21 Thanksgiving main dishes that don’t involve turkey

The turkey’s out, and flavor is in. 21 Thanksgiving main dishes that don’t involve turkey are breaking the internet for how good they look. Every single one is pure feast goals!

Vegan Ham

Holiday tradition stays alive with Vegan Ham, a plant-based main built for the big meal. It slices clean, looks festive, and pairs with every Thanksgiving side. A full-flavored option for anyone skipping meat this season.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Vegan Meatloaf

A slice of chocolate cake with cream topping on an orange plate against a turquoise background. A spoon is placed beside the slice. — Vegan Meatloaf. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Plant-based fans get a win with Vegan Meatloaf, packed with that classic comfort feel. It holds its shape and tastes right at home beside mashed potatoes or gravy. Perfect pick for a turkey-free Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley. — Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crunch meets convenience in Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops, a quick fix for anyone avoiding turkey. They’re crisp on the outside and juicy inside without extra effort. Easy to pair with any side for a complete holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

A serving of baked vegetable casserole with melted cheese on a speckled plate, next to a cast iron pan containing the rest of the dish. — Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cozy flavor takes over the table with Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, full of texture and comfort. It’s filling without the need for meat and fits right into any Thanksgiving lineup. Great for plant-based eaters who still want something classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Slow Cooker Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

A plate with barbecue-glazed salmon, a slice of bread, and mashed potatoes. A fork rests beside the food. — Slow Cooker Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Flavor builds slow and steady in Slow Cooker Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops, a bold dish made for the holiday lineup. It’s all about balance—sweet, savory, and just enough heat. Perfect for adding a modern edge to Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Beef Tataki

A plate of marinated grilled beef topped with sliced garlic, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions, with chopsticks picking up a piece. — Beef Tataki. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dinner gets a fresh spark with Beef Tataki, a light yet bold main for those skipping traditional roasts. It brings a punch of flavor without weighing down the plate. Works perfectly for a more modern holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tataki

Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

A plate with four pieces of flatbread topped with green pesto, fresh spinach leaves, and grated carrots. — Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Holiday dinner gets creative with Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust, a smart base for endless topping ideas. It’s gluten-free and plant-based, making it easy to share with everyone. Perfect for a lighter, customizable main course.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Sliced herb-crusted meatloaf on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by small dishes of potatoes and rice on a marble surface. — Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Crowd-pleasing flavor takes the spotlight in Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin. It’s simple, hearty, and feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table. Great for anyone who wants a main that feels special but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Pulled Pork Sliders

Bite-sized and easy to serve, Pulled Pork Sliders bring fun to the Thanksgiving table. They’re great for feeding a crowd without the pressure of carving anything. A casual, crowd-friendly option everyone will grab fast.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Sliders

Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

An overhead image of slow cooker tikka masala in a bowl with rice, with a slow cooker on the background. — Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Plant-based eaters get something rich and comforting with Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala. It’s flavorful, hearty, and built for laid-back Thanksgiving meals. Great for anyone who wants something warm without any meat involved.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions. — Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Big flavor comes easy with Slow Cooker Barbacoa, slow-cooked and tender enough to steal attention from any turkey. It’s hearty, rich, and perfect for stuffing into tacos or serving over rice. A bold choice for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Juicy Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops

A colorful salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, olives, and feta is topped with grilled lamb chops. Nearby, a plate of lamb chops on diced potatoes with lemon slices. — Juicy Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Bright and bold flavor lands on the plate with Juicy Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops. They keep the meal fresh and lively without going overboard. Ideal for anyone wanting something simple and flavorful this Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

A slice of shepherd's pie on a spatula, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes with shredded cheese and bacon on top and a layer of minced meat at the bottom. — Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Comfort food meets convenience in Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. It’s hearty enough to count as both main and side in one pan. A smart pick when cooking for a hungry Thanksgiving crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp

Shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and brown rice noodles drizzled with peanut sauce on a white plate. — Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Big flavor meets quick cooking in Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp, perfect for seafood fans. It’s a fun way to shake up a traditional Thanksgiving menu. A little different, but definitely crowd-approved.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp

Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna

A close-up of a slice of lasagna with layers of pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs on a white plate next to a fork. — Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Comfort meets balance with Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna, a layered dish built for sharing. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor that fits right in with Thanksgiving sides. A solid pick for anyone skipping meat this year.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Feta Lasagna

Beef Wellington

Holiday dinners get fancy fast with Beef Wellington, a classic showpiece without the bird. It’s rich, flaky, and perfect for impressing guests. A centerpiece made for those who want something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Nostalgia hits the table with Chicken Divan, a dish that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving menu. It’s hearty, simple, and easy to serve family-style. Perfect when feeding a mix of traditional and non-turkey eaters.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Roasted Apricot Chicken

A plate with a seasoned roasted chicken thigh, couscous with herbs, dried apricots, almond slices, and two lemon slices. — Roasted Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Sweet and savory team up in Roasted Apricot Chicken, a simple way to skip the turkey. It’s flavorful without being heavy and pairs easily with classic sides. A bright, easy choice for holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Apricot Chicken

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Finger food takes the spotlight with Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs, a fast track to bold flavor. The air fryer keeps things crisp while staying tender inside. Great for anyone who likes their Thanksgiving meal with extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Slices of seasoned brisket topped with onion rings are served alongside sliced pickles and two pieces of white bread on a sheet of parchment paper. — Beer Braised Beef Brisket. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Comfort food fans will love Beer Braised Beef Brisket, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s hearty enough to stand where the turkey usually does. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal stress.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Italian Mushroom Stew

A bowl of chunky tomato-based stew with vegetables and herbs, placed next to slices of bread and fresh basil leaves on a wooden board. — Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Big flavor shows up without the bird in Italian Mushroom Stew, a dish made for cozy fall dinners. It’s rich enough to take center stage on any Thanksgiving table. Great for anyone skipping meat but still craving something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew