Turkey is the classic Thanksgiving centerpiece food. For many, it's what defines Thanksgiving and for them, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without it. It's so iconic to Thanksgiving that the holiday is often referred to as "Turkey Day." 

Try Swapping Beef For Turkey this Thanksgiving

But what about those who aren't big fans of the giant stuffed poultry? Does turkey have to rule Thanksgiving dinner? Lots of people prefer other meats to turkey, including beef. What if instead of turkey this year, you try something new? We're here with five beef dinner ideas to grace your Thanksgiving table instead of turkey.

All the beef options mentioned in this post are available at Top Notch Jerky's local store in Sugar City, Idaho!

1. Beef Roast Thanksgiving Dinner

This Thanksgiving turkey alternative is probably the most similar to your classic turkey dinner. Cook up a beef roast in the oven, or throw it in the slow cooker for easy out of the way preparation. A beef roast as an alternative to your Thanksgiving turkey will still allow for the official carver to do their job, and it can provide enough meat for the whole family! 

Whether you prefer classic roast vegetables, a hearty gravy, or unique sides like horseradish cream, you can tailor the meal to your family's tastes. So, if you're seeking a delicious departure from tradition this Thanksgiving, consider letting a succulent beef roast take center stage on your holiday table.

2. Steak Thanksgiving Dinner

If you're having a smaller family gathering and you want something extra special for Thanksgiving, steak might be a turkey dinner alternative to consider. While it may seem unconventional, steak offers several reasons why it can be a fantastic choice for your Thanksgiving feast. Firstly, steak's rich, robust flavor and tender texture can provide a delightful change of pace from the more traditional turkey. This can be especially appealing to those who aren't particularly fond of poultry or are simply looking for something different this year.

Moreover, cooking steak is often quicker and more forgiving than roasting a turkey, which can be helpful for those with limited time or culinary expertise. Additionally, steak allows for a wider range of creativity in terms of preparation and seasoning, making it easy to customize to your family's tastes. So, if you're seeking to break away from tradition and tantalize your taste buds this Thanksgiving, consider serving up a juicy, mouthwatering steak as the centerpiece of your holiday meal. New York Steak, Ribeyes, or Top Sirloin Steaks are available at Top Notch Jerky.

3. Hamburgers Thanksgiving Dinner

This third idea is straying pretty far from the traditional turkey dinner, but hamburgers are a universal crowd-pleaser. Their juicy, flavorful patties can be customized with a wide array of toppings, from classic cheese and lettuce to more adventurous choices like cranberry sauce or sweet potato fries. This flexibility allows you to cater to diverse palates at the dinner table, making it an inclusive option for all.

Plus, the simplicity of cooking burgers can be a lifesaver for those looking to simplify their Thanksgiving meal preparation, leaving more time for relaxation and enjoyment with loved ones. So, if you're in the mood to break from tradition and introduce some culinary creativity to your Thanksgiving spread, consider serving up a batch of mouthwatering hamburgers that are sure to satisfy everyone's cravings.

4. Brisket Thanksgiving Dinner

While turkey has long been the go-to centerpiece for Thanksgiving feasts, brisket offers a tantalizing alternative to the norm that's sure to impress your guests. Enjoy brisket's deep, smoky flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked low and slow. Brisket embodies comfort and warmth, perfect for bringing a touch of nostalgia and tradition to your Thanksgiving table.

Brisket can be a time-saver in the kitchen, as it typically requires less cooking time than a whole turkey, giving you more opportunities to mingle with loved ones. Whether you choose to smoke it to perfection or slow-braise it with aromatic spices and sauces, a brisket is a flavorful, hearty alternative that's bound to become a Thanksgiving favorite in no time.

 5. Taco Thanksgiving Dinner

Consider swapping out the turkey for a more colorful alternative: tacos. Tacos offer a fantastic opportunity to bring a fun and interactive element to your dinner table. Imagine setting up a taco bar with an array of toppings and fillings, allowing your guests to customize their own creations to suit their tastes. This enables you to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Additionally, tacos are incredibly versatile and can be filled with everything from ground beef or carne asada to roasted vegetables and flavorful salsas, offering a fusion of flavors that can rival any traditional Thanksgiving dish. So, if you're looking for an alternative to turkey this Thanksgiving and want to create a festive atmosphere filled with delicious, customizable options, why not make tacos the star of your holiday menu? It's a unique twist that's sure to be a hit with your loved ones and might just become a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Which Alternative to Turkey Will You Try this Thanksgiving?

While the classic turkey will always hold a special place in our Thanksgiving traditions, beef, whether in the form of a roast, brisket, or any other delectable dish, offers a delicious alternative. It's a choice that brings new flavors, cooking techniques, and creative possibilities to the table. So, this Thanksgiving, don't hesitate to break with tradition and explore the savory and succulent world of beef. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there's a beef-based dish that can suit your tastes and elevate your holiday feast to new heights. Which one are you going to try this Thanksgiving?