23 Thanksgiving Main Dish Ideas I Can’t Stop Making

ByMandy

Holiday traditions are great, but these 23 Thanksgiving mains are the real reason people keep showing up early to dinner. They’ve got that magic mix of comfort and celebration that works any time of year. Each one feels like it was made to impress without even trying.

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

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.

Layers of comforting ingredients are combined to bring out the best in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. The way everything bakes together creates a rich, hearty meal perfect for gathering everyone around the table. It’s a recipe that’s always on repeat during these times because it’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

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

Cooking Maple Glazed Turkey Breast gives you a tender, flavorful option for those who love turkey but don’t want to cook an entire bird. The glazing process adds just enough sweetness to make it stand out on your menu. It’s perfect for smaller groups but works equally well as an extra option at larger meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

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.

Comfort food like Easy Cornbread Casserole fits perfectly into any holiday spread. The creamy texture combined with its baked top creates a perfect mix of flavors. It’s especially good for balancing out other dishes on the table. Everyone loves how simple it is to make while still feeling like such a treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread 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.

Putting Roasted Whole Cauliflower on the table is a great way to offer a lighter, hearty meat-free option. Its roasted texture makes it the perfect side or even a centerpiece replacement for turkey. The way it absorbs flavors makes it versatile while still holding its own.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Beef Wellington

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

A classic choice like Beef Wellington never goes out of style, especially for the holidays. Its rich flavors and buttery topping make it a showstopper at any meal. It’s perfect for anyone wanting something more robust than poultry. Once it’s plated, it’s hard not to want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

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

Preparing Perfect Spatchcock Turkey ensures you get juicy, evenly cooked results every time. The method makes it cook faster while keeping its natural flavors intact. It’s ideal for anyone trying to simplify their meal without giving up the traditional bird. This is how turkey becomes the highlight of the table.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

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.

A hearty dish like Chicken and Rice Casserole is something to keep in every holiday rotation. It fills the plate with flavors everyone enjoys while being easy to serve for a crowd. The rice blends perfectly with the rest of the ingredients to create a balanced main. Others see it as comfort food, but it stands out as a meal you’ll want to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Roast Beef

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

When serving Roast Beef, you know you’re bringing something bold to the table. The way this dish comes alive with rich flavor makes it stand out against traditional holiday recipes. It’s a good pick for anyone wanting to switch up their menu with a classic yet impressive dish. Many hosts find that their guests call it unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

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.

Homestyle options like Chicken Pot Pie are always a safe bet for holiday meals. Its warm crust combined with filling flavors hit the right spot for family and friends. It’s one of those dishes that pairs well with everything else on the table. Everyone always comes back for seconds when this one’s served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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.

Adding Turkey Chili to your menu is a great way to incorporate something comforting and hearty. It brings a warm, slow-cooked taste that goes great for casual or formal spreads. This dish brings a unique option to contrast typical turkey recipes. It’s a foolproof favorite to share leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

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.

Holiday meals feel a bit more special when you serve Pumpkin Pasta. The combination of seasonal flavors makes it an unexpected dish on the table. This is a recipe anyone looking for something unique should try. It’s always interesting to see how well guests respond to it.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

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.

Going with Slow Cooker Pot Roast gives you tender, hearty results with minimal effort. The long cook time allows all the flavors to blend well together by the time it’s ready to serve. It’s especially fitting for feeding a bigger gathering with something filling. This is a dish that keeps people coming back year after year.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.
Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

By the end of the night, this option always goes fast. Adding Turkey Tetrazzini to your meal plan is perfect for switching things up from traditional roasts. The way the textures and flavors combine makes every bite feel like a new layer of the dish. It’s great to make in large portions for crowds.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone loves how simple yet satisfying Marry Me Chicken Meatballs feel during holiday gatherings. The flavors are bold enough to make them a main dish. They pair easily with a variety of traditional sides, making them extra versatile. Be ready to make extra because these always get compliments.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs.
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Keeping things easy is possible when you stick with Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. The one-pan approach lets you simplify cooking while still delivering rich flavors. It’s a space-friendly dish that brings everything together perfectly. Anyone wanting less cleanup but robust meals will enjoy this idea.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Roasted Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs, boasting a golden brown, crispy skin, presented on a gleaming glass platter.
Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No holiday feels complete without this crowning dish. Going with Roasted Turkey never disappoints anyone looking for a classic holiday centerpiece. Its preparation guarantees that the tradition stays intact at your table. Everyone gathers to appreciate how well it ties the meal together.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

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.

Most hosts love how timeless this feels. Offering Easy Meatloaf Recipe gives you a fallback option that’s almost universally loved. What makes it stand out is its reliability to please people of all ages. This recipe tends to stick around in leftovers because of how well it tastes after reheating.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serving Roasted Broccoli alongside your main dish lets you keep something light yet flavorful on the menu. Its roasted prep makes it crispy and a favorite among kids or adults alike. Besides being a crowd-pleaser, its easy prep gives you more time for other things. You’ll be glad to have something so simple yet big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

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.

Leftovers can come to life with Turkey Casserole, making post-holiday meals just as exciting. The blend of flavors allows this dish to shine without much extra effort. Instead of seeing it as scraps from the big day, people usually feel like it’s a whole new meal. It’s a great way to cut waste and spice up the menu in an easy way.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs.
Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bringing things like Stuffed Cabbage into the fold adds diversity to a table full of typical fare. This hearty choice mixes bold flavors with traditional comfort. Serve it to anyone wanting to try something they don’t usually have at holiday meals. It’s a surprise addition that works wonderfully well.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Turkey Meatloaf

Close-up view of sliced turkey meatloaf with a browned crust on top, revealing a moist and textured interior. The meatloaf appears to contain pieces of onions and possibly sun-dried tomatoes.
Turkey Meatloaf. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

With the lighter option on the table, this one works as a wonderful change of pace. Swapping out classic choices with Turkey Meatloaf feels like a fresh yet nostalgic twist on the menu. Its balanced flavors mean it can fit in seamlessly with other side dishes. It’s ideal for guests looking for something new yet familiar.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Thanksgiving Casserole

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

Layers of flavor come piled up in Thanksgiving Casserole, making it a great way to combine everything festive into one dish. The convenience leaves you with more time to enjoy the day itself. This one carries all the essential tastes of the holiday in a single serving. Beyond being classics, it puts another creative twist on the meal.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Pork Belly

Adding something like Pork Belly shakes up expectations for holiday dinners with its bold flavors and irresistible feel. Its rich taste makes it a perfect choice for those skipping turkey entirely. While it’s not your typical pick, it always leaves an impression. If there are leftovers, they won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

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