Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (2024)

Make the best and most unforgettable feast this year starting off with these easy Thanksgiving meat dinner recipes that taste even better than it looks. You’re definitely going to rake in all the compliments! Check out each recipe’s make-ahead tips, recipe notes, and perfect mix and match suggestions. Believe it or not, even newbie home cooks can nail any of these and so can you!

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (1)

Since last year, I’ve decided to compile holiday recipes to help home cooks navigate through the pain-staking and mind-boggling task of coming up with a holiday menu. ‘Cause let’s be honest, it’s never that easy to come up with a list of recipes that would please everyone’s palate.

I’ve even compiled a list of pretty cakes for your dessert table right hereEasy Holiday Cake Recipes.

Now since we’ve already taken care of the dessert part, let’s get down to the highlight of any dinner – the main course!

In this list below, I’ve selected scrumptious and showstopper meaty dinner recipes that you can choose from. They’re hands-down few of the amazing meat recipes that would make your holiday dinner complete! Now dig in!

Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham

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Another popular alternative to Thanksgiving turkey is HAM. Aside from the fact that they’re as appetizing as turkeys, hams are pretty customizable too when it comes to their glaze.

This one here is a tender, juicy ham bathed with a pineapple honey rum glaze and spiced up with Caribbean flavors like nutmeg, cloves, and thyme. If your ham comes with a glaze, replace it with this one and your taste buds are going to thank you. Top it with pineapple slices and cherries for a pretty presentation. Sweet, spicy, and lip-smacking!

Pineapple Honey Baked Ham

Succulent, smokey goodness bursts with tropical flavors from the pineapple and spiced rum honey glaze.The smokey and salty flavor from the ham complements the sweet, warm, and sticky glaze so well!

Check out this recipe

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Prime Rib Roast

I have never met someone who would pass up a good slice of a prime rib roast. It definitely is a showstopper and crowd-pleaser main dish!

This Prime Rib Roast is one of the easy dinner recipes for the holidays or even on special occasions seasoned primarily with rosemary, thyme, garlic, paprika, and cayenne. Perfectly juicy, moist medium-rare meat with a gorgeous brown crackly crust on the outside.

Best paired with mashed potato orgreen beans. And hey, let’s not forget the wine!

Prime Rib Roast

Brown and crackly on the outside, juicy and succulent on the inside. This prime rib roast is a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing holiday dish!

Check out this recipe

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (5)

Spiced Roast Turkey

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What’s a Thanksgiving dinner menu without this good ole favorite turkey? Now, are you tired of bland turkeys?

Thisdry-brined Whole Roasted Turkey here is overflowing with flavors from herbs, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices and roasted to perfection!

The entire process of roasting delivers a juicy and delicious bird every time. And don’t forget to baste the turkey with extra spice rub as it cooks to give it that golden rich color. Don’t worry, I got you covered with some helpful tips, too, to get you going. 😉

Spiced Herb Roast Turkey

Tired of bland turkey? This dry-brined Whole Roasted Turkey is overflowing with flavors from herbs, garlic, ginger and aromatic spices. Roasted to perfection! Plus tips.

Check out this recipe

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Pernil

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (8)

Crispy, crackling, and sensational! Words are not enough to describe this outrageously delicious pork dinner recipe. It’s a Puerto Ricanherb and spice marinatedpork shoulder slowly roasted in the oven until tender and fall-of-the-bone delicious with an amazing crisp andcrackling skin.

You don’t have to do some heavy work for this easy Thanksgiving dinner menu.The spice blend does all the heavy lifting work for you once you rub it onto the pork. No need for searing! Super easy and insanely good!

Pernil

Puerto RicanRoast Pork is fork-tender, fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder or leg marinated in savory herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection. Underneath its irresistible, crispy, crunchy skin is tender, juicy meat oozing with mouthwatering deliciousness. Such a perfect addition to your holiday spread!

Check out this recipe

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (9)

Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (10)

If you want to get a little more adventurous and fun with your Thanksgiving dinner recipes, you can start off with this slow cooker pork loin.

It’s an amazingly tender pork loin stuffed with pineapples and garlic, then slowly cooked on a bed of pineapples and onions topped with a balsamic brown sugar glaze.

You’ll love theperfect balance of savory, tart, and sweetness in every bite. Pair it with this Thanksgiving-favorite cornbread dressing.

Slow Cooker Pork Loin

This pork loin is like no other you've ever tried in your life! It's stuffed with pineapples and garlic, cooked slowly to tender perfection on a bed of pineapples and onions, and topped with a balsamic brown sugar glaze. It's easy enough for a midweek meal yet fancy enough for the holidays.

Check out this recipe

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (11)

Ashanti Chicken (Whole Stuffed Deboned Roast)

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (12)

Although turkey is well-praised here at home, I can’t deny the fact that I’d still prefer chicken as the main dish.

In fact, during the holidays, I sometimes have to prepare turkey and chicken. One of my favorite holiday chicken recipes is this Ghanian-inspired whole and deboned Ashanti Chicken.

You don’t want to miss this whole deboned roasted chicken stuffed with jollof rice with a rich and flavorful gravy from chicken broth and the drippings. Truly one-of-a-kind chicken and rice Thanksgiving dinner recipe!

Ashanti Chicken( Whole Deboned Chicken With rice)

Ashanti Chicken- Whole Stuffed Deboned Roast Chicken- stuffed with Jollof rice paired with gravy from drippings

Check out this recipe

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (13)

Italian Seasoning Chicken

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (14)

Another Thanksgiving meat dinner recipe that you can easily whip up is this Italian Seasoning Chicken flavored with my easy homemade blend of Italian Seasoning, garlic, paprika, lemon, and fresh herbs.

It’s as easy as rubbing the whole chicken with the spice blend inside and out and stuffing the inside with lemon wedges, celery, and fresh herbs.

Just imagine those mouth-watering flavors that permeate every inch of it and that wonderful fresh and herby smell.You’d probably forget that this dish is home-cooked. Don’t forget to pair it with these balsamic baked brussel sprouts. It’s a restaurant-quality main dish!

Italian Seasoning

Italian Seasoning – super easy blend of homemade Italian seasoning made from pantry-staple ingredients and all ready to use in just 10 minutes. Perfect for your holiday or regular weeknight chicken meal!

Check out this recipe

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Check out each recipe link for a full printable recipe and cooking tips. Stay tuned for more scrumptious holiday recipes that your family and guests would enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Best Thanksgiving Meat Dinner Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I have for Thanksgiving dinner instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What are the top 10 foods for Thanksgiving? ›

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
  1. Turkey.
  2. Stuffing/Dressing.
  3. Pumpkin Pie.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Mashed Potatoes.
  6. Ham.
  7. Green Bean Casserole.
  8. Cranberry Jelly.
Nov 22, 2023

What is the most popular meat for Thanksgiving? ›

Baked ham is served at Thanksgiving in many households. Roasted goose or duck, foods which were traditional European centerpieces of Christmas dinners, are sometimes served in place of a Thanksgiving turkey. Italian Americans might serve capon as the main course to the Thanksgiving meal.

What am I forgetting for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

All the Things I Forget to Have on Hand When Hosting Thanksgiving (But Not This Year)
  • Clothespins. ...
  • Ketchup. ...
  • Paper napkins. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Nondairy creamer.
Nov 17, 2023

What is the most popular alternative to having a turkey? ›

Other poultry candidates include rich and fatty duck or roasted chicken, both of which will stand in seamlessly and pair perfectly with classic Thanksgiving sides. There are also cuts of beef to consider such as prime rib, beef tenderloin, brisket or pot roast.

What is America's favorite Thanksgiving side dish? ›

What is America's favorite Thanksgiving side? Mashed potatoes took home the top spot for this year's favorite side. The top five most popular holiday side dishes include: Mashed potatoes.

What is the most famous side dish at Thanksgiving? ›

Best Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are an absolute must for the Thanksgiving table, and we like Scalloped Potatoes for the texture (and cheesiness). Classic Mashed Potatoes make everyone happy. Our Thanksgiving plate is normally at least sixty percent mashed potatoes.

What is the number 1 rated side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November. Click here for the recipe!

What is the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What is a classic Thanksgiving dinner? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

What is the most popular dessert at Thanksgiving? ›

In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust.

What are 3 foods that are eaten on Thanksgiving? ›

Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries.

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

What are the top holiday meats? ›

The 12 Meats of Christmas: Your Holiday Meat Buying Guide
  • Dry Aged Prime Sirloin Roast Beef.
  • All Natural Smoked Spiral Ham.
  • All Natural Bone-In Pork Roast.
  • All Natural Boneless Turkey Roast.
  • All Natural Whole Turkey.
  • All Natural Duck.
  • Dry Aged American Rack of Lamb.
  • Dry Aged Chuck Roast.
Dec 18, 2023

What is the cheapest meat for Thanksgiving? ›

While turkey and stuffed chicken breasts often take centerstage at the holidays, chicken legs and thighs are the perfect alternative. They are both significantly cheaper at $1.92 per pound on average and much easier to not overcook.

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