Thanksgiving has always been a time for family, laughter, and of course, a feast that brings everyone together. Growing up, I remember the smell of roasting turkey wafting through the house, but as I got older, I realized there are so many delicious alternatives to turkey for our Thanksgiving main dishes! For me, it became an exciting challenge to explore new flavors and create a memorable meal that everyone could enjoy. That’s why I absolutely love this beef roast recipe – it’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for those who want something a little different on the table. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this dish long after the holiday is over! So, let’s dive into making the *best Thanksgiving main dishes not turkey* that will leave everyone satisfied and happy!
Ingredients List
For this delicious beef roast, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 lbs beef roast (a nice chuck or round roast works great)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 1 cup red wine (I love using a nice Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 3 carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 onions, quartered (don’t worry about being perfect here!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better, right?)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (if you can’t find fresh, dried will do)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (again, dried is a good substitute)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key to bringing out all those flavors!)
So gather these ingredients, and we’ll be on our way to creating a stunning main dish that’ll wow your Thanksgiving crowd!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Main Dishes Not Turkey
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process! This beef roast is so simple to prepare, and I promise the results will be mouthwatering. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious Thanksgiving main dish!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that the roast cooks evenly from the start. You don’t want to throw it in a cold oven and end up with a tough piece of meat!
Step 2: Season the Beef Roast
Next, grab that beautiful beef roast and season it generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the meat. Don’t be shy—give it a good rub all over!
Step 3: Brown the Roast
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium-high heat and add the roast. You want to brown it on all sides, which should take about 3-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial because it creates a lovely crust that locks in those juicy flavors!
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Once the roast is beautifully browned, add the quartered onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together so the vegetables can soak up all those tasty juices!
Step 5: Pour in Liquids
Now it’s time to pour in that rich red wine and the vegetable broth. The liquid will not only help in cooking the roast but will also create a luscious sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything later!
Step 6: Add Herbs
Add the fresh rosemary and thyme to the pot. If you’re using dried herbs, sprinkle them in! They’ll infuse the roast with amazing flavor as it cooks.
Step 7: Roast in the Oven
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in your preheated oven. Roast for about 2-3 hours, checking for doneness halfway through. The roast is ready when it’s tender and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness!
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once it’s done, let the roast rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period is essential because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice juicy and tender. Then, slice it up and serve it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to a hearty beef roast, you can feel good about what you’re serving up. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This beef roast is not only a delicious alternative for Thanksgiving main dishes but also packs a punch of protein to keep everyone satisfied. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef roast turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips that I swear by! First, always bring your roast to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly, so you won’t end up with a cold center. Second, don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much depth of flavor, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you. If you can, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it’s the best way to avoid overcooking. Also, let it rest after roasting—this is crucial for juicy slices! Finally, feel free to add your favorite veggies into the pot; potatoes or parsnips work great and soak up all those delicious juices. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying alternative to turkey that everyone will love.
- Rich, flavorful sauce made from red wine and broth enhances the roast.
- Simple and straightforward steps make it easy for home cooks of all levels.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, with plenty of leftovers for later!
- Flexibility to add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Great make-ahead option—prepare a day in advance for stress-free cooking.
- Comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth and joy to your Thanksgiving table.
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests and family alike!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious beef roast, you’ll probably have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, let the roast cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, so you can savor those tasty bites for a few more meals!
When you’re ready to reheat, simply slice the roast into manageable pieces. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and place the slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of broth or a bit of water to keep everything moist, then cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, just be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in. Enjoy those flavorful leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef for this roast?
Absolutely! While I love a chuck or round roast, you can use other cuts like brisket or sirloin. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so always check for doneness!
What sides pair well with a beef roast?
There are so many delicious sides that go perfectly with this beef roast! Classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad are great choices. You can even serve some homemade cranberry sauce for a pop of flavor!
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Just follow the same steps for browning the roast and adding the vegetables and liquids, then cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. It’ll be tender and full of flavor!
Is this beef roast gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid any added sauces that contain gluten. It’s a perfect alternative for those who need to avoid gluten during the holiday!
How do I know when the roast is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. Aim for around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare and 145°F (63°C) for medium. Remember, the roast will continue cooking as it rests, so keep that in mind!
Thanksgiving Main Dishes Not Turkey: 7 Hearty Alternatives
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious main dishes for Thanksgiving that aren’t turkey.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef roast
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 onions, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season roast with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat oil and brown the roast on all sides.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot.
- Pour in red wine and vegetable broth.
- Add rosemary and thyme.
- Cover and roast in the oven for 2-3 hours.
- Check for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Let rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pair with your favorite sides.
- Great for feeding a crowd.
- Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: thanksgiving main dishes, beef roast, holiday meals
