Turkey is Thanksgiving, but let’s be honest, sometimes we just want something else! So here I have my family recipes we rotate for Thanksgiving dinners that include turkey, of course, and all the secrets to make it the best way possible, holiday ham, Cornish hens, lamb, beef, pork, and even budget options like chicken.
I’ve added meals that you can make in the oven, slow cooker, smoke, or cook on the stovetop – so you can choose what fits your schedule (and weather) best.
These juicy meats pair amazingly with all of our favorite Thanksgiving sides, from stuffing to roasted or glazed veggies.
How to Roast a Turkey
Step-by-step guide to roasting a perfectly golden, moist turkey with simple seasoning and basting tips. Ideal for first-time hosts needing a reliable Thanksgiving centerpiece. You will get the juiciest, most tender turkey meat every time with my time-tested recipe.
Get the recipe: How to Roast a Turkey
Crockpot Coca-Cola Ham
Cola is a secret ingredient in many recipes! This glazed ham is baked with a sweet and sticky Coca-Cola reduction that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and it is simply melting in your mouth. An easy, crowd-pleasing main that balances perfectly with Thanksgiving sides and is very budget-friendly because it has only 4 ingredients!
Get the recipe: Coca-Cola Ham
Applewood Smoked Turkey
Hosting your big family? You will need to cook the whole turkey, and this can be tricky. This whole turkey is brined overnight and slow-smoked over applewood for a juicy, tender bird with subtle smoky flavor. Perfect as the star of your Thanksgiving table with minimal hands-on time (just a bit of patience!)
Get the recipe: Applewood Smoked Turkey
Oven Roast Beef
A classic holiday dinner recipe that is both budget-friendly and delicious. A tender eye of round is seasoned, seared, and slow-roasted to medium-rare perfection. A hearty beef option for those wanting variety on the Thanksgiving menu and something beyond turkey…
Get the recipe: Oven Roast Beef
Cajun Turkey Breast
A bone-in roasted turkey breast with a homemade dry rub full of bold Cajun spices – incredibly juicy and delicious! It’s a flavorful, smaller alternative to a whole bird for intimate Thanksgiving dinners. The best part? It barely takes an hour to make it.
Get the recipe: Cajun Turkey Breast
Roasted Cornish Hens
Small Cornish hens are stuffed with herbs and roasted until golden and succulent. A charming, gourmet option for a sophisticated Thanksgiving feast if you want to set the hosting bar really high!
Get the recipe: Roasted Cornish Hens
Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
One of my go-to recipes around Thanksgiving is this boneless turkey breast with herbs. You simply roast it in the oven until the meat is juicy and the skin turns crispy, and that’s it! A quick, foolproof choice for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings with family.
Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Smoked Ham
Absolutely my favourite ham recipe I make on our Traeger. This spiral-cut ham is glazed and slow-smoked for deep flavor and caramelized edges. An easy, make-ahead centerpiece that feeds a big crowd on Thanksgiving.
Get the recipe: Smoked Ham
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Amazing Thanksgiving turkey in under one hour? Easy! If you have air fryer, try this healthy main dish. Rub a bone-in turkey breast with butter and savory seasonings, then air-fry it to golden, crispy-skinned perfection in under an hour. Ideal for just the two of you or a small family.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Pork Loin Roast
A garlic and herb-rubbed pork loin roasted to juicy perfection with a savory pan gravy – it sounds mouthwatering, doesn’t it?! An elegant, budget-friendly alternative main for Thanksgiving that will easily feed a crowd.
Get the recipe: Pork Loin Roast
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
If this isn’t a year to be fancy or you are not doing a big gathering, chicken thighs save the day. Pretty much dump and go recipe: you can use bone-in chicken thighs and fall veggies in one pan. A stress-free backup or additional protein for Thanksgiving (if you are expecting more guests)
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Rustic, juicy, tender. This whole beef tenderloin is reverse-seared on the smoker for melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. A luxurious, show-stopping alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving, everyone will rave about (tested many times!)
Get the recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Smoked Boneless Leg of Lamb
If your family loves lamb meat, this is a great recipe for any holiday dinner – smoked leg of lamb. You just need to season it, and off it goes smoking low and slow. My secret is to finish it with a mint glaze. A bold, aromatic main that brings Mediterranean flair to Thanksgiving.
Get the recipe: Smoked Boneless Leg of Lamb
Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
It takes some time to learn how to spatchcock a turkey, but it is oh-so worth it! This whole turkey is brined, rubbed, and smoked for tender meat and crispier skin. Perfect for a classic Thanksgiving dinner party.
Get the recipe: Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
Smoked Venison Roast
Where are my foodies at? Beyond turkey and beef, let’s not forget one of the most delicious meats – venison. You can marinate venison and smoke it. The result is juicy, tender, gamey richness. A unique, lean protein option for adventurous Thanksgiving menus.
Get the recipe: Smoked Venison Roast
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