey that will make your Thanksgiving dinner stand out and impress guests with its added depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast
Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey
Roasting turkey with fresh herbs and green apples creates a tender, flavorful bird that's easy to prepare. It’s a foolproof way to make a Thanksgiving turkey that’s both simple and flavorful, ensuring the holiday centerpiece is a hit with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey
Vegan Ham
This vegan ham made from vital wheat gluten brings the familiar flavors of traditional ham to the Thanksgiving table without meat. It’s a savory alternative for those looking for a Meatless main that still feels festive and satisfying for the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie combines juicy chicken, vegetables, and a crispy puff pastry crust, making it a comforting classic. It’s a great choice for Thanksgiving, offering heartwarming flavors that are perfect for a cozy family dinner or holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole with garlic and a honey walnut topping is a balanced alternative to traditional casseroles, offering a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. This dish works well as a main or side for a Meatless Thanksgiving meal, bringing a seasonal touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast is an easy way to prepare moist, flavorful turkey with minimal effort. The apple cider brine brings seasonal flavors that make it a standout main for Thanksgiving, ensuring your holiday meal is both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
This air fryer whole chicken has crispy skin and juicy meat, seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices. It's a versatile choice for Thanksgiving, offering both ease and impressive flavor without taking up too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Easy Veggie Lasagna
Vegetable lasagna, with layers of pasta, ricotta, and roasted vegetables, is a hearty, meat-free main that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It brings together a variety of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna
Savoury Steak and Squash Salad
Steak and squash salad with apple maple vinaigrette adds a fresh and lighter option to the Thanksgiving table. Featuring seasonal ingredients like squash and cranberries, it’s a festive salad that offers a welcome contrast to the heavier holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad
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