25 Beginner-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes That Never Fail
Thanksgiving is all about delicious food, cherished traditions, and gathering around the table with the people you love. But if you’re new to holiday cooking, preparing a Thanksgiving feast can feel like a big challenge. Between roasting the turkey, making the side dishes, and finding room for dessert, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? You don’t need to be a professional chef to create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
These 25 beginner-friendly Thanksgiving recipes are designed to make holiday cooking simple, enjoyable, and stress-free. From a juicy roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to homemade cranberry sauce and classic pumpkin pie, every recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions.
Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving, cooking for a small family, or bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, this collection has something for everyone.
What makes these recipes special?
- Simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.
- Easy step-by-step instructions for beginners.
- Familiar, comforting flavors everyone loves.
- Make-ahead options to reduce holiday stress.
- A delicious mix of appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts.
Let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Oven-Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Classic Roast Turkey – Flavorful Thanksgiving Recipe
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 3–3½ hours | Serves: 8–10
A beautifully roasted turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving. This simple herb-and-butter recipe creates flavorful, golden-brown skin and juicy meat without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), fully thawed
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey completely dry.
- Mix the butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the seasoned butter over the turkey and carefully beneath the breast skin.
- Place the onion and lemon inside the cavity. Set the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
- Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C). A 12–14-pound turkey generally takes around 3–3½ hours, but use temperature rather than time.
- Rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Beginner tip: If the skin browns too quickly, loosely cover the turkey with foil.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Irresistible Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes Recipe – Hell’s Kitchen Store
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Serves: 6
These fluffy mashed potatoes are rich, buttery, and wonderfully comforting. They’re a must-have Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- ½ cup warm milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Steps
- Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
- Place them in a pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the warm pot.
- Mash with butter and gradually add warm milk.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
Tip: Warm milk makes the potatoes creamier and helps prevent a gluey texture.
3. Easy Green Bean Casserole
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Serves: 6
This classic casserole combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain.
- Mix the mushroom soup, milk, pepper, and green beans in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle fried onions on top.
- Bake for another 5–10 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Tip: Add the crunchy onions near the end so they don’t burn.
4. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
The Thanksgiving Staple That’s Good for Heart Health – Parade
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Serves: 6
Bright, tangy, and sweet, this cranberry sauce is much easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Steps
- Combine the cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Add orange zest and let cool before serving.
Tip: The sauce thickens further as it cools, so don’t overcook it.
5. Easy Pumpkin Pie
Homemade Sweet Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 55 minutes | Serves: 8
No Thanksgiving dessert table is complete without pumpkin pie. Using a ready-made crust makes this recipe especially beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Whisk the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, milk, spices, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40–50 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Tip: The center should have a slight wobble when the pie is done.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
Best sweet potato casserole recipe for Thanksgiving
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Serves: 8
Sweet potatoes become a deliciously creamy casserole with a sweet, golden topping.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, cube, and boil sweet potatoes until tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Spread into a greased baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden.
Tip: Watch the marshmallows closely during the final minutes.
7. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing | Heartland Cooking
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 40 minutes | Serves: 8
This traditional bread stuffing is packed with herbs, buttery onions, and celery.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread
- ½ cup butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
- Add the vegetables, herbs, and broth. Toss until evenly moistened.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.
Tip: Use slightly stale bread to prevent soggy stuffing.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Roasting transforms Brussels sprouts into crispy, caramelized bites with a delicious nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Trim the sprouts and cut them in half.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, until browned and tender.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan for crispier sprouts.
9. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe (Best Oven-Roasted Method) | The Kitchn
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Serves: 6
A sweet and savory side dish that adds beautiful color to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut carrots into evenly sized pieces.
- Toss with melted butter, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve when tender and lightly caramelized.
Tip: Use baby carrots to save preparation time.
10. Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Trisha Yearwood | Food Network
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Serves: 6
Creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta make this a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Steps
- Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook until thickened, then stir in cheese.
- Add macaroni and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Tip: Shred cheese from a block for a smoother sauce.
11. Soft Dinner Rolls
Parker House Rolls Recipe | Epicurious
Prep: 20 minutes | Rise: 1½ hours | Bake: 18 minutes
Warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy and completing the holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Steps
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar.
- Add flour, butter, egg, and salt. Knead until smooth.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Divide into 12 balls and place in a greased baking dish.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Tip: Milk should feel warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
12. Garlic Butter Corn
Garlic Butter Fried Corn | Punchfork
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Serves: 6
This quick side dish is perfect when you need something delicious with very little effort.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Steps
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in corn and cook for 5–7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Tip: Frozen corn works beautifully; no thawing is necessary.
13. Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage & Brown Butter – John Eric Home Magazine
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Serves: 6
This silky, naturally sweet soup is a cozy starter for a chilly Thanksgiving evening.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Sauté onion until softened.
- Add squash, broth, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes until squash is tender.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of cream, if desired.
Tip: Use pre-cut squash to make preparation easier.
14. Tomato Basil Salad
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: None | Serves: 4
A fresh, colorful salad offers a refreshing contrast to rich holiday dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Steps
- Place tomatoes and mozzarella in a bowl.
- Add fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently and serve.
Tip: Prepare the dressing separately if making the salad ahead.
15. Classic Deviled Eggs
This Surprising Ingredient Makes Deviled Eggs Taste Like a Million Bucks – AOL
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Serves: 6
These creamy, tangy appetizers are easy to make and always disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika for garnish
Steps
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool eggs in ice water and peel.
- Cut in half and remove the yolks.
- Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon or pipe the filling into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika.
Tip: Refrigerate until serving.
16. Easy Pecan Pie
Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 55 minutes | Serves: 8
Pecan pie is a rich, sweet dessert with a buttery crust and crunchy pecan topping.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange pecans in the pie crust.
- Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the mixture over the pecans.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until the filling is mostly set.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Tip: Cover the crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
17. Easy Apple Crisp
Classic Apple Crisp Recipe | King Arthur Baking
Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 40 minutes | Serves: 6
This comforting dessert combines tender cinnamon apples with a crunchy oat topping. It’s easier than making a pie!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup butter, softened
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss apples with half the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Place apples in a greased baking dish.
- Mix oats, flour, remaining sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
18. Green Salad with Apple and Feta
وصفات سلطات صحية | خيارات متنوعة وطازجة لتغذية متوازنة
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: None | Serves: 4
Fresh apples, creamy feta, and crunchy greens create a light, refreshing holiday salad.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Steps
- Place salad greens in a large bowl.
- Add apple slices, feta, and walnuts.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and honey together.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Tip: Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
19. Homemade Turkey Gravy
How to Make the Perfect Gravy from Turkey Drippings – THEKITCHENTODAY
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Serves: 8
A smooth, flavorful gravy brings the entire Thanksgiving meal together.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons turkey drippings or butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Steps
- Heat the turkey drippings or butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Strain if needed and serve warm.
Tip: Add broth gradually to prevent lumps.
20. Cranberry Orange Relish
Easy Cranberry Relish Recipe (Thanksgiving) – Remake My Plate
Prep: 10 minutes | Chill: 1 hour | Serves: 6
This fresh cranberry relish adds a bright, citrusy flavor to rich Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Steps
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any damaged berries.
- Place cranberries, orange, sugar, and zest in a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tip: Taste before serving and add a little more sugar if needed.
21. Easy Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: None | Serves: 6–8
A cheese board is one of the easiest appetizers you can prepare. There’s no cooking involved!
Ingredients
- 2–3 varieties of cheese
- 1 cup crackers
- 1 cup grapes
- ½ cup nuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 small bowl of honey
Steps
- Arrange cheeses on a large wooden board.
- Place crackers around the cheeses.
- Add grapes, nuts, and dried cranberries.
- Fill empty spaces with extra crackers or fruit.
- Place honey in a small bowl and serve.
Tip: Remove cheese from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.
22. Easy Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls Recipe – How to Make Sausage Balls
Prep: 10 minutes | Bake: 20 minutes | Makes: 24
These savory bites are perfect for holiday snacking and require just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine sausage, cheese, and baking mix in a large bowl.
- Mix until a uniform dough forms.
- Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Tip: Use a small cookie scoop to make evenly sized sausage balls.
23. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Golden Mozzarella | Clever Crumbs
Prep: 10 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes | Serves: 8
This creamy, cheesy dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Fold in spinach, artichokes, and mozzarella.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve with crackers or toasted bread.
Tip: Squeeze excess water from spinach to keep the dip creamy.
24. Easy Pumpkin Bread
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe | The Novice Chef
Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 60 minutes | Serves: 10
Moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread is a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs together.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Tip: Don’t overmix the batter; it helps keep the bread tender.
25. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe – How to Make Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes | Chill: 2 hours | Makes: 12
These mini pumpkin cheesecakes combine creamy cheesecake filling with classic pumpkin spice flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 vanilla wafer cookies
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a muffin pan with 12 paper liners.
- Place one vanilla wafer in each liner.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add pumpkin, egg, vanilla, and spices. Mix until combined.
- Divide the filling among the liners.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until just set.
- Cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
How to Make Your First Thanksgiving Dinner Stress-Free
Cooking 25 recipes sounds like a lot, but you don’t need to prepare every dish at once. A little planning makes the holiday much easier.
A simple Thanksgiving preparation timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3–4 days before | Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator if frozen. |
| 2 days before | Make cranberry sauce and cranberry relish. |
| 1 day before | Prepare desserts, chop vegetables, and assemble casseroles. |
| Thanksgiving morning | Roast the turkey and prepare gravy. |
| 1–2 hours before dinner | Bake casseroles and dinner rolls. |
| Just before serving | Make salads, finish mashed potatoes, and arrange appetizers. |
Important: A large frozen turkey can take several days to thaw safely in the refrigerator. Plan ahead rather than thawing it at the last minute.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With these 25 beginner-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, you can create a beautiful holiday meal filled with comforting flavors, delicious sides, and memorable desserts.
Start with a few family favorites, follow the simple steps, and prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Remember that Thanksgiving is about more than perfect food—it’s about gratitude, togetherness, and making wonderful memories.
Whether you’re serving a classic roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, or a slice of pumpkin pie, every dish can help make your celebration special.
So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday music, and enjoy the experience.
Happy Thanksgiving, and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Thanskgiving day: el menú para triunfar en la cena de Acción de Gracias
1. What is the easiest Thanksgiving recipe for beginners?
Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, honey-glazed carrots, and garlic butter corn are excellent beginner recipes. They require simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
2. What is the most important dish for Thanksgiving dinner?
Roasted turkey is traditionally the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. However, many families enjoy ham, vegetarian casseroles, or other main dishes instead.
3. Can I make Thanksgiving recipes ahead of time?
Yes! Cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and many casseroles can be prepared a day or two ahead. Refrigerate perishable dishes promptly and reheat them thoroughly.
4. How much turkey should I prepare per person?
A general guideline is about 1–1½ pounds of whole turkey per person. This allows for bones and some leftovers.
5. What can I serve instead of turkey?
You can serve roasted chicken, baked ham, stuffed squash, mushroom Wellington, or a hearty vegetarian casserole.
