A Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu

green bean casserole with fried onions in a red casserole dish
Photo: Kala Suttle

Planning your Thanksgiving on a budget? We're here to help. Each of these affordable, crowd-pleasing recipes rates four stars or more, and you don't have to spend on fancy ingredients to get the big flavors. These recipes will help you feast best for less.

01 of 08

A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey

roast turkey with stuffing inside
mrs.americanhorse

No need to spend on herbs and spices for a flavorful turkey. "Simple, perfect roast turkey just like grandma used to make," says Syd. "Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and basted with turkey stock, the flavors of the turkey really stand out. Stuff with your favorite dressing."

02 of 08

Bread and Celery Stuffing

glass baking dish of bread and celery stuffing
Penny

"Everyone loved this dish at Thanksgiving dinner," says MELODYYOON. "It's extremely simple and very tasty which helps when you've got homemade cornbread, pumpkin pie, and the turkey to cook." That said, if you have leftover turkey stock, you can use it here in place of chicken broth.

03 of 08

Basic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes in a turquoise bowl
lutzflcat

Have butter and milk on hand? You're all set to make our Basic Mashed Potatoes, an inexpensive and filling Thanksgiving staple. "If you love good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes this is the perfect recipe," says Esmee Williams. "Simple and delicious."

04 of 08

Green Bean Casserole I

green bean casserole with fried onions in a red casserole dish
Kala Suttle

A can of condensed cream of mushroom soup accounts for this casserole's classic flavor. "Nothing goes over better than a tried and true, comforting green bean casserole," says FLOWERGRLLLL. "This is a recipe you can rely on, and the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to store in your pantry for when you're ready to whip it up."

05 of 08

Candied Yams

marshmallow-topped candied yams in a side dish
The Gruntled Gourmand

"This is a simple and quick way to enjoy a Thanksgiving favorite," says LORIEANN29. "Canned yams or sweet potatoes may be used." Not to mention, marshmallows make this dish more affordable than nut-topped casseroles.

06 of 08

Cranberry Sauce II

cranberry sauce in a glass bowl
SHORECOOK

Canned cranberry sauce is inexpensive, but so is this recipe. "It's so nice to have such a simple, easy task when there are so many other things to worry about when making Thanksgiving dinner," says Annette. "Everyone was so impressed with the fresh cranberry sauce and it was the simplest dish I made!"

07 of 08

Mom's Pumpkin Pie

pumpkin pie in a pie dish with a slice cut out
jkdomrose

You want to cut costs, not dessert. "Simple, quick, and easily made from ingredients found in the pantry and fridge," says Errantdreams. "Delicious!"

08 of 08

Love Your Leftovers

Turkey Manicotti on a white plate
Allrecipes Magazine

Get the most out of your meal by turning Thanksgiving leftovers into tasty casseroles and other dishes.

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