29 Thanksgiving Main Ideas You Can Count On Year After Year

The heart of any Thanksgiving table is choosing the kind of main dish that feels worth gathering around, and these 29 ideas make that choice easier. I love having dependable options that work whether the day feels quiet or full of motion. There’s a mix of comforting classics and fresh twists that keep the holiday interesting without complicating the prep.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

When you need a dish that’s warm, hearty, and undeniably comforting, this Classic Shepherd’s Pie delivers every time. It’s the kind of layered goodness that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for Thanksgiving or even the day after. A rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes makes this a standout, and everyone is sure to be satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Creamy, savory, and just a little indulgent, these Scalloped Potatoes and Ham can take center stage on your holiday table or be an impressive side. The rich layers of tender potatoes and flavorful ham create a harmony that’s hard to beat. Everyone loves the blend of textures and tastes, and it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

There’s something special about these Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs; they’re flavorful, moist, and always leave people asking for the recipe. This dish feels casual yet elegant, perfect for making your holiday spread memorable. The mix of spices and the juicy texture make it a lovely surprise for anyone who tries them for the first time.
Get the Recipe: Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Simplify your holiday prep with this Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. It’s all-in-one convenience without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal if you’re hosting smaller gatherings or just want to keep things stress-free and delicious. The ease of having everything cook together in one pan means less cleanup and more mingling with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Tender Roast Beef

Effortlessly impressive and universally loved, this Tender Roast Beef is the kind of centerpiece that gets attention. With every slice, it adds a classic, no-fuss elegance to your Thanksgiving table that everyone enjoys. The tender, juicy meat paired with a rich gravy makes for a dining experience that feels special yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roast Beef

Classic Meatloaf

Nostalgia on a plate; that’s what this Classic Meatloaf brings. It’s familiar, fulfilling, and the kind of holiday dish you know will put smiles on faces. The savory flavors, combined with a rich, flavorful glaze, make this a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a cozy get-together that feels close to home.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatloaf

Comforting Turkey Casserole

Thanksgiving calls for comfort food, and this Comforting Turkey Casserole delivers in spades. Creamy layers, big turkey flavor, and a touch of home make this dish an easy win for relaxed holiday vibes. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making everyone feel right at home during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Casserole

Tender Roasted Broccoli

Even the simplest vegetables can feel like a celebration. This Tender Roasted Broccoli brings that perfect balance of crisp and caramelized, making it a fantastic side dish that adds some green to your Thanksgiving spread. The natural flavors are enhanced through roasting, offering a delicious and healthy complement to all the rich main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Flaky Turkey Pot Pie

This Flaky Turkey Pot Pie is everything you’d want in a Thanksgiving dish: cozy, enjoyable, and packed with seasonal flavors. The golden, buttery crust steals the show; and the leftovers are just as good the next day. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making it a perennial favorite among holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Turkey Pot Pie

Elegant Beef Wellington

For the ultimate wow factor at your holiday celebration, this Elegant Beef Wellington is the go-to. This dish turns any Thanksgiving dinner into a special occasion that feels a little extra fancy without being over the top. The tender beef wrapped in flaky pastry offers a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Beef Wellington

Roasted Turkey Legs

If you’re looking for something a little different from the whole bird, these Roasted Turkey Legs might be your new favorite. They’re flavorful, juicy, and a whole lot easier to serve to a crowd without fussing over carving. With a deep, savory taste and tender meat, these turkey legs are a fun variation that can bring something new to your traditional feast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is like comfort food with a touch of holiday magic. The creamy, rich layers make it an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving lineup, and chances are, everyone will ask for seconds. It combines familiar flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and festive, making it a perfect fit for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Want to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor? This Perfect Spatchcock Turkey cooks evenly, stays juicy, and brings a whole lot of wow to the table. It’s faster than the traditional method and just as festive. The even cooking ensures every bite is succulent and flavorful, making this a stress-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

This Hearty Stuffed Cabbage surprises you with its bold flavors and cozy vibe. While it’s not the most common Thanksgiving dish, it definitely deserves a spot for its comforting, homey goodness. The rich stuffing and tender cabbage leaves combine into a dish that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Easy Cornbread Casserole

Sweet meets savory in this Easy Cornbread Casserole. It’s the kind of side dish people scoop up eagerly, no matter what else you serve. There’s just something about cornbread that feels so right for Thanksgiving, with its golden top and moist inside creating a lovely balance that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

If there’s one dish that feels like a flavor-packed Thanksgiving classic, it’s this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini. Rich, lovely, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this one turns leftover turkey into its own holiday-worthy creation. The creamy sauce and tender pasta make it a go-to for next-day meals that don’t feel like an afterthought but rather a continuation of the feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Crispy Pork Belly

Crispy, golden, and absolutely indulgent, this Crispy Pork Belly has a way of stealing the spotlight, whether as a main dish or a savory side. It adds variety to the table while still feeling totally holiday-worthy, with its rich flavor and perfect crackling bringing something unique to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

This is Thanksgiving flavors all rolled into one. This Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole takes the best of the holiday staples and turns them into a single, layered dish your crowd will love; it’s simple, satisfying, and seriously crave-worthy. Each bite is a celebration of the holiday’s best flavors, making this a must-try for anyone looking to simplify while still impressing.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Hearty Turkey Chili

For something a little outside the box, this Hearty Turkey Chili delivers big on cozy warmth and bold flavor. It’s perfect for adding variety or even serving during a casual holiday gathering. The mix of spices and the hearty texture make it a comforting dish that feels both familiar and fresh for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

Ham Steaks

A standout option that requires less prep than a full ham, this Ham Steaks bring that smoky-sweet holiday flavor to the table and are so easy to serve. The simplicity of this dish doesn’t stop it from being worthy of the occasion, making it a great option for those who want all the flavor without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ham Steaks

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A little unexpected in the best way, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta feels festive without being traditional. It’s a great option if you want something lighter but still full of warm, fall-inspired flavors. The creamy, rich sauce with a hint of pumpkin spice makes it a lovely dish that stands out in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Sometimes you just want a dish that feels effortless and satisfying. This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole hits both notes and adds a cozy, familiar touch to your Thanksgiving table that everyone will appreciate. The creamy texture and savory flavors bring a warm, comforting vibe perfect for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Keep things as simple and stress-free as possible with this Crockpot Turkey Breast. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect if you’re aiming for smaller portions or cooking for a more intimate gathering. The slow cooker ensures the meat stays moist and full of flavor, making it an easy and delicious choice for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

This Flaky Chicken Pot Pie turns comfort into an art form with its golden crust and rich filling. This dish feels like that perfect blend of hearty and nostalgic, making it a winner for Thanksgiving and beyond. The combination of tender chicken and vegetables enveloped in a flaky crust is pure comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Golden Roasted Turkey

There’s just something iconic about this Golden Roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving. Juicy, flavorful, and gorgeously golden; it’s the dish everyone expects and looks forward to on the table, stealing the spotlight with every slice. It’s the centerpiece around which the holiday gathers, embodying the spirit of the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

If you need a plant-based centerpiece that still feels special, this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower has you covered. It’s hearty, golden, and a delicious way to add serious variety to your Thanksgiving lineup. The crisp, caramelized exterior and tender inside make it a fantastic choice for those looking to include more vegetables in their holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

A little sweet, a lot savory, this Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast is for those who want something refreshing yet classic. That maple glaze gives it a flavor profile that stands out without feeling overly complicated. It’s a fun twist on the traditional turkey that brings a touch of elegance and warmth to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast is all about fall-apart flavor and warm holiday vibes. It’s one of those dishes that fills your house with comforting smells and promises a plate of pure satisfaction when it’s served. The rich, tender meat and aromatic vegetables make this a comforting centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Talk about a showstopper, this Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing combines everything we love about Thanksgiving into one dish. The cranberry stuffing adds a burst of flavor that’s just the right touch of holiday magic. This turkey is sure to be the star of any holiday meal, bringing a festive flair to the table.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing