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10 Thanksgiving Mains That Aren’t Turkey

By: Joanna Cismaru •Last Updated: 11/23/25 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

There, I said it. You do not need a turkey to have an incredible Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, some of the most memorable holiday meals I’ve cooked didn’t involve basting anything, panicking about timing, or carving around leg bones. There’s freedom in choosing a centerpiece that actually excites you, fits your crowd, and doesn’t take over your entire oven for half the day.

prime rib roast on a cutting board.
Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Showstopping Mains for a Turkey-Free Thanksgiving

There’s this little myth that Thanksgiving dinner must revolve around a giant turkey, and honestly, I’m not buying it. Some years you just don’t want the juggling act of thawing, brining, roasting, and carving a bird that barely fits in the oven. And that’s perfectly fine. The real magic of Thanksgiving has always been the flavour, the company, and the comfort food that disappears faster than you can say “pass the gravy.”

So if you’re thinking of switching it up this year, you’re in good company. These mains bring all the warm, cozy holiday vibes without a turkey in sight. Big flavour, simple prep, and dishes that look right at home in the centre of your table. Pick one, pour something festive, and enjoy a stress-free holiday dinner you’ll be proud of.

The Line-Up

two roasted cornish hens in a roasting pan with sprigs of rosemary and lemon slices

Roasted Cornish Hens

These Roasted Cornish Hens will be your new favorite recipe for romantic date nights or to impress dinner party guests. They're simple, elegant, and turn out perfectly every time with my easy step-by-step instructions.
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a sliced prime rib roast on a cutting board.

Prime Rib Roast

This Prime Rib Roast is the holiday showstopper you’ve been dreaming of, juicy, buttery, and cooked to a perfect medium-rare every time. Smothered in a herb-loaded compound butter and paired with rich red wine gravy, this is the kind of feast that gets applause.
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a piece of roast beef cut into slices on a cutting board

Roast Beef

Learn how to make perfect Roast Beef with this foolproof recipe! Featuring instructions to cook your roast to any temperature you prefer, this is a guaranteed winner for any special occasion you host. Whether it's family or guests, I've got you covered for a gorgeous dinner table centrepiece.
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Sliced roasted leg of lamb on a white platter, garnished with rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves, and served with pan gravy.

Garlic Herb Roasted Leg Of Lamb

This Garlic Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb is the ultimate centerpiece, tender, juicy, and packed with garlic, rosemary, and mustard flavor. Roasted to perfection and served with a rich optional pan gravy, it’s perfect for holidays or any meal that calls for a little extra wow.
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side view shot of a sliced ham on a plate with rosemary, orange wedges and pomegranate seeds

Crockpot Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham

This Crockpot Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time to make this incredible brown sugar and cola glaze then pour it over the ham, set it and forget it for a few hours. You'll be rewarded with the most tender and delicious crockpot ham ever.
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sliced rosemary garlic pork roast with gravy over white beans.

Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast

This Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast is my go-to for Sunday dinners or whenever I want to make something that feels like a big deal without actually being a big fuss. It’s juicy, full of garlicky herby flavor, and the gravy? Honestly, I could drink it.
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a beef tenderloin with half of it cut in slices in a cast iron skillet.

Beef Tenderloin

This Beef Tenderloin recipe is designed for special occasions when you want the meat cooked right the first time. Simple seasoning, a good sear, and controlled roasting give you a tender, evenly cooked result with a beautifully browned crust. Finished with a horseradish yogurt sauce, it’s an elegant dinner that doesn’t rely on complicated steps.
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bourbon glazed ham on a white platter sliced garnished with fresh thyme.

Bourbon Glazed Baked Ham

This Baked Ham is glazed with a bourbon, orange juice and brown sugar glaze and studded with cloves. It's delicious and incredibly flavorful, the perfect sweet and savory holiday dinner!
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sliced pork roast topped with cranberry sauce on a plate garnished with rosemarry and cranberries

Cranberry Pork Roast

This tender, flavorful Cranberry Pork Roast is super easy to prepare, yet looks and tastes like a gourmet meal. A holiday winner!
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overhead shot of braised lamb shanks in a pot with two sprigs on rosemary

Braised Lamb Shanks

This easy oven Braised Lamb Shanks recipe yields fall-off-the-bone tender lamb braised in a rich herbed tomato and red wine sauce. The hardest part about making this recipe is waiting for those delicious smells to come out of the oven and onto your plate!
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So go ahead. Skip the bird. Your oven, your guests, and your sanity will thank you.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I'm Joanna Cismaru, home cook, recipe developer, and the person behind JoCooks since 2011. I test every recipe in my own kitchen, multiple times, until it's actually worth making. My goal is simple: recipes that work, written the way a real person cooks.

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