Easy Thanksgiving Recipes: Budget-Friendly Meals, Sides & Desserts
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to create a warm, memorable, and homemade Thanksgiving experience without breaking the bank. Over the years, I’ve shared numerous Thanksgiving dinner ideas, budget-conscious menus, slow cooker soup recipes, simple side dishes, and delectable desserts suitable for families of all sizes and budgets. This comprehensive guide brings together my best Thanksgiving recipes and videos in one convenient location, allowing you to effortlessly craft the perfect holiday menu while minimizing stress.
Whether you’re aiming for a complete Thanksgiving dinner on a tight budget, a start-to-finish feast, or simply a few simple sides and desserts, you’ll find everything you need here. Feel free to mix and match recipes, follow one of my full menu videos, or use this guide as your ultimate holiday game plan. Let’s make this Thanksgiving the most delicious and stress-free yet!
Shop My Cookbooks
Make It Simple – My New Cookbook Is Available Now
These Thanksgiving recipes are designed to be budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and conducive to a calm and enjoyable holiday. Within this curated collection, you’ll discover complete Thanksgiving dinner plans, classic side dishes, delightful desserts, comforting slow cooker soups, and practical cooking timelines. Each recipe is built around simple ingredients, affordable grocery options, and step-by-step instructions that will keep your Thanksgiving Day running smoothly. Say goodbye to holiday stress and hello to delicious, home-cooked food!
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Recipes
These recipes are proof that a truly amazing Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Each recipe utilizes simple, easy-to-find ingredients and beginner-friendly instructions, while still providing that comforting, homemade feeling we all crave during the holidays. Whether you’re preparing a full-blown feast or just a few select side dishes, you’ll discover easy, reliable recipes that come together smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the day rather than stressing over it. It’s all about creating delicious memories with loved ones!
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Perfect for both intimate family gatherings and large holiday celebrations.
- Beginner-friendly instructions are included in each linked recipe, making cooking a breeze.
- Make-ahead and slow cooker options help you save valuable oven space.
- Mix-and-match menus allow you to customize your holiday feast to your preferences.
- Evergreen recipes that are perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas.
- Each category links directly to full, detailed recipes on my site for easy access.
👉 Related Recipe Categories:
• Slow Cooker Recipes
• Desserts
Made With Love,
Julia’s Thanksgiving Gameplan Videos
These three videos are the heart of this roundup. They offer comprehensive guides to planning and executing a stress-free Thanksgiving. You can follow one video from start to finish, or mix and match ideas from each to create your own unique Thanksgiving game plan.
1. How I Made My Family A Thanksgiving Dinner for Just 25 Dollars
This video demonstrates how to create a full and satisfying Thanksgiving meal on a very limited budget. It’s practical, simple, and perfect for small families or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor or tradition. Discover clever ways to stretch your budget and still enjoy a delicious holiday feast.
2. How to Make a FULL Thanksgiving Dinner (Easy Start-to-Finish Feast)
This video presents my comprehensive Thanksgiving game plan in a single, easy-to-follow format. I walk you step-by-step through the entire feast, covering everything from the cooking timeline and oven organization to make-ahead prep and the optimal order for cooking each dish. This approach keeps the day calm, simple, and completely manageable, even for busy families. Learn how to streamline your Thanksgiving cooking and enjoy a stress-free holiday.
3. Full Christmas $20 Holiday Dinner
Although this video is Christmas-themed, the full menu is equally suitable for Thanksgiving. It features an affordable main dish, several make-ahead side dishes, comforting casseroles, and a simple dessert lineup. This video is perfect if you desire a holiday meal that feels comforting and achievable without exceeding your budget. The money saving tips are very helpful as well.
Thanksgiving Mains
These main course recipes are simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfectly portioned for small to medium-sized gatherings. They offer delicious alternatives to traditional turkey, or provide complementary dishes for a larger spread.
- Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey with Mashed Potatoes
https://www.juliapacheco.com/juicy-slow-cooker-turkey-with-mashed-potatoes/ - Easy Turkey Stuffing Casserole
https://www.juliapacheco.com/chicken-stuffing-casserole/ - 5 Cheap & Easy Dinners Using Boxed Stuffing (5 Recipe Ideas)
https://www.juliapacheco.com/5-easy-meals-using-boxed-stuffing/
Thanksgiving Sides
These side dishes are designed to complement any main course and can be easily prepared in advance, saving you time and effort on Thanksgiving Day. Discover classic and innovative side dishes that will impress your guests and enhance your holiday meal.
Video: 5 Must-Make Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Creamy Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes
https://www.juliapacheco.com/twice-baked-potato-casserole/ - Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes
https://www.juliapacheco.com/garlic-herb-mashed-potatoes/ - Homemade Cranberry Sauce
https://www.juliapacheco.com/homemade-cranberry-sauce/ - Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing
https://www.juliapacheco.com/easy-thanksgiving-stuffing/ - Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
https://www.juliapacheco.com/traditional-thanksgiving-stuffing/ - Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
https://www.juliapacheco.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-marshmallows/ - Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
https://www.juliapacheco.com/southern-sweet-potato-casserole/ - Corn Casserole
https://www.juliapacheco.com/corn-casserole/ - Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls
https://www.juliapacheco.com/easy-one-hour-dinner-rolls/
Perfect Thanksgiving Desserts
From timeless classics to creative twists, these dessert recipes are guaranteed to be a hit on any holiday table. Indulge in a variety of sweet treats that will leave your guests wanting more.
Video: 6 AMAZING Dump Cake Recipes
Pumpkin Pie Bars | Mixed Berry Cobbler | S’mores Dump Cake | Pineapple Upside-Down Cake | Cinnabon Cake | Pumpkin Crumble Dump Cake | Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake | Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Cozy Holiday Slow Cooker Soups
These hearty and flavorful slow cooker soups are ideal for Thanksgiving week, whether you’re feeding guests, utilizing leftovers, or simply seeking easy and comforting dinners throughout the season. Enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of soup that will nourish your body and soul.
Video: 15 BEST CROCKPOT SOUPS
Chicken-Based Soups
Marry Me Chicken Soup | Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken Tortilla Soup | White Chicken Chili | Crack Chicken Soup
Beef-Based Soups & Chilis
Taco Soup | Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew | Classic Chili | Lasagna Soup | 8 Can Taco Soup
Pork-Based Soup
Ham and Potato Soup
Vegetarian Soups
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup | Broccoli Cheese Soup | Creamy Potato Soup
Mixed Protein / Sausage
Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup
Tips and Tricks for a Smooth, Affordable Thanksgiving ↓↓
Develop a simple timeline for your holiday cooking to avoid juggling tasks simultaneously. Plan what can be prepped two or three days in advance, what gets finished the day before Thanksgiving, and which dishes will be cooked on the day itself. Even a small, written checklist can significantly improve organization and reduce stress. If you’re cooking with family, divide tasks so that everyone has a primary responsibility to share the workload.
Rather than preparing numerous main courses, choose one centerpiece dish and create your menu around it with affordable side dishes such as potatoes, dinner rolls, and casseroles. Utilize pantry staples whenever possible, and allow yourself to splurge on one or two special ingredients to elevate the meal without overspending. Extend your leftovers by using them to create delicious slow cooker soups the following day. This strategy will help you maximize your budget while ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Avoid relying solely on your oven. Slow cookers, stovetop burners, air fryers, and even your outdoor grill can help you free up valuable oven space. Prepare desserts and dinner rolls the day before Thanksgiving to prevent any last-minute conflicts. While the turkey or other main dish is resting, reheat side dishes in casseroles to ensure that everything is served warm and ready at the same time. Creative use of your kitchen appliances can simplify the cooking process.
Many components of your Thanksgiving meal can be made in advance. Mashed potatoes, stuffing bases, vegetable casseroles, and desserts can all be prepared and stored overnight without compromising quality. Prepping smaller items, such as chopping vegetables or mixing toppings, will save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. Leftovers store easily and can be transformed into delicious next-day meals, particularly when used in soups or sandwiches. Advance preparation is key to a stress-free holiday.
Serve one or two soups as a warm starter early in the day.
Pair turkey or ham with two starches and one vegetable for a simple yet balanced meal.
Offer dinner rolls to make the meal feel more substantial and filling.
Desserts can be served chilled, warm, or made ahead, depending on available oven space and personal preference. Consider offering a variety of desserts to cater to different tastes.
Almost all side dishes can be made up to 24 hours in advance and reheated before serving.
Casseroles reheat beautifully and are easy to transport, making them ideal for potlucks and gatherings.
Soups can be frozen for up to three months and make excellent leftover meals.
Desserts like bars and dump cakes stay fresh for several days, allowing you to prepare them in advance. Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your Thanksgiving dishes.