A Simple Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget: Stress-Free and Delicious
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and enjoying delicious food. But for many, the holiday can also come with stress—especially when trying to prepare a big feast on a budget. This year, I’ve created a simple Thanksgiving menu that’s easy to execute, full of traditional flavors, and won’t break the bank.
This menu strikes the perfect balance between homemade classics and convenient shortcuts. Whether you're hosting a small family gathering or cooking for a crowd, these dishes will bring warmth and joy to your table.
My Simple Thanksgiving Menu
Here’s what’s on the menu this Thanksgiving:
Brined Turkey: A flavorful and juicy centerpiece thanks to a trusted brining recipe.
Simple Green Bean Casserole: A creamy, comforting classic made with minimal effort.
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole: Sweet and savory, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Fresh Sweet Potatoes: A naturally sweet side dish that shines with simple preparation.
Canned Corn: A quick, no-fuss addition to round out the table.
Dinner Rolls: Store-bought or frozen rolls for an easy, warm side.
Jarred Gravy: Reliable and ready-to-serve, perfect for stress-free planning.
Homemade Cranberries: A bright and tart complement that’s surprisingly simple to make.
This menu offers a mix of homemade and semi-homemade dishes to keep things manageable while delivering classic Thanksgiving flavors.
Preparation Timeline
To keep your Thanksgiving Day running smoothly, here’s a timeline to help you stay organized:
The Day Before Thanksgiving
Brine the Turkey: Follow this brining recipe for a juicy, flavorful bird. Allow the turkey to rest in the brine overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare Cranberries: Make your cranberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Homemade cranberries only take about 15 minutes to cook! This recipe is very similar to my moms’ recipe. She just adds zest from 2 oranges.
Chop Sweet Potatoes: Prep your sweet potatoes to save time on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Morning
Roast the Turkey: Start roasting early to allow time for resting and carving before dinner.
Assemble Casseroles: Prepare the green bean and cornbread casseroles and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Boil or roast the sweet potatoes so they’re ready to serve.
Last Hour Before Dinner
Heat Jarred Gravy: Warm the gravy on the stovetop just before serving.
Warm Canned Corn and Rolls: Heat these in the oven or microwave for an effortless finish.
Dish-by-Dish Breakdown
1. Brined Turkey
Flavor Profile: Juicy, tender turkey infused with herbs and spices from the brine.
Preparation Tips:
Use an inexpensive brine kit or make your own with salt, sugar, and aromatics like rosemary and citrus.
Save money by purchasing a frozen turkey on sale; just allow enough time to thaw.
Variations: For a different flavor, try an herb and butter rub before roasting.
2. Simple Green Bean Casserole
Flavor Profile: Creamy and savory, with tender green beans and crispy fried onions.
Preparation Tips:
Use frozen green beans to save time and money while retaining great flavor - or honestly, I use canned!
Opt for store-brand cream of mushroom soup for cost savings.
Variations: Add fresh mushrooms or garlic for an extra flavor boost.
3. Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Flavor Profile: Sweet, moist, and hearty—a perfect balance of cornbread and casserole.
Preparation Tips:
Stick with Jiffy mix for an affordable, easy base.
Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a creamy twist.
Variations: Stir in diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
4. Fresh Sweet Potatoes
Flavor Profile: Naturally sweet and rich, these potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple.
Preparation Tips:
Buy fresh, bulk sweet potatoes to save money.
Roast them for caramelized flavor or boil and mash for a lighter side dish.
Variations: Add cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
5. Canned Corn
Flavor Profile: Sweet, buttery, and simple—an easy addition to the menu.
Preparation Tips:
Season canned corn with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper for a flavorful finish.
Add a sprinkle of paprika or dried parsley for a pop of color.
6. Dinner Rolls
Flavor Profile: Soft, fluffy, and perfect for sopping up gravy.
Preparation Tips:
Choose frozen or store-bought rolls to save prep time.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
We love bread a bit too much at my house. So we usually have crescent rolls from a can, Hawaiian rolls, and a regular brown and serve roll at our dinner.
7. Jarred Gravy
Flavor Profile: Savory and reliable, ideal for drizzling over turkey and sides.
Preparation Tips:
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of black pepper or poultry seasoning.
Heat on low to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
8. Homemade Cranberries
Flavor Profile: Tart and bright, with a hint of sweetness to balance the meal.
Preparation Tips:
Use frozen or fresh cranberries, sugar, and water for a quick, budget-friendly sauce.
Add orange zest or cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.
Thanksgiving on a Budget: Saving Tips
Shop Sales for Staples: Look for sales on turkey, canned goods, and pantry items in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
Use Pantry Ingredients: Incorporate what you already have, like spices, sugar, and butter, to cut down on costs.
Semi-Homemade Shortcuts: Jarred gravy, canned corn, and frozen rolls save time and reduce prep stress.
Buy Generic: Store-brand options for staples like soup, rolls, and vegetables can save you significantly.
Planning for a Stress-Free Day
Create a Cooking Schedule: Write out cooking times for each dish to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Delegate Tasks: Assign simple jobs to family members, like setting the table or heating sides.
Use Disposable Roasting Pans: Make cleanup easier by using disposable pans for casseroles or roasting the turkey.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be memorable. By combining a few homemade touches with simple, cost-effective shortcuts, you can create a holiday meal that’s as delicious as it is stress-free. With this menu, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
I put all my ingredients in my Walmart cart, and as of 11/27/24, my total would be $62.95. From there, it just comes down to simple desserts.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving dishes? Share your tips or variations in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make your holiday special!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones!
