10 Delicious Thanksgiving Alternatives That Aren’t Turkey (And Aren’t Boring)

Key Takeaways

• There are various Thanksgiving meats besides turkey, including roasted chicken, Prime rib, ham, lamb, goose, Beef Wellington, and more.
• Vegetarian additions to have (or extra side dishes for everyone else at the table) can include butternut squash lasagna or stuffed squash.

Turkey may be the traditional choice for Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only choice. Whether you’re forgoing a big turkey in favor of something smaller, or just don’t like turkey, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a non-turkey Thanksgiving. Try one of these delicious and impressive turkey alternatives for your Thanksgiving feast.

1. A Whole Roasted Chicken

Use classic Thanksgiving herbs, like sage and rosemary, and make a gravy with the drippings to serve alongside your roasted chicken. This is perfect for people who don’t like the flavor of turkey but still want the holiday experience.

2. Roast Beef

Need a Thanksgiving entree idea that is not turkey or poultry at all? Roast beef is a welcome change, which, like roasted chicken, can be served with traditional Thanksgiving sides, like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. 

Choose the right beef cut to make a truly showstopping entree. Sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin all make excellent choices for their flavor and tenderness. 

3. Ham

Ham is a crowd-pleasing turkey alternative for Thanksgiving, whether it’s honey-baked, slow-cooked, glazed, or smoked. Pair it with classic sides or with alternatives like honey- or maple-glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes, and roasted vegetables to complement the savory and sweet flavors of ham.

4. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin has a mild, delicate flavor that pairs well with a variety of meat seasonings, sides, and specialty marinades, making it a versatile non-turkey Thanksgiving entree.

5. Roasted Goose

Impress your guests with a rich and flavorful roast goose with perfectly crispy skin. Roast the vegetables with the goose’s rendered fat for a special touch!

6. Beef Wellington

With its flaky pastry crust and savory filling, Beef Wellington is a deliciously satisfying turkey alternative for Thanksgiving, and an impressive one at that! 

7. Lamb

From a roasted leg of lamb to chops, savory lamb is the perfect turkey alternative for Thanksgiving and the ultimate autumnal comfort food.

8. Prime Rib

When it comes to Thanksgiving meats besides turkey, Prime rib is the obvious choice. Season generously and serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and your other favorites.

9. Butternut Squash Lasagna

Luxuriate in the flavors of fall with a butternut squash lasagna on your Thanksgiving table. This Thanksgiving entree idea may not contain turkey or any meat, but with its creamy texture and warm spices, no one will notice.

10. Stuffed Acorn Squash

This non-turkey Thanksgiving entree can be made with meat or be vegetarian, stuffing it with ground meat, celery, walnuts, goat cheese, and more savory ingredients. Plus, you can even add this as an extra side alongside a meat entree, if you’d like.

Turkey Alternatives For Thanksgiving Dinner

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