I Can’t Skip These 17 Thanksgiving Main Dish Ideas

ByMandy

Thanksgiving feels complete when the main dish is worth the wait. These 17 ideas make the centerpiece just as exciting as everything around it. They bring comfort, tradition, and a few surprises to the table. No one will be leaving hungry.

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Need something warm and filling for Thanksgiving? Turkey Chili is a hearty option that works great if you want a main dish a little different from tradition. It fits perfectly on the table with all the sides and adds a comforting touch. Everyone loves a dish that pairs well with everything.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Long meal preps can get tiring, but Slow Cooker Pot Roast does all the work while you handle other Thanksgiving details. It’s tender, rich, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish can easily stand as the centerpiece of the table. Plus, it pairs perfectly with those classic sides everyone expects.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Make your Thanksgiving spread stand out by including Easy Cornbread Casserole. It’s soft, has just the right texture, and complements anything else on the table. This dish is a great choice when you need something cozy that feeds a crowd. Everyone at the table will appreciate its simple charm.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Turkey Pot Pie

A steaming chicken pot pie with a golden-brown crust, partially cut open to reveal chunks of chicken, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Sprigs of rosemary garnish the top.
Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort food comes alive when it’s wrapped in a flaky crust. Turkey Pot Pie delivers a mix of hearty ingredients inside a flavorful pie. It takes roasted turkey to another level by combining it with creamy textures. A reliable choice for something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining familiar comfort with an all-in-one appeal, this dish is always a winner at the table. Thanksgiving Casserole takes all the flavors of a classic feast and wraps them into an easy main dish. It’s the perfect way to simplify hosting without sacrificing flavor. Guests won’t turn this one down.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic dinners don’t get much better than this, making it a go-to idea for those wanting rich flavor. Easy Meatloaf Recipe delivers a comforting, no-nonsense main course that never goes out of style. It’s paired well with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Perfect for gatherings big or small.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For those who want a different way to prepare an iconic main course, this one is a great pick. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey ensures even cooking and a juicy, flavorful result every time. It’s a fantastic centerpiece that’s both impressive and practical. A great option to try if you enjoy experimenting with classics.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Pumpkin Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sprinkled with herbs.
Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Switching gears to something unique, this dish surprises with its creativity. Pumpkin Pasta turns a traditional ingredient into a main dish packed with flavor. It balances rich and comforting textures, fitting in perfectly at the dining table. A true comfort food option with an unexpected twist.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

What could be more comforting than a Chicken Pot Pie? It’s got that golden, flaky crust everyone loves paired with a creamy, hearty filling. Perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, it’s a dish that never feels out of place. There’s a reason this meal feels like home on every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface.
Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

With its crispy exterior and tender inside, this is a main dish that impresses everyone. Pork Belly offers a rich flavor that works well for serving in smaller portions or as a star at larger events. It’s a versatile option your guests will remember. Sophisticated yet straightforward, it’s worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing says comfort like Turkey Casserole with its hearty layers. It’s an easy choice to bring everyone together around the table. Great for using leftovers or making it fresh, it’s versatile for any gathering. This dish never fails to please a crowd of hungry guests.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Roast Beef

Sliced roast beef served on a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary.
Roast Beef. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a centerpiece dish, Roast Beef is always a classic choice. Juicy and full of character, it’s a must for any festive table. Pairing it with sides is a breeze, making meal planning easier. Everyone loves coming back for seconds of a well-cooked roast.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

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

Add a little something extra to your holiday meal with Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, giving your guests something to talk about. This turkey is a great option for smaller gatherings or when you don’t want to roast a whole bird. It’s got that holiday vibe without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington sliced on a wooden board with a side salad in the background.
Beef Wellington. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those wanting to impress, this rich and flaky dish never fails to turn heads. Beef Wellington combines tender beef wrapped in a crisp, buttery pastry that’s hard to beat. It’s a standout dish for smaller, more intimate gatherings. A go-to when making a statement matters most.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Staple ingredients come together in this filling dish. Chicken and Rice Casserole offers an easy, go-to meal that doesn’t feel boring. It’s a strong choice for when you want something dependable and good for everyone at the table. You can always count on this one to make people happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serve something a little different with Roasted Whole Cauliflower at your next meal. It’s a vegetarian option that feels just as satisfying as the meaty dishes. The roasting locks in a rich, earthy taste, making sure it doesn’t get lost on the table. This one is perfect for guests who want something lighter but still full of surprise.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Flavor-packed and layered with hearty goodness, this is perfect for bigger meals. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines rich textures and bold tastes in a casserole that stands out. It’s big enough to feed a crowd while still feeling special. A great option when you want a little twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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