20 Things to Cook This Month That Have Nothing to Do With Thanksgiving

By Mary Claire Lagroue
September 01, 2020
Credit: Harry Wetzel

If you're like us, you spend almost all of November sifting through recipes in anticipation of Thanksgiving. But focusing on one day at the expense of the rest of the month is no way to live our lives. The time has come to give the other 29 days some thought. Here are 20 recipes that will not remind you Thanksgiving in the slightest. Because you're already over turkey and candied sweet potatoes, aren't you?

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Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Credit: France C
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Broccoli rabe is in season, so pair it with penne, hot Italian sausage, crushed pepper flakes, and Parmesan for dinner with a kick.

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"Pantry Raid" Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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Keep black beans, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and cornbread on hand to whip up this casserole all month. Look for certified gluten-free cornbread if you're accommodating food allergies, recipe creator mama411 says.

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Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Credit: Mart
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"I grew up in Louisiana and love red beans and rice; these are just like I remember. Serve with Tabasco sauce for a little kick," recipe creator MIAMI BEACH writes.

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Chef John's Cassoulet

Credit: catherine.drew
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This traditional French dish takes some time (including soaking dried great Northern beans overnight), but the end result would be worth the effort on a cold November night.

5 of 20

Asian Orange Chicken

Credit: Harry Wetzel
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Use in-season oranges to make this sweet, zesty dish that our home cooks serve over rice or stir-fried veggies.

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World's Best Lasagna

Credit: TheWickedNoodle
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"If you want to try a real Italian lasagna, this is the one. The sauce is the key and would be great on anything. I added more garlic, but that was it. My family and friends thought this was an old secret family recipe. It is now, and they will never know." — ITALCOOK

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Grandma VanDoren's White Bread

Credit: Rae
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"This is a delicious bread, but the best part about it is how fast and easy it is. It rises so quickly." — LovesCheese

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Barbecued Beef

Credit: Christina
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You don't have to light up a pit to cook this slow cooker dish, making it a surefire solution to fall barbeque cravings.

9 of 20

Fish Chowder

Credit: SunnyByrd
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"The fishermen of Bodega Bay, California, shared this favorite, quick, and easy recipe with my sister during a fish festival. It's one of the best chowders I've had, and my kids love it, too! We top with bacon bits and a few shakes of hot sauce for a little spice," recipe creator AMYTHE writes.

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10 of 20

Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Credit: fabeverydayblog
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"Your busy weeknight needs this dish. Even your lazy Saturdays will be happy with it. My family devoured this. It's so simple to make and it is super delicious and full of flavor," Buckwheat Queen writes. "The first time I made it, I served it over rice. Second time with rice noodles. The next time I make it I'll take the advice of the other reviewer and serve as tacos with cabbage."

11 of 20

Arroz Con Pollo

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine
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Oregano, bay leaf, garlic, black olives, raisins, and chopped pimento peppers come together in this flavorful dish.

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The Best Vegetarian Chili in the World

Credit: the Michael Hanna
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Celery, bell peppers, corn, vegetarian burger crumbles, and three kinds of beans bulk up this spicy, aromatic chili.

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My Favorite Pot Roast

Credit: MARKWILDER55
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A one-pan pot roast serves as a solid weeknight meal thanks to potatoes, carrots, and onions.

14 of 20

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Credit: dm11
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"Excellent meal! Easy to make, and the recipe allows you to add your own veggies. We used cauliflower rice instead of white rice, and it worked perfectly," Andrew Weisert says.

15 of 20

Easy Broccoli Quiche

Credit: chibi chef
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If you're shopping for an unbaked pie crust before Thanksgiving, go ahead and add an extra to the cart for this simple quiche.

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One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

Credit: Linda T
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Warm orecchiette pasta with Italian sausages would taste extra comforting on a cold night.

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Brodetto (Fish Stew) Ancona-Style

Credit: Peter Paul de Bie
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A warm bowl of this tomato-based Brodetto (Fish Stew) Ancona-Style would be an excellent dish to serve on special occasions that aren't Thanksgiving.

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Cabbage Roll Casserole

Credit: Mary Claire Lagroue
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This casserole boasts all the flavor of cabbage rolls without the extra time and effort. You can prep it in just 10 minutes.

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Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Credit: Sugaplum Wilson
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We won't pretend this hack is Cajun Mawmaw-approved, but using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe easier to prep.

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Chef John's No-Knead Ciabatta

Credit: Chef John
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With a crisp crust and soft inside, this ciabatta loaf would be perfect for sopping up gravies and pasta sauces.

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By Mary Claire Lagroue