31 Main Dishes to Settle On Before the Turkey Order Deadline Hits

A turkey order deadline can arrive before the rest of the dinner menu is settled. This lineup gives you turkey, ham, beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, and meat-free mains to consider, with casseroles, roasts, skillet-friendly choices, and pasta in the mix. Some work for a holiday centerpiece, while others suit a smaller gathering or a change from turkey. Compare the cooking times and ingredients, then choose the main dish that fits your table and schedule.

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A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs. — Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Lobster Roll

A close-up of a sandwich roll filled with chunks of seasoned lobster meat, garnished with chopped chives. — Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On a day when a full roast feels like too much, Lobster Roll brings a seafood main together in 30 minutes. Lobster meat is baked with garlic and butter, then folded with dill, chives, and lemon before it goes into toasted buns. Its short cook time makes it a useful alternative when the holiday plan needs a smaller, quick-cooking centerpiece. Serve with a crisp salad or slaw for lunch or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Chicken Divan

Close-up of a cheesy casserole topped with chopped parsley and crumbly bits, featuring melted cheese and a creamy texture. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A bubbling casserole makes Chicken Divan a practical main when the dinner plan needs an easy oven option, and the recipe takes 35 minutes. Chicken breast and broccoli sit in a creamy sauce made with chicken soup, sour cream, and milk, with cheddar and crushed crackers on top. It gives the table a chicken choice alongside the larger roasts. Add a green salad or rolls for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Roasted Turkey Legs

Three cooked turkey legs with herbs and chopped onions are arranged on a white oval platter, garnished with a sprig of parsley. — Roasted Turkey Legs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a smaller turkey centerpiece, Roasted Turkey Legs take about 2 hours and bring the familiar holiday bird to the table without cooking a whole turkey. The legs roast with onion, poultry seasoning, chicken broth, and white wine, then get a parsley garnish. This option can help settle the main dish while keeping the order focused on a few portions. Pair them with mashed potatoes and a vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs

From Mandy's kitchenStuck on what is for dinner? The Everyday Dinner Book is the one I open for easy meals the whole family will eat.

Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

A baked dish with slices of glazed ham, roasted sweet potato cubes, and green beans, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A sheet pan keeps Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies together as a 50-minute main with built-in sides. Ham steaks roast with sweet potatoes and green beans, while brown sugar, honey, mustard, garlic, and rosemary season the pan. It offers a change from turkey without adding a separate vegetable dish to the menu. Use it for a smaller holiday meal or a weeknight dinner when the oven is already on.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Spanakopita

A slice of spinach and cheese pie with flaky pastry crust on a plate, next to a fork. — Spanakopita. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Flaky Greek-style pie makes Spanakopita a meat-free main that takes about an hour. The filling combines spinach, green onions, leek, herbs, feta, and egg, wrapped in layered pastry. Keep it in mind if the turkey order is still undecided and the table needs a substantial alternate choice. Cut it into portions and serve with a simple salad or soup for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spanakopita

Gnocchi

A hands-on pasta project, Gnocchi takes about an hour and uses potatoes, flour, egg, and salt to form the dumplings. The recipe finishes them with butter, olive oil, Parmesan, and basil, making a meat-free main with a short ingredient list. It suits a smaller gathering or a menu that needs an alternative to roast meat. Serve with a salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Chicken Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side. — Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When the holiday menu needs a lighter main, Chicken Caesar Salad comes together in 25 minutes. It combines romaine, croutons, Parmesan, and chicken breast with a dressing made from egg yolks, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, and Dijon mustard. That quick timing leaves room for other dishes and gives the table a fresh option beside heavier roasts. Serve it for lunch or as a simple dinner before a larger celebration.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning. — Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A smaller cut can answer the turkey question without committing to a whole bird, and Maple Glazed Turkey Breast takes about an hour. The turkey is seasoned with garlic, onion, thyme, paprika, and oregano, then glazed with maple syrup and mustard. It gives the menu a classic centerpiece in a more compact form. Add potatoes and a green vegetable, and compare its size with the number of guests before placing the order.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon. — Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a main that folds its sides into one baking dish, Sausage Casserole takes 55 minutes. The recipe combines sausage with potatoes and green beans, then adds onion, garlic, butter, and chicken broth for a savory bake. This gives you a filling choice if the turkey order is still up in the air or you need a separate main for a smaller table. Serve it straight from the casserole dish with bread.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

Crawfish Etouffee

A bowl of crawfish étouffée garnished with chopped green onions and herbs, served in a light-colored dish. — Crawfish Etouffee. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A pot of rice turns Crawfish Etouffee into a complete seafood main in 30 minutes. Crawfish tails simmer with Cajun seasoning, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and chicken broth in a roux-thickened sauce. It brings a very different direction to a holiday menu built around turkey and roasted meat. Spoon it over rice for dinner, especially when you want a warm, saucy option that does not need oven space.
Get the Recipe: Crawfish Etouffee

Mississippi Pot Roast

A bowl of shredded beef garnished with cilantro and peppers. — Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Long, slow cooking gives Mississippi Pot Roast its tender texture, with about 10 hours listed for the recipe. Chuck roast cooks with ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini, their juice, and butter, making a hands-off beef main for a day when the oven is busy. It can be a strong alternative to turkey when the schedule allows for advance planning. Serve the roast with mashed potatoes or spoon it into sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Chicken and Biscuits

A close-up of a baked chicken pot pie topped with six round biscuits and garnished with chopped parsley. — Chicken and Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Golden biscuits over a creamy filling make Chicken and Biscuits a hearty main that takes about an hour. Shredded chicken, carrots, celery, peas, and thyme cook in a sauce with cream of chicken soup, then canned biscuits bake on top. This gives the menu a complete casserole-style choice without relying on turkey. Set it out with a green vegetable for a family dinner or a casual holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits

Lamb Loin Chops

Grilled lamb chops garnished with rosemary and garlic, served on a white plate. — Lamb Loin Chops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A quick-cooking centerpiece, Lamb Loin Chops take 25 minutes and use four chops with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and butter. The brief ingredient list keeps the focus on the lamb, while the short timing makes it easier to coordinate with sides. Consider it when the turkey order deadline is approaching and a smaller roast alternative suits the gathering. Serve with potatoes and a green vegetable for an uncomplicated dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Loin Chops

Vegetable Pasta

A plate of penne pasta with roasted vegetables, sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped herbs, with a black fork on the side. — Vegetable Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright, filling 35-minute main, Vegetable Pasta brings a meat-free choice to the holiday menu. Zucchini, red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, Parmesan, and parsley. It adds a colorful option to a menu otherwise centered on meat and gives guests another direction besides turkey. Pair it with a green salad, or serve it as the main for a smaller gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pasta

Meatball Casserole

A baking dish filled with meatballs topped with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and chopped herbs. — Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

An oven-baked dinner brings pasta and meatballs together in Meatball Casserole, a filling main that takes about an hour. The meatballs use ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning, then join penne, marinara, and mozzarella in the casserole. It brings familiar flavors to the menu if a traditional roast is not the plan. Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a relaxed holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of fried chicken on a gray plate, garnished with small bits of green herbs. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy coating gives Buttermilk Fried Chicken a different feel from the roast options, and the recipe takes about an hour. Chicken drumsticks soak in buttermilk before they are coated in flour seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, then fried in oil. This makes a shareable main for a casual gathering or a turkey-free dinner. Add slaw, biscuits, or a simple vegetable to round out the plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Roast Beef

For a classic carved main, Roast Beef takes about 70 minutes and starts with a round roast seasoned with salt, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The beef offers a familiar centerpiece for guests who want an alternative to turkey, while the shorter cook time helps with holiday planning. Slice it for dinner with mashed potatoes and salad, or save extra pieces for sandwiches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Rotisserie chicken helps Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole come together in about an hour. The dish layers chicken with smoked ham and Swiss cheese, then adds a creamy Dijon sauce and a breadcrumb topping with Parmesan. It is a substantial oven-baked option for a menu that needs more than one main. Serve it with a green vegetable or salad, and use it when a traditional turkey roast is not the only plan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Turkey Burger

A close-up of a chicken burger with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce in a toasted bun. — Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ground turkey makes Turkey Burger a familiar, smaller-scale main that takes 40 minutes. The patties mix turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, red onion, garlic, egg, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce, then go into buns with tomato and greens. This is an easy choice when the holiday meal is casual or the turkey order should stay small. Add roasted potatoes or a salad for a dinner that does not need a carving board.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger

Ham and Cheese Quiche

A close-up of a slice of quiche on a plate, with a fork beside it. The quiche has a golden crust and a creamy, egg-filled interior. — Ham and Cheese Quiche. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A brunch-style main, Ham and Cheese Quiche takes 50 minutes from pie crust to table. Eggs, heavy cream, Emmental cheese, and diced ham form the filling, with nutmeg, salt, and pepper seasoning the custard. The quiche works for a gathering that does not need a full roast, helping you settle the menu before placing the turkey order. Serve slices with fruit or a green salad for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

Pork Tenderloin

Honey-soy glaze gives Pork Tenderloin a savory-sweet finish, and the recipe takes 45 minutes. Pork is seasoned with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, then paired with cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Its manageable timing makes it an option when you want a roast-style main without committing to a turkey. Slice it for dinner alongside potatoes and a green vegetable, or reserve leftovers for sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A casserole brings the flavors of stuffed peppers together in Stuffed Pepper Casserole, ready in 42 minutes. Ground beef cooks with yellow onion, green and red bell peppers, garlic, tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, broth, rice, and mozzarella. This gives you a hearty alternative when the main dish decision is still open. Serve it with a simple salad, and use it for a family dinner that needs one filling bake.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Lamb Rogan Josh

A bowl of white rice topped with chunks of beef in a reddish-brown sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of cream. — Lamb Rogan Josh. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow-simmered sauce makes Lamb Rogan Josh a richly seasoned main that takes about 2 hours. Lamb shoulder cooks with onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, garam masala, paprika, tomato paste, and chicken stock. It offers a bold route away from the usual holiday roast and suits a menu with rice and vegetables. Plan ahead for the longer cook, then serve it over rice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rogan Josh

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture. — Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small buns make Cheeseburger Sliders easy to serve at a casual gathering, and the recipe takes 25 minutes. Mini beef patties bake with American cheese, while the buns get a quick sauce of mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, and spices. They offer a relaxed main for a crowd that is not planning a formal turkey dinner. Set out pickles and a salad, or add them to a spread with other sides.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with a fruit-based sauce, being drizzled with additional sauce from a spoon. — Crockpot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The slow cooker handles most of the work for Crockpot Turkey Breast, which takes about 6 hours. Boneless turkey breast cooks with cranberry sauce, dry onion soup mix, and orange juice, bringing sweet and savory flavors to a smaller bird option. It can help you settle the order without choosing a whole turkey. Pair slices with stuffing and vegetables, and allow enough time for the longer cook before serving.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Roasted Leg of Lamb

Two roasted lamb shanks on a plate with rosemary and caramelized onions, with stacked plates in the background. — Roasted Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A 50-minute centerpiece, Roasted Leg of Lamb gives the holiday menu a clear alternative to turkey. The lamb cooks with garlic, rosemary, onions, olive oil, and salt, keeping the ingredient list direct. Its timing leaves room to coordinate sides and other oven dishes. Carve it for dinner with potatoes and roasted vegetables, or serve it for a smaller celebration when a whole turkey would be more than you need.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Leg of Lamb

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pre-cooked spiral ham gets a simple sweet finish in Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham, which takes about an hour. Pineapple slices and their juice combine with brown sugar as the ham warms, giving the menu a familiar centerpiece alongside or instead of turkey. Because the recipe uses a ready-cooked ham, it is a practical option when the order deadline is close. Serve it with potatoes and a green vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Caramelized onion flavor meets pasta in French Onion Casserole, a meat-free main that takes about an hour. Yellow onions cook with butter, sherry, and thyme, then join short pasta, beef broth, Gruyere, and a panko topping. It adds a savory baked option to a table of roasts and can suit guests who want something different from turkey. Serve with a crisp salad for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Rack of lamb with a breadcrumb crust is garnished with rosemary on a wooden board. Sliced pieces reveal a pink, cooked interior. — Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A breadcrumb and herb coating gives Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb a dressed-up look, while the recipe takes about 40 minutes. The rack is paired with fresh breadcrumbs, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. This shorter-cooking centerpiece offers a clear alternative when deciding whether to order turkey. Carve it into chops and serve with potatoes or roasted vegetables for a holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Leftover roast beef becomes a shareable main in Roast Beef Sliders, which takes 30 minutes. Thinly sliced beef and provolone fill soft rolls, with French fried onions, butter, au jus mix, Worcestershire, and everything bagel seasoning on top. These sliders fit a casual meal or a second gathering after the main holiday dinner. Serve them with salad or roasted vegetables when a full roast would be more than you need.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A 50-minute bake, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole gives the table a chicken main with familiar holiday flavor. Shredded chicken cooks with carrots, celery, peas, cream, and parsley under a savory herb stuffing topping. It makes a practical choice for a smaller celebration or a dinner where turkey is not the only main. Add cranberry sauce or a green vegetable on the side for a familiar seasonal plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole