Holiday meals feel a whole lot smoother when the main dish tastes like you had everything under control. These recipes deliver strong flavor, steady comfort, and a level of polish that makes your kitchen look more organized than it really is. We lean into reliable cuts and seasonings that never lose their festive edge. Dinner lands on the table tasting intentional, complete, and pleasantly put together.

Barbecued ribs on parchment paper with sliced pieces and some herbs sprinkled on top, accompanied by cucumber slices.
Dry Rubbed Smoked Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Oven Baked Salmon

Salmon baked with simple seasoning flaky and golden.
Oven Baked Salmon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The salmon cooks until it flakes cleanly and holds a sweet maple finish. The heat stays low enough to keep the center moist without losing texture.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Salmon

Garlic Stuffed Pork Roast

Pork roast stuffed with garlic cloves roasted tender and fragrant.
Garlic Stuffed Pork Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Deep cuts packed with garlic season the roast from the inside out. We let it cook long enough for the fat to baste the meat naturally.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Stuffed Pork Roast

Maple Roasted Salmon

Salmon roasted with maple glaze and golden crust.
Maple Roasted Salmon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The glaze tightens into a caramelized layer that clings to the fish. Every slice stays soft, rich, and lightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Salmon

Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Filet Mignon

Filet mignon stuffed with shrimp etouffee and seared on outside.
Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The steak sears on the outside while the etouffee warms into a creamy, spicy center. It cuts like butter with a burst of shrimp flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Filet Mignon

Herb Rubbed Top Round Roast Beef

Top round roast beef rubbed with herbs roasted until tender.
Herb Rubbed Top Round Roast Beef. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A firm crust forms around the roast while the center stays evenly pink. The herbs settle into the meat and build a classic beefy finish.
Get the Recipe: Herb Rubbed Top Round Roast Beef

Perfect Pan-Seared Porterhouse Steak

Porterhouse steak pan-seared with deep crust and juicy interior.
Perfect Pan-Seared Porterhouse Steak. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The steak hits the pan and forms a crisp edge with a juicy center. We rely on high heat to lock in the flavor before resting it.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pan-Seared Porterhouse Steak

Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce

Pork ribs smoked with hickory glaze and deep bark forming.
Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke works through the ribs until the meat loosens from the bone. The sauce gives a tangy finish without overpowering the smoke.
Get the Recipe: Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce

Halibut Baked in Parchment

Halibut baked in parchment with pistachio mint pesto coating.
Halibut Baked in Parchment. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The parchment traps steam to keep the halibut tender and silky. The pistachio mint pesto melts over the fish and perfumes the whole packet.
Get the Recipe: Halibut Baked in Parchment

Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs

Spare ribs smoked Memphis style with dark bark and tender pull.
Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A dry rub carries the ribs through hours of low heat until they bend cleanly. The bark builds slowly and delivers a savory, smoky snap.
Get the Recipe: Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Chicken thighs roasted on sheet pan with lemons and potatoes caramelizing.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The thighs crisp on top while the potatoes soak up the drippings. Lemon slices roast down and leave a bright, sharp punch.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Cast-Ironed Blackened Salmon

Salmon blackened in cast iron with dark charred crust and flaky interior.
Cast-Ironed Blackened Salmon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The cast iron creates a smoky, peppery crust that contrasts with the soft center. The heat builds fast, giving the fish bold flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cast-Ironed Blackened Salmon

Pulled Chicken Philly Sliders

Sliders stacked with pulled chicken, sautรฉed peppers, and melted cheese on toasted small buns.
Pulled Chicken Philly Sliders. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The chicken breaks down into juicy strands that carry the pepper-and-onion flavor. The sliders stay tender and easy to pile high.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Chicken Philly Sliders

Tennessee Whiskey Pork Chops

Pork chops glazed with Tennessee whiskey seared until the surface caramelizes and edges char.
Tennessee Whiskey Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The chops sear quickly, then simmer in a whiskey sauce that reduces into a glossy coating. We like how the sweetness rounds out the char.
Get the Recipe: Tennessee Whiskey Pork Chops

Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

Buttermilk-brined wings grilled with golden crispy skin and deep seasoning across the surface.
Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The buttermilk softens the wings before they hit the grill, giving them a tender bite. The char adds a smoky edge that stays balanced.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

Melt in Your Mouth Eye Round Roast

Eye round roast sliced thin showing evenly rosy interior and browned crust from slow roasting.
Melt in Your Mouth Eye Round Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow roasting keeps the center rosy while the outside takes on a light crust. Thin slices show off just how evenly it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Melt in Your Mouth Eye Round Roast

Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherdโ€™s pie with Moroccan spices topped with mashed potatoes.
Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spiced meat fills the base while the potato topping browns into a firm, golden layer. Every scoop blends warmth, aroma, and a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie

Charcoal Grilled Pork Roast

Charcoal grilled pork roast sliced showing juicy interior.
Charcoal Grilled Pork Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Charcoal builds a steady crust that seals in the roast’s juices. The inside stays tender while the smoke leaves a deep, earthy finish.
Get the Recipe: Charcoal Grilled Pork Roast

Savory Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle

Lamb ragu simmered with pappardelle pasta and herbs.
Savory Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Lamb simmers down into a thick, rich sauce that clings to the noodles. The long cook brings out a deep flavor that holds up to the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Savory Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Mississippi pot roast shredded in gravy with pepperoncini pieces.
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pressure cooking breaks the roast apart fast, blending the peppers and juices into a sharp, savory sauce. It comes out fork-tender every time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Cast Iron Steak with Sauce au Poivre

Cast iron steak served with sauce au poivre poured over.
Cast Iron Steak with Sauce au Poivre. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The steak gets a crisp, even sear thanks to the hot cast iron. The peppercorn sauce comes together quickly and cuts through the richness.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Steak with Sauce au Poivre

Perfectly Seasoned Pork Rib Roast

Pork rib roast seasoned deeply roasted until browned and juicy.
Perfectly Seasoned Pork Rib Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The seasoning forms a crust while the roast stays juicy inside. Each slice shows clean marbling and steady roasting.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Seasoned Pork Rib Roast

Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs

Smoked ribs cooked 3-2-1 method glazed and stacked with bark.
Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The ribs move through each stage until they reach that signature bend-and-break tenderness. Smoke, steam, and a final glaze create a layered finish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs

Roast Turkey Using Cheesecloth

Platter of roasted, carved turkey pieces with crispy, golden brown skin on a white dish.
Roast Turkey Using Cheesecloth. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

The cheesecloth locks moisture in while the skin browns evenly. We remove it at the end to let the top crisp without drying out the meat.
Get the Recipe: Roast Turkey Using Cheesecloth

Easy Instant Pot Brisket

A white oval plate holds several slices of cooked, tender beef roast topped with sprigs of fresh thyme on a light marble surface.
Easy Instant Pot Brisket. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

The brisket turns soft and sliceable in a fraction of the usual time. The cooking liquid reduces into a rich sauce that coats every piece.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Brisket

Dry Rubbed Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Smoked baby back ribs dry rubbed with dark bark and juicy inside.
Dry Rubbed Smoked Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The rub sets into a bark that holds through hours of slow heat. The ribs stay tender with just enough bite to keep them satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Dry Rubbed Smoked Baby Back Ribs

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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