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24 Best Main Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

24 Best Main Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner
Home  /  Recipes RoundUp   /   24 Best Main Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and share a bountiful meal and we know for sure that a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of choice for any holiday dinner. But if you’re looking to add more variety to your Thanksgiving dinner, we have got you covered. We are sharing 24 of our most popular and best Thanksgiving main dishes, with turkey of course, but also chicken, pork, lamb, and beef. From classic roasted turkey to unique twists on traditional Thanksgiving dishes, our list of Thanksgiving main courses has something for everyone to enjoy. All of these Thanksgiving main dish ideas are a great way to switch things up for a change. Enjoy!

Nina L. Palmer
by Nina L. Palmer
Nina L. Palmer

Nina Palmer is a recipe developer and editor for Eatwell101 since 2013. She is passionate about food and culture and specializes in sweet recipes, desserts, baking, as well as developing editorial content.

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Updated Feb 24, 2026
Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roasted-turkey-breast-recipe

1. Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter

While roasting a whole turkey can be a daunting task, especially if your oven is smaller, cooking a turkey breast is much more manageable–and cost-effective if you host a smaller gathering.

Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Perfect Roast Beef & Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roast-beef-recipe

2. Perfect Roast Beef & Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter

A tender roast beef on top of rich fingerling potatoes with incredible flavors. This roast beef recipe is a perfect weekend or Holiday dinner!

Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Herb Butter Steak in Oven - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-herb-butter-steak-in-oven-recipe

3. Garlic Herb Butter Steak in Oven

We can't argue that steak is not a Thanksgiving staple, for sure. But if you're looking to inject a new twist to a traditional menu, this reverse-seared steak in the oven is a foolproof recipe everyone will love!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/instant-pot-turkey-breast-recipe

4. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter

Using the Instant Pot is the best way to save time preparing Thanksgiving dinner! This turkey breast is tender, juicy and infused with wonderful holiday flavors.

Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Baked Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables and Spiced Butter - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/baked-pork-tenderloin-recipe

5. Baked Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables and Spiced Butter

Our baked pork tenderloin is a flavorful and nourishing dish made with simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and vegetables. This pork tenderloin recipe is easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Juicy and Tender Roast Turkey - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roast-turkey-recipe

6. Juicy and Tender Roast Turkey

This is the best roasted turkey recipe you'll ever need for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner!

Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Easy Chicken Cacciatore - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/chicken-cacciatore-recipe

7. Easy Chicken Cacciatore

Easy and healthy whole chicken recipe with fantastic Italian flavors!

Cooking time: 65 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/rosemary-orange-roasted-turkey-recipe

8. Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey

Our easy Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey recipe will Impress your Thanksgiving guests! This mouth-watering roasted turkey is sure to be the star of your holiday dinner with its fragrant rosemary and zesty orange flavors.

Cooking time: 180 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/pork-tenderloin-roast-recipe

9. Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast

A creative twist on the classic Thanksgiving recipe!

Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roasted-rack-of-lamb-recipe

10. Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce

Easy Rack of Lamb Recipe - This Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb is the most elegant family holiday dinner ever!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Pork Stew - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/pork-stew-recipe

11. Pork Stew

The rich flavor of this braised pork stew recipe is going to become a new family favorite!

Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Slow Cooked Turkey Leg with Honey Glaze & Garlic - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/slow-cooked-turkey-leg-recipe

12. Slow Cooked Turkey Leg with Honey Glaze & Garlic

This slow-roasted turkey leg is definitely what you want if you're feeling like eating Thanksgiving dinner anytime!

Cooking time: 240 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-herb-beef-roast-recipe

13. Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef

Tender and juicy Roast Beef - Your guests will go crazy for this garlic butter herb roast sirloin!

Cooking time: 75 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Oven-Roasted Cornish Hens with Grapes - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roasted-cornish-hens-recipe

14. Oven-Roasted Cornish Hens with Grapes

Cornish hen is a smaller, flavor packed version of your regular chicken. Serving a whole bird to each guests makes them feel special and the presentation is amazing. Perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner with a twist!

Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Mayonnaise Roasted Whole Chicken - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/oven-roasted-whole-chicken-recipe

15. Mayonnaise Roasted Whole Chicken

Crisp and juicy, roasted to perfection with an incredible mayonnaise rub everyone will love.

Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Creamy Garlic Chicken - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/creamy-garlic-chicken-recipe

16. Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken is ready in less than 30 minutes and perfect for any weeknight dinner… Even on special occasions! This chicken breast recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Easy Crockpot Lamb Shank - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/crockpot-lamb-shank-recipe

17. Easy Crockpot Lamb Shank

While lamb is often associated with Christmas or Easter, it is definitely a festive choice for Thanksgiving. Let the slow cooker work its magic and you'll get rave reviews form your guests!

Cooking time: 480 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Roasted Duck a l’Orange - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roasted-duck-a-l-orange-recipe

18. Roasted Duck a l’Orange

Roasted duck a l'orange has the crispiest skin and best flavor, with an incredible savory-sweet orange sauce. This orange duck recipe is perfect for a memorable Holiday dinner!

Cooking time: 100 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/honey-garlic-pork-tenderloin-recipe

19. Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

How to make pork tenderloin cooked with the most incredible honey garlic sauce! The best easy pork tenderloin recipe for an easy dinner idea.

Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter SpatchCock Chicken - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-spatchcock-chicken-recipe

20. Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter SpatchCock Chicken

This roasted spatchcock chicken is crisp and juicy at the same time.

Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Tuscan Baked Chicken - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/tuscan-baked-chicken-recipe

21. Tuscan Baked Chicken

Crisp and juicy, these Tuscan baked chickens make for a marvelous main course that is sure to impress on your holiday table.

Cooking time: 50 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Baked Ham with Honey Garlic Glaze - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/honey-garlic-baked-ham

22. Baked Ham with Honey Garlic Glaze

This baked ham is dripping with flavor and perfect for the holidays or a Sunday supper!

Cooking time: 100 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cilantro Salt Crusted Salmon - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/baked-salmon-in-salt-crust-recipe

23. Cilantro Salt Crusted Salmon

Looking for a creative Thanksgiving main dish? Look no further than our salmon baked in salt crust. The fish stays super moist and fork-tender with incredible flavor.

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Orange Roasted Chicken - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/roast-chicken-recipe-with-orange-and-cinnamon

24. Orange Roasted Chicken

This orange roasted chicken recipe is another healthy, beautiful, vibrant dis, perfect to prepare on Holidays for a family dinner.

Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

Did you make one of these Thanksgiving main courses? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!

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22 Creative Main Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner -#thanksgiving #dinner #recipes #eatwell101 - Try our Thanksgiving main dishes, with turkey of course, but also chicken, pork, lamb, and beef. Get inspired for your holiday feast and make this Thanksgiving a meal to remember!

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