With Thanksgiving on the horizon, you probably want to avoid turkey and chicken for a few days leading up to the feast. These dinners won’t compete with the holiday spread. They’re simple, flavorful, and definitely not Thanksgiving-y. From hearty pasta to easy seafood, there’s nothing with feathers and you won’t find cranberry sauce on the side.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi
This one-skillet gnocchi is comfort food at its best, combining pillowy gnocchi with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for those cool nights leading up to Thanksgiving when you want a cozy meal without stealing the thunder from the big day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi
Blackened Cod
With just a few pantry spices and a quick sear, this blackened cod brings big flavor without the fuss. Light, flaky, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a great option when you’re looking for something that won’t weigh you down before holiday feasting kicks in. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Instant Pot Coconut Pork
This coconut pork is packed with aromatic spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Juicy and tender, it’s ideal served over turmeric rice with dried fruit and almonds. A solid pre-Thanksgiving meal that keeps things flavorful without competing with the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
These sheet pan fajitas bring steak and shrimp together for a quick surf-and-turf dinner that’s easy to love. Tossed in simple seasonings and cooked to perfection in under 20 minutes, they’re ideal for a stress-free weeknight meal that won’t overshadow the big Thanksgiving spread. Wrap them up in tortillas with your favorite toppings, and dinner’s ready.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
This lighter take on classic alfredo combines creamy, cheesy sauce with broccoli and spaghetti, giving you that comforting feel without the extra heaviness. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re craving pasta but still want to keep things light before the holiday feast. Quick to whip up and perfect for the whole family!
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
This spicy udon stir-fry brings together thick, chewy noodles and a bold ginger-garlic sriracha sauce for major flavor in less than 30 minutes. Tossed with ground beef and veggies, it’s a filling, punchy dish that’s perfect for pre-holiday meals when you’re looking for something a bit different yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Italian Black Bean Meatballs
These black bean meatballs are packed with Italian herbs and spices, making them a hearty, plant-based alternative that still hits all the right notes. Served over pasta with marinara sauce, they make a filling, meat-free meal that’s easy to enjoy before the holiday turkey takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Made with just six ingredients, these air fryer fish sticks are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Served with a tangy Dijon remoulade, they’re a fun, lighter dinner option that’s easy to make in a pinch, leaving plenty of room for Thanksgiving indulgence later.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
This baked sockeye salmon is topped with a garlic, caper, and citrus crust, adding just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the fish. Done in under 15 minutes, it’s an easy, impressive dish that’s perfect for nights when you’re looking for something light and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
These veggie-packed cauliflower burgers, stuffed with melty cheddar cheese and topped with pickled red cabbage and cilantro pesto, bring a burst of flavor and color to your plate. Great for a pre-holiday vegetarian option that’s hearty without being too filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
Easy Creamy Stroganoff
This take on stroganoff swaps sour cream for coconut yogurt, giving it that creamy, tangy taste without dairy. Made with beef or venison, it’s rich and comforting—just right for a cold evening before the holiday feasting. Serve over noodles or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Stroganoff
Bison Burgers
Lean but juicy, these bison burgers bring a classic American taste with a twist, topped with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, and a crave-worthy burger sauce. Perfect for those days when you’re keeping it simple and crave something filling before Thanksgiving rolls around.
Get the Recipe: Bison Burgers
Instant Pot Picadillo
A plant-based spin on a Cuban classic, this picadillo features tempeh, lentils, and potatoes simmered with olives, capers, raisins, and spices. The flavors are bold and comforting, making it a hearty dinner that’s a little out of the ordinary and great for pre-holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls
These shredded beef bowls are made in the slow cooker with rice, beans, plantains, and peppers. It’s a hands-off, easy-to-prep dinner that’s loaded with flavor, making it a great choice for the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls
Shrimp Lo Mein
Skip the takeout and whip up this shrimp lo mein in just 20 minutes. Loaded with juicy shrimp, egg noodles, and veggies in a savory sauce, it’s a quick, satisfying dinner that keeps things light before the big holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein