15 Crowd-Pleasing Vegetarian Main Dishes for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around a table filled with comfort food and seasonal favorites. For many, turkey is the traditional centerpiece, but vegetarians know that a holiday feast doesn't need meat to feel special. Hearty, flavorful vegetarian main dishes for Thanksgiving can easily take center stage. Whether you're hosting a fully vegetarian Thanksgiving or just want to ensure everyone at the table feels included, these recipes will make your holiday menu one to remember.
The key to an impressive vegetarian Thanksgiving main is choosing something festive and satisfying enough to stand up next to classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. From pot pie to baked tempeh and lentil stew, there are plenty of options that deliver both comfort and celebration.
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Vegetarian main dishes can be just as hearty as traditional roasts. Lentils, beans, and grains provide the savory depth and protein that anchor the meal, while seasonal vegetables like mushrooms, squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes bring the color and flavor to the table.
One of the best strategies is to lean into show-stopping presentations. A stuffed sweet potato, savory pot pie, or colorful grain bowl makes for a stunning centerpiece that feels celebratory. For something cozier, like a hearty lentil stew or seasonal pasta dish, fit right in with Thanksgiving's spirit of fall-inspired comfort foods.
Overwhelmed by "What's for Dinner?"
Start with my 100+ Vegetarian Meal and Snack Ideas guide for simple, plant-forward inspiration.
This roundup brings together recipes that are filling, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing. Many are easily adaptable for vegan or gluten-free guests, too, so everyone can leave the table satisfied.
If you're planning a fully plant-based holiday menu, you can check out my complete roundup of Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes, which also includes side dishes (like Brown Butter Herb Stuffing and Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole), soups, salads, and even brunch. And if you're looking for more satisfying plant-based mains to make in between holiday gatherings, browse my roundup of High-Protein Vegetarian Meals here.
Vegetarian Comfort Foods for Thanksgiving
Hearty and comforting, legume-packed pies and loaves bring all the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving to your table. These savory dishes are warm, filling, and festive. Ideal for a plant-based holiday centerpiece.
Easy Vegetarian Meatloaf (Lentil Loaf)
This hearty vegetarian lentil loaf makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, savory herbs, and sautéed vegetables, it delivers all the cozy, nostalgic flavor of classic meatloaf with no turkey required.
Easy Vegetable Pot Pie with Chickpeas
A flaky golden crust, creamy vegetable filling, and protein-packed chickpeas come together in this cozy pot pie. It's a true comfort food main dish with all the hearty flavors you'd expect from a holiday table. This recipe is versatile enough to serve as a Thanksgiving centerpiece while still being approachable enough for a weeknight meal all year long.
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie with Beans and Tempeh
This plant-based take on the classic shepherd's pie layers savory beans, hearty tempeh, and plenty of vegetables under a creamy blanket of mashed potatoes. It's rich, filling, and festive enough to satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike at your holiday gathering.
Thanksgiving Tofu and Tempeh Recipes
Tofu and tempeh bring plenty of plant-based protein and absorb rich marinades and sauces perfectly. These recipes are festive, flavorful, and hearty enough to take the spotlight as your Thanksgiving main dish.
Fall Harvest Tofu Sweet Potato Bowl
Grain bowls aren't just for quick weeknight meals. This eye-catching seasonal version earns a spot as a Thanksgiving main dish. Roasted sweet potatoes, baked tofu, and autumn veggies come together with warming spices for a nourishing, colorful centerpiece that pairs beautifully with traditional sides.
Baked Tempeh with Maple Herb Marinade
This simple yet flavorful baked tempeh dish makes a fantastic protein-forward alternative to turkey. The maple-herb marinade infuses every bite with sweet, savory, and earthy notes, making it a natural fit for the Thanksgiving table.
Vegetarian Loaded Sweet Potatoes with BBQ Tempeh
Tender baked sweet potatoes get a holiday-worthy treatment when topped with smoky BBQ tempeh, sweet corn, and veggies. This hearty stuffed vegetable dish makes a satisfying vegetarian entree that's both fun and filling.
Vegetarian Bean Recipes for Thanksgiving
Beans are a versatile base for filling and nourishing entrees. These Thanksgiving-worthy recipes highlight beans in ways that are both comforting and packed with plant-based protein.
One-Pot Butter Beans with Kale
Creamy butter beans and tender greens simmer together in an herby broth for a simple yet substantial vegetarian main. This recipe is proof that a pot of beans can be elegant enough to hold its own at Thanksgiving. Serve with warm sourdough bread or cornbread to round out the meal.
Tuscan White Bean Soup with Kale
A rich and creamy herb-infused broth, white beans, and leafy kale give this Tuscan-inspired soup depth and heartiness. It's a warm, satisfying main dish that feels just right for chilly fall holidays. Add a side of crusty bread and classic sides for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
Hearty Vegetarian Stews and Curries
Warm, slow-simmered stews and spiced curries are ideal for a cozy Thanksgiving menu. These dishes are brimming with seasonal vegetables, legumes, and bold flavors. Great for gathering around the holiday table.
Vegetarian Lentil Stew with Mushrooms
This stew is pure comfort, with hearty lentils, earthy mushrooms, and root vegetables simmered together in a savory broth that's ideal for the holiday table. This is a filling, plant-based entree that still delivers the cozy, stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction of a traditional meat-containing stew.
Roasted Butternut Squash Curry with Lentils
Fragrant spices, roasted butternut squash, and protein-packed lentils come together in this vibrant, fall-inspired curry. It's an unexpected but welcome addition that brings warm, bold flavors and plenty of satisfying, plant-based protein to the Thanksgiving feast.
Vegetarian Pasta Dishes for Thanksgiving
If you're skipping the turkey this year, pasta makes a hearty and festive centerpiece. With rich sauces, seasonal produce, and plenty of cozy flavor, these vegetarian pasta recipes are filling enough to stand on their own as the star of your Thanksgiving meal.
Mushroom Kale Pasta with Creamy Almond Milk Sauce
Pasta lovers rejoice! This creamy mushroom kale pasta is hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian Thanksgiving main dish. The almond milk sauce gives it a luscious, dairy-free creaminess, while mushrooms and kale provide earthy, savory depth. A satisfying alternative to more traditional mains.
Easy Orzo Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
This simple pasta dish combines tender orzo with sautéed Brussels sprouts and shallots for a satisfying dish that works beautifully as a vegetarian entree and doubles as a non-traditional side dish for omnivores. Topped with fresh herbs and feta cheese, it's a nourishing main course option that still feels holiday-worthy.
Vegetarian Butternut Squash Minestrone Soup
This autumn-inspired take on classic minestrone features hearty butternut squash, beans, and pasta simmered in a savory, tomato-infused broth. It's a filling soup that can stand on its own as a Thanksgiving entree, especially when served with warm bread or a festive salad.
Filling Vegetarian Entree Salads for Thanksgiving
Far from a simple side, these hearty salads are loaded with grains, legumes, and seasonal produce. They're fresh, vibrant, and substantial enough to hold their own as a Thanksgiving main course.
Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Don't underestimate the power of a good grain salad as a holiday main dish. Satisfying quinoa and colorful roasted fall vegetables make this recipe both hearty and nutritious. It's a vibrant, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that balances out richer Thanksgiving flavors.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Chickpeas and Cranberries
This fresh and vibrant salad proves that not all main dishes need to be heavy. With protein-packed chickpeas, tangy cranberries, and crunchy Brussels sprouts, it's substantial enough to anchor a plate and bring brightness to your Thanksgiving spread.
FAQ
Plenty! Vegetarians often enjoy hearty main dishes made from beans, lentils, mushrooms, grains, and seasonal vegetables. Think stuffed vegetables, pot pies, mushroom Wellingtons, lentil loaves, seasonal pastas, and savory casseroles, all paired with classic Thanksgiving sides.
Many vegetarian dishes can be made vegan with simple swaps like non-dairy milk, plant-based butter, or egg alternatives. Vegan Wellingtons, stuffed vegetables, lentil loaves, and hearty casseroles all make excellent options.
Without turkey, a hearty vegetarian main dish becomes the star. Options like pot pie, stuffed sweet potatoes, or a colorful grain bowl provide plenty of flavor and satisfaction without any meat.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, and these vegetarian main dishes prove you don't need turkey to make this holiday feel special. From stuffed sweet potatoes to hearty stews and savory pies, each recipe brings comfort, flavor, and plenty of seasonal ingredients to your plate. Pair one (or two!) of these mains with your favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving side dishes for a balanced and festive meal everyone will enjoy.
Looking for more ideas? Explore my full collection of Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for side dishes, brunch, and more ways to celebrate the holiday without meat.
