14 Thanksgiving entrées so effortless you’ll have time to actually relax
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving and don’t have time for complicated mains, this list has you covered. These dishes are incredibly easy, totally delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen even if you didn’t. Stress-free hosting starts with mains that make the whole meal feel effortless.
Smoked Turkey Breast
If you’re looking for a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your next meal, smoked turkey breast is a fantastic choice. This recipe uses a citrusy butter rub and a savory herb seasoning to keep the turkey moist, tender and bursting with flavor. Slow smoking over hickory pellets gives the meat a rich, smoky taste that’s irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just craving a special dinner, smoked turkey breast is a simple but impressive dish anyone can master.
Get the recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
If you’re looking for a main dish that screams cozy holidays without screaming for your time, this cranberry holiday beef brisket is a solid bet. Juicy brisket is rubbed with herbs and spices, seared, then roasted low and slow with cranberry sauce, Guinness and tender potatoes. The result is rich, hearty and surprisingly easy to pull off. It’s one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell amazing and the table feel instantly more special.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket
Smoked Honey Glazed Ham
This smoked honey glazed ham is the kind of centerpiece that makes any holiday table feel extra special. Slowly smoked on a pellet grill, it’s infused with rich, savory flavor and wrapped in a glossy, sweet onion and honey glaze that keeps it perfectly juicy. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this spiral cut ham brings warmth and a touch of indulgence to every bite. It’s easy enough for a first-time smoker but delicious enough to impress the whole family.
Get the recipe: Smoked Honey Glazed Ham
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
This cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak turns a simple cut of meat into a memorable holiday centerpiece. Flank steak is marinated in cranberry jelly, balsamic vinegar, garlic, onion and rosemary before being stuffed with a creamy cranberry‑blue cheese filling enriched with walnuts and herbs. After rolling, searing and baking, the steak slices into savory pinwheels bursting with contrasting flavors and textures. It’s an elegant dish that’s approachable too.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
Turkey is something many of us only eat once a year (more than once if you’re counting all the meals from leftovers!) But if you don’t want to cook a huge turkey, you might prefer this sheet pan turkey breast dinner instead. You still get all the flavor and deliciousness of cooking a whole bird and sides, but with a simpler method.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
Holiday Roasted Chicken
This holiday roasted chicken delivers cozy, aromatic flavors in a simple one‑pot dish that’s perfect for festive dinners or special weeknight meals. Garlic, lemon, rosemary and onion infuse the bird with classic holiday flair while roasting. With crispy skin and juicy meat, this recipe feels elevated without being complicated. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this roasted chicken makes a flavorful centerpiece that you’ll reach for again and again.
Get the recipe: Holiday Roasted Chicken
Holiday Beef Wellington
Why not switch things up this year with a show-stopping holiday beef Wellington for Christmas dinner? Made with buttery beef tenderloin, savory prosciutto, and a herby mushroom duxelles, it’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or just craving something a little fancy, this beef Wellington brings serious flavor and flair to the table. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any time you want to impress!
Get the recipe: Holiday Beef Wellington
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Turkey Breast
If you’re looking for a cozy, low-effort meal that delivers on flavor, slow cooker apple cider turkey breast is a must-try. This recipe features a savory brine infused with apple cider, herbs and warm spices, which gives the turkey an aromatic, juicy finish. The slow cooker keeps things simple, while the blend of sweet and spiced flavors makes this dish perfect for fall or any festive gathering. With minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious turkey breast ready to impress.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Turkey Breast
Pineapple Glazed Ham
Brown sugar Pineapple glazed ham isn’t your average holiday ham. The sweet-and-tangy pineapple glaze infuses every bite with a burst of island-inspired flavor, while the rum adds a subtle warmth. The maraschino cherries make it visually stunning and provide a delightful contrast of tart and sweet. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or any special occasion, this pineapple-glazed ham will have your guests raving. Pair it with your go-to sides for a festive feast that everyone will enjoy!
Get the recipe: Pineapple Glazed Ham
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Get ready to elevate your holiday dinner game with this mouthwatering rolled and stuffed turkey breast from xoxoBella! Not only does it create a stunning centerpiece that’ll have your guests oohing and aahing, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare. This dish offers tender pounded turkey breast filled with a sweet and savory stuffing of dried apricots, tart cranberries, breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs, paired with turkey gravy. Once you try this rolled stuffed turkey breast, you might just bid farewell to cooking whole turkeys forever!
Get the recipe: Stuffed Turkey Breast
Turkey Tenderloin
If you’re looking for a delicious and foolproof way to enjoy turkey without the fuss of cooking a whole bird, you’re in for a treat. This turkey tenderloin recipe from xoxoBella is about to become your new go-to for quick weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings with friends. Not only is it incredibly tender and juicy, but it’s also packed with flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is a real winner for a delicious turkey dinner—it comes out golden brown on the outside and juicy and tender inside!
Get the recipe: Turkey Tenderloin
Herb Crusted Prime Rib
Get ready for an amazing flavor experience with this herb crusted prime rib, a show-stopping centerpiece that promises to impress! Coated in a fragrant blend of fresh herbs and garlic, this succulent roast from xoxoBella is not only easy to prepare but also delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with every bite. Roasted to perfection in a cast iron skillet or roasting pan, the high-heat sear locks in the juices before a gentle finish ensures a dreamy medium-rare result. Whether it’s Christmas or a special gathering, this prime rib will leave your guests raving and coming back for seconds!
Get the recipe: Herb Crusted Prime Rib
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This 3-ingredient brown sugar pineapple ham is the only ham recipe you’ll need this season. A simple twist on a beloved classic, it delivers incredible flavor with almost no effort at all. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, the pineapple adds bright, juicy sweetness, and the ham turns out irresistibly tender every single time. Best of all, it takes just 5 minutes of prep, making it the perfect fuss-free centerpiece for any holiday table.
Get the recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Braised Chicken
Make deeply flavored, incredibly tender braised chicken in under an hour. This cozy one-pot recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, savory dish that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. It quickly becomes a family favorite because it is easy to prepare, wonderfully comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. The leftovers keep their flavor and texture extremely well, so tomorrow’s meal is every bit as satisfying as the first.
Get the recipe: Braised Chicken
