25 Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Sharing is caring!

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family and friends, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a festive feast. With these 25 budget-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, you can serve up a delicious, satisfying meal without overspending.

From savory main dishes to irresistible sides and desserts, these recipes are easy to prepare and designed to help you stick to your budget.

Main Dishes for an Affordable Thanksgiving

1. Leftover Turkey Casserole

This Leftover Turkey Casserole is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey while creating a comforting, budget-friendly main dish. The creamy, cheesy casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and saves you from cooking a new turkey.

2. Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin

For those looking to save money but still serve a standout dish, this Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin is a fantastic choice. It’s tender, juicy, and requires minimal ingredients—perfect for anyone wanting to cut down on holiday costs without sacrificing flavor.

3. Easy Keto Pumpkin Chili

Looking for a low-carb, affordable option? This Easy Keto Pumpkin Chili blends the flavors of fall with a rich, hearty chili. It’s a great main dish alternative to turkey, especially for those seeking something a little different that’s still budget-conscious.

4. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils

For a filling, vegetarian-friendly option, this Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils is a perfect choice. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and lentils are an affordable protein that makes this dish an excellent cost-saving main course.

5. Bean and Cheese Tamales

These Bean and Cheese Tamales bring a fun and flavorful twist to your Thanksgiving table. They’re budget-friendly, easy to make, and a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes

6. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chunks

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chunks are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for those looking to add an affordable, healthy side dish to their Thanksgiving table. Plus, they’re easy to make in an air fryer, saving time and energy.

7. One-Hour Dinner Rolls

These One-Hour Dinner Rolls are fluffy, soft, and easy on the wallet. They’re ideal for soaking up gravy or butter and come together in just an hour, making them a quick and affordable option for your holiday meal.

8. Browned Butter Maple Sweet Potatoes

For a rich and flavorful side dish, these Browned Butter Maple Sweet Potatoes are a must-try. The browned butter gives the sweet potatoes a nutty, indulgent taste, and the recipe is budget-friendly, using just a few simple ingredients.

9. Corn Casserole

This Corn Casserole is creamy, comforting, and made with affordable pantry staples. It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly side dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit at family gatherings.

10. Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

If you’re looking for a lighter version of a classic, this Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is the perfect choice. It’s still deliciously sweet and satisfying but made with healthier, affordable ingredients.

11. Healthy Green Bean Casserole

A classic Thanksgiving side, this Healthy Green Bean Casserole uses lighter ingredients but retains the traditional flavors that everyone loves. It’s easy on the budget and makes a great addition to your holiday spread.

12. Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

These Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a quick and budget-friendly side. Making them in an Instant Pot saves time, and the simple ingredients keep them affordable.

13. Air Fryer Red Potatoes

These Air Fryer Red Potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They’re a great budget-friendly side dish that complements any Thanksgiving main course.

Delectable Desserts for a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving

14. Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving is complete without a traditional Pumpkin Pie. This recipe is simple, affordable, and packed with all the warm, spiced flavors of the season. It’s the perfect budget-friendly dessert for your Thanksgiving table.

15. Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies

For a fun and festive dessert, try these Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies. They’re cute, easy to make, and a great budget-friendly treat that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Condiments and Sauces to Complete Your Meal

16. Miso Mushroom Gravy

This Miso Mushroom Gravy brings a savory, umami flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s an affordable and unique twist on traditional gravy, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or turkey.

17. Cranberry Orange Relish

This Cranberry Orange Relish offers a fresh and zesty twist on traditional cranberry sauce. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and adds a bright pop of flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.

18. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, adding a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and a far better alternative to store-bought options.

More Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Sides

20. Sweet Potato Beet Salad

This vibrant Sweet Potato Beet Salad is a perfect, affordable side dish for your Thanksgiving table. Packed with colorful and nutritious ingredients, it adds a refreshing and healthy touch to your meal.

21. Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are sweet, tender, and incredibly easy to prepare. They’re an affordable and crowd-pleasing side dish that adds a delightful touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread.

22. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

These Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, seasoned perfectly with garlic and herbs. This budget-friendly side dish pairs well with any main course.

23. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making them a delicious and budget-friendly side dish. The maple syrup enhances the natural flavor of the Brussels sprouts, adding a touch of sweetness that pairs well with any Thanksgiving main course.

24. Curry Butternut Squash Soup

This Curry Butternut Squash Soup brings a warming, spiced twist to your Thanksgiving meal. The creamy butternut squash combined with curry spices makes for a flavorful and budget-friendly starter that’s perfect for the fall season.

25. Baked Sweet Potato Slices

For a healthier and flavorful twist on traditional sweet potatoes, try these Baked Sweet Potato Slices. They’re easy to prepare, cost-effective, and offer a delicious side dish that your guests will love.

Conclusion

These 25 budget-friendly Thanksgiving recipes offer a variety of delicious options that are easy to prepare and affordable. By using simple ingredients and focusing on seasonal produce, you can serve a memorable holiday meal without overspending.

Whether you’re cooking for a large family or a smaller gathering, these recipes will help you save money while ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.

Enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving knowing that you’ve planned a meal that’s as easy on your wallet as it is delicious!