Thanksgiving Without Turkey? North Dakota Says… Why Not!

Well, it’s crunch time! Thanksgiving will be here on the 27th, and whether you’re one of those last-minute planners or the official designated cook for the year, the clock is ticking. Maybe the planning fell onto your plate unexpectedly, or maybe you just forgot it was November already. Either way, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: What on earth am I serving as the main dish?

Sure, you can still pull off roasting a turkey. It’s classic, it’s traditional, and it makes the house smell like you actually know what you’re doing. But here in North Dakota, folks aren’t afraid to shake things up. And, honestly, some of their ideas might just save your sanity.

We asked our friends on the KEYZ Facebook page if they’ve ever had a Thanksgiving main dish that wasn’t turkey. Their answers did not disappoint.

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Who's Up For Stuffing

For starters, Leslyan Ronholdt kicked things off by admitting the year she went gluten-free threw the whole holiday into chaos. The solution? Turducken! Yes, the mythical bird-within-a-bird-within-a-bird—stuffed with cornmeal dressing. If reinventing the wheel had a holiday mascot, that would be it.

Um, Yes To Prime Rib

Then there’s Chad Hehr, who revealed he can’t even look at a turkey anymore. Not because he’s anti-holiday, but because he worked on a turkey farm in college. Apparently, after enough time in a turkey barn, the smell becomes the taste. (If you’ve ever spent time around livestock, you know that’s a very North Dakota thing to say—and 100% believable.)

Prime rib seems to be a fan favorite too. Lela Schiwal, Connie Williams, and a few others chimed in proudly with that choice. Honestly, who’s going to argue with a perfectly seasoned slab of beef?

Read More: North Dakota’s Most Hated Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Nothing Wrong With Pot Roast

Niki Cikalo offered up pot roast, which feels like the comforting hug of main dishes.

Somthing A Little Different

Lexie Halverson has rotated through Cornish hens, ham, and turkey (the overachiever of the group), and Fran Stewart even brought lasagna to the table—proof that pasta is always welcome, no matter the holiday.

These Are Solid Choices Too

Ham was a recurring theme, and Wendy Johnson rounded things out with ribs, because nothing says “Thanksgiving my way” like barbecue sauce on a holiday sweater.

So if you’re still scrambling for inspiration, just know this: North Dakotans have proven—loudly, proudly, and deliciously—that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a turkey-exclusive event. Whether you go classic, creative, or completely rogue, the real main dish is the people you’re sharing it with… and maybe a backup ham just in case.