The day after Thanksgiving still needs dinner, especially when guests have not headed home yet. These 21 recipes bring pork, beef, chicken, seafood, pasta, casseroles, and vegetable bakes to the table, giving you a break from another plate of turkey. Choose a slow cooker dish for a relaxed evening, or pick a quicker skillet, pasta, or casserole when everyone is ready to eat.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Hands-off cooking makes Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin a 4-hour 15-minute recipe for six. Pork tenderloin, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and ginger create a tender main with a sweet-savory sauce. It gives the night after Thanksgiving a different centerpiece without keeping you at the stove. Slice the pork and serve it with potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Beef Bourguignon
Deeply seasoned sauce gives Beef Bourguignon a 1 hour 50 minute cook time and 10 servings. Beef brisket or chuck, bacon, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, pearl onions, red wine, beef stock, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, mushrooms, and butter build a large pot for lingering guests. Make it earlier, then serve bowls with bread or mashed potatoes when dinner arrives.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Pumpkin Pasta
Creamy pumpkin sauce makes Pumpkin Pasta a 40-minute recipe for four. Penne pasta, shallot, garlic, rosemary, pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, nutmeg, Parmesan, pumpkin seeds, and sage create a seasonal dinner without another turkey dish. It works for a smaller group after the holiday meal. Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving and finish with Parmesan or seeds.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Grilled Pork Chops
Charred edges give Grilled Pork Chops a 25-minute cook time and four servings. Olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, black pepper, and bone-in pork chops create a quick main with a sweet-savory marinade. The short timing helps when guests are still around and nobody wants another long kitchen project. Serve the chops with potatoes, salad, or leftover vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops
Chicken Marsala
Weeknight timing makes Chicken Marsala a 20-minute recipe. Chicken breast, flour, olive oil, butter, mushrooms, Marsala wine, and parsley come together in a skillet with a sauce that works well over a simple side. It gives the post-Thanksgiving table a lighter change of pace. Serve the chicken with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes so the sauce does not go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala
Meatball Casserole
Layered pasta makes Meatball Casserole a 1 hour 10 minute recipe for six. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, marinara, penne, mozzarella, and parsley create a baked main with enough for a group. Assemble it when you have a quiet moment, then serve generous portions to guests who are staying another night. Save slices for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole
Butternut Squash Risotto
Slow-stirred rice gives Butternut Squash Risotto a 1 hour 10 minute cook time and four servings. Butternut squash, Arborio rice, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, vegan Parmesan, olive oil, vegan butter, salt, pepper, and parsley create a creamy dinner with a seasonal feel. It suits a smaller gathering after Thanksgiving. Serve the bowls right away with parsley and extra Parmesan for a complete meat-free main.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Penne Alla Vodka
Rosy tomato sauce carries Penne Alla Vodka through a 40-minute recipe for four. Olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato paste, vodka, crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, Parmesan, penne, pasta water, and herbs make a rich pasta dinner. It is easy to scale for guests without another turkey roast. Bring the pasta to the table with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Golden breading gives Chicken Cordon Bleu a 55-minute cook time and four servings. Chicken breast, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, deli ham, Emmental cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, paprika, oregano, and parsley create a filled main with a crisp coating. It adds variety when the holiday weekend is not over yet. Slice the chicken before serving and pair it with a simple salad or potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Crispy Pork Belly
Crisp skin sets Crispy Pork Belly apart, with a 110-minute cook time and eight servings. Pork belly, vegetable oil, sea salt, and black pepper keep the ingredient list short while the oven handles the longer cooking window. It works for a group still gathered after Thanksgiving and gives the table a different centerpiece. Slice it thinly and serve with rice, greens, or a bright salad.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly
Beef Pot Pie
Flaky pastry tops Beef Pot Pie, a 55-minute recipe for eight. Puff pastry, ground beef, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, half-and-half, peas, thyme, and rosemary create a generous baked main. It is useful when guests need a filling dinner but the holiday menu is behind you. Let the pie rest before slicing and serve it with a crisp salad.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet-pan simplicity gives Sheet Pan Chicken a 55-minute cook time and four servings. Olive oil, honey, lemon, garlic, thyme, bone-in chicken thighs, baby potatoes, shallots, apples, and rosemary roast together for a complete dinner. It keeps cleanup manageable while guests are still in the house. Bring the pan to the table with the roasted apples and potatoes alongside the chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Rice-filled layers make Stuffed Pepper Casserole a 42-minute recipe for eight. Ground beef, onion, green and red bell peppers, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, oregano, chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, long-grain rice, and mozzarella create a substantial pan. It gives a full household a turkey-free dinner with planned leftovers. Scoop it into bowls and add a green salad on the side.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Baked Ziti
Oven-ready pasta makes Baked Ziti a one-hour recipe. Ziti, olive oil, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a bubbling main that can feed a group still staying after Thanksgiving. Assemble it earlier if the schedule is crowded, then bake it when everyone is ready. Let it stand briefly before serving so the portions hold together.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Cheesy sauce gives Four Cheese Mac n Cheese a 45-minute cook time. Elbow pasta, butter, flour, milk, Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a rich pan that works as a main or side. It is an easy change from turkey when guests want something familiar. Serve it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple protein for a fuller meal.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Ranch-seasoned chicken takes Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken to an 8-hour 5-minute recipe for six. Chicken breasts, baby potatoes, baby carrots, ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream cook into a complete meal while you handle the weekend crowd. Start it in the morning, then serve bowls at dinner. Add a simple green vegetable if you want more color on the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Vegetable Pasta Bake
Tomato-sauced pasta makes Vegetable Pasta Bake a 35-minute recipe. Short pasta, red onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, garlic, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, and parsley create a baked main with vegetables throughout. It gives guests a turkey-free option without a complicated prep list. Serve it hot from the oven, then store extra portions for an easy lunch too.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pasta Bake
Taco Casserole
Taco-night layers turn Taco Casserole into a 47-minute recipe. Corn tortillas, lean ground beef, onion, garlic, Mexican taco seasoning, tomato, red onion, black olives, black beans, Mexican cheese, spring onions, and cilantro create a shareable pan. It keeps the meal casual when guests are still around after Thanksgiving. Add the fresh toppings after reheating so each serving stays bright and crisp.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Chicken Tamale Pie
Cornbread topping makes Chicken Tamale Pie a one-hour recipe for four people. Corn muffin mix, sour cream, egg, corn, butter, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, cooked chicken, enchilada sauce, and Colby Jack create a filling bake with a soft top. It brings a different flavor profile to the weekend table. Serve wedges with sour cream, salsa, or a simple green salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie
Zucchini Casserole
Tender vegetables make Zucchini Casserole a one-hour recipe for six servings. Zucchini, onion, eggs, Cheddar, mozzarella, vegetarian Parmesan, Italian seasoning, panko, and butter bake into a tender side with a crisp finish. It gives guests a vegetable-centered option after several heavy holiday meals. Serve it with chicken, pork, or soup, then reheat the extra portions for lunch during the week.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Casserole
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Soft dumplings top Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, a 40-minute recipe. Olive oil, carrots, peas, red onion, flour, chicken stock, shredded chicken, baking powder, egg, milk, salt, and pepper create a baked dinner with a soft topping. It is a useful choice when guests want something familiar but not another turkey plate. Serve it hot with a simple vegetable side and spoonfuls of broth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole