KABUL, Afghanistan — American troops celebrated Thanksgiving Day with food and football at a U.S.-led coalition base in the Afghan capital.

Huge hunks of beef greeted the estimated 2,500 diners on Thursday as soldiers lined up at the base in Kabul. Red-white-and-blue decorations filled the room while brochures about combat stress served as table centerpieces.

There was turkey, ham, and rib-eye steaks with sides of dressing, corn, and collard greens. Some soldiers lapped up mashed potatoes and gravy with their spoons.

And for desert, there was a massive cake with a turkey etched in icing and scores of pies.

Army Sgt. Keith Wells says he is thankful for the good food, but was craving his wife's macaroni and cheese back home in Charlotte, N.C.