Planning a Thanksgiving dinner on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or variety. In this article, you’ll find a collection of budget-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. What’s more, most of the recipes are healthy! From savory main courses to mouth-watering side dishes and delectable desserts, each recipe is designed to help you create a festive feast without breaking the bank. Get ready to impress your guests with these tasty and affordable dishes!
Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Main Course Recipes
Easy Crispy Turkey Breast Schnitzel
Enjoy this easy and delicious Turkey Breast Schnitzel, perfect for any occasion from a family dinner to a festive gathering. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy, tasty twist!
Easy Crispy Turkey Breast Schnitzel
Enjoy this easy and delicious Turkey Breast Schnitzel, perfect for any occasion from a family dinner to a festive gathering. It's a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy, tasty twist!
This Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon is a must-try if you’re looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, it brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to the table.
Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon
This Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon is a must-try if you're looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, it brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to the table. Give it a go tonight and enjoy a healthier take on a traditional favorite!
This recipe for Cabbage and Ground Beef Patties offers a unique take on traditional burgers, baking everything together for a flavorful, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a wholesome, comforting meal that everyone is sure to love.
Cabbage and Beef Patties
This recipe for Cabbage and Ground Beef Patties offers a unique take on traditional burgers, baking everything together for a flavorful, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or a nutritious meal that requires minimal prep, this dish delivers on both taste and convenience. Give it a try and enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal that everyone is sure to love!
These Bacon Chicken Roll Ups are perfect for when you want to serve something a bit special without too much fuss. They’re great for a family dinner but fancy enough for entertaining guests.
Bacon Chicken Roll Ups
These Bacon Chicken Roll Ups are perfect for when you want to serve something a bit special without too much fuss. They’re great for a family dinner but fancy enough for entertaining guests. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite!
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
This delicious stuffed roast chicken with its crispy skin and flavorful, moist interior paired with hearty vegetables makes for a delightful meal that brings comfort and joy to any table. Enjoy the process and the feast!
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
This delicious stuffed roast chicken with its crispy skin and flavorful, moist interior paired with hearty vegetables makes for a delightful meal that brings comfort and joy to any table. Enjoy the process and the feast!
Easy recipe for healthy ground turkey patties without breadcrumbs, stuffed with cheese. Customize these patties to suit your taste and enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ground Turkey Patties without Breadcrumbs
Easy recipe for healthy ground turkey patties without breadcrumbs, stuffed with cheese. Enjoy your meal with a side of your choice, and feel free to customize these patties to suit your taste!
This recipe for pizza stuffed chicken breasts brings a creative twist to your dinner table, letting you enjoy the beloved pizza flavors in a new, exciting way. Dive into this cheesy adventure and let your taste buds rejoice!
Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Chicken
This recipe for pizza stuffed chicken breasts not only brings a creative twist to your dinner table but also lets you enjoy the beloved pizza flavors in a new, exciting way. Dive into this cheesy adventure and let your taste buds rejoice!
Lasagna Soup with Ricotta may sound unconventional, but it’s super delicious! This quick, one-pot meal brings the familiar, traditional taste of lasagna with a comforting, soupy consistency.
Lasagna Soup Recipe with Ricotta
Lasagna Soup with Ricotta may sound controversial (sorry Italy), but it is super delicious! It is a quick lunch idea, made in one pot, and with a familiar, traditional taste of lasagna. Ricotta enhances the savory notes, while the tomato sauce and beef broth offer a soupy consistency. You will love this simple, comforting recipe!
Chicken Thigh Piccata is a simple, one-pot meal where juicy chicken is drenched in a hearty sauce with capers and lemon, adding a signature briny and tangy flavor. This dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Chicken Thigh Piccata
Chicken Thigh Piccata is the best meal I had lately! The meat is super juicy, crusty, and drenched in hearty chicken stock-based sauce. The special touch are definitely capers, that add the signature briny note, while lemon adds tang and tenderizes the chicken. Piccata is a simple, one-pot meal, so I couldn't gatekeep this amazing recipe!
Mississippi Pot Roast Tacos offer a perfect blend of Mexican and Southern cuisine, creating a mouth-watering fusion dish. It’s a unique and flavorful way to enjoy tacos with a Southern twist.
Mississippi Pot Roast Tacos
This is a perfect marriage between Mexican and Mississippian cuisine!
Cooking Costco Kirkland Spiral Sliced Ham is easy and delicious with this recipe! Just follow the steps for a perfectly glazed, tender ham that’s sure to impress.
Costco Spiral Ham with Glaze
Cooking Costco Kirkland Spiral Sliced Ham is easy! Just follow this recipe!
This Turkey Puttanesca skips the anchovies, focusing instead on bold flavors like garlic, olives, and tomatoes. It’s a lighter, yet satisfying, alternative to the traditional pasta dish.
Turkey Puttanesca
Original puttanesca includes anchovy fillets, but guess what? This one doesn't! That's why I opted for turkey!
These pork chops are infused with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and thyme, creating a golden, juicy dish. The herbs blend beautifully with butter, making each bite a savory delight.
Pork Chops in Rosemary and Thyme
I really love dry herbs, especially when blended with butter. When together, they make great golden, aromatic and juicy meat. That's why I hope you will love these pork chops with rosemary and thyme.
Mexican Pork Chops in Red Sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s bursting with flavor. This versatile dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Mexican Pork Chops in Red Sauce
Mexican pork chops in red sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make, and versatile recipe that I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with.
Juicy, saucy chicken drumsticks are easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together.
Saucy Chicken Drumsticks
Some prefer them crispy, some prefer them deep-fried, but I love them juicy! This saucy chicken drumsticks recipe will show you how easy it is to make a delicious meal out of a few ingredients!
This Simple Cottage Cheese Salad is easy to prepare and adds a refreshing touch to any meal. It’s light, protein-rich, and perfect for keeping everyone at the table happy and healthy.
Simple Cottage Cheese Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Salad is not only easy to prepare but also brings a refreshing touch to any meal, especially during the summer months. It’s a light, protein-rich option that will keep everyone at the table happy and healthy!
This vegan Healthy Kidney Bean Salad offers a delightful mix of fresh flavors while sticking to a nutritious eating plan. It’s a great side dish that pairs well with any meal.
Healthy Kidney Bean Salad
This vegan Healthy Kidney Beans Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a range of fresh flavors while sticking to a nutritious eating plan. Enjoy this delightful mix at your next meal!
Cauliflower Puree is a simple, creamy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a smooth, velvety texture.
Cauliflower Puree
Here is a simple recipe for cauliflower puree and ideas on what to serve with it. Simply choose your favorite side dish and enjoy!
This High Protein Mac and Cheese is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect cozy meal.
High Protein Mac and Cheese
This High Protein Mac and Cheese recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Give it a try for a cozy family dinner or as a nourishing meal that will keep you fueled. Who knew eating well could taste so good?
These Healthy Oven Baked Zucchini Fritters are a tasty and easy way to sneak some veggies into your meal. With a cheesy, crispy exterior, they’re a fun and healthy treat.
Healthy Oven Baked Zucchini Fritters
These Healthy Oven Baked Zucchini Fritters are a tasty and easy way to sneak some veggies into your meal. Just mix grated zucchini with oats, Cheddar cheese, and a few other simple ingredients, bake them up, and enjoy a delicious, cheesy treat!
These Cheesy Crispy Potato Pancakes are perfect for using up leftovers or just indulging in something delicious. They’re golden, crispy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
Cheesy Crispy Potato Pancakes
Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up those leftovers or just in the mood for something cheesy and delicious, these potato pancakes are sure to hit the spot. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Crispy Gnocchi offers a quick, easy dinner option that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on traditional gnocchi that’s sure to impress.
Air Fryer Crispy Gnocchi Recipe
Enjoy the crispy goodness! Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or something new to impress guests, this recipe for air fryer crispy gnocchi is sure to be a hit.
These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a healthy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re crispy, delicious, and a great way to enjoy vegetables in a fun format.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Check out this healthy air fryer zucchini fries recipe! This simple recipe not only adds a burst of flavor to your snack time but also offers a way to enjoy vegetables in a fun and tasty format. Try them out and see how quickly they disappear at your next gathering!
This Healthy High-Protein Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that adds a nutritious twist to your meals. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or spicing up family dinners, it’s sure to delight.
Healthy High-Protein Mayonnaise
This high-protein mayonnaise is not just a condiment; it’s a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect for enhancing your weekday lunches or adding a special touch to gatherings, it’s a healthy twist that’s bound to impress. Give it a try—whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just spicing up your family dinners, this homemade mayo is sure to delight!
This Healthy No-Bake 2-Ingredient Chocolate Cake is perfect for when you’re short on time but want something sweet. It’s light, flourless, and a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Healthy No-Bake 2 -Ingredient Chocolate Cake
This Healthy No-Bake 2-Ingredient Chocolate Cake is perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re short on time but want something sweet and satisfying. It’s a great dessert for get-togethers or a simple family night treat. Did I mention it’s flourless and light? Give it a try and enjoy the bliss of guilt-free indulgence!
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just delicious but also packed with nutritious oats. Enjoy them as a guilt-free treat any time of the day.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
These healthy oatmeal cookies are not just a treat to your taste buds but also a boost to your health, perfect for enjoying any time of the day. They look like chocolate chip cookies, so feel free to serve them during holidays as a healthy snack.
Cornbread with Berries is a delightful treat that’s both sweet and satisfying. It’s a wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations, bringing a bit of extra cheer to the table.
Cornbread with Berries
Enjoy this delightful Cornbread with Berries as a special treat that’s sure to bring smiles and a bit of sweetness to your table! A wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
These Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy a tasty snack while sneaking in some veggies. They’re moist, chocolaty, and sure to become a household favorite.
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
These healthy chocolate zucchini muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious snack while benefiting from the nutritious content of fruits and vegetables. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite in your home!
This Mexican Apple Pie is a perfect blend of coffee cake and pie, offering a moist, spongy texture with a caramel-like apple topping. It’s an autumn treat that’s hard to resist.
Mexican Apple Pie
This is something between coffee cake and pie, plus it looks divine! The caramelly layer of apples on top is my favorite thing. Enjoy this moist, spongy, autumn recipe.
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a quick, no-bake dessert that’s both delicate and refreshing. The strawberry crunch adds a fun twist, making them a perfect spring or summer treat.
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites
This is the quickest dessert to prepare ever! The taste is amazing, delicate, and refreshing, with a slight tartness of strawberries both dried and fresh. Strawberry crunch is a fun little twist to make in our everyday recipes. I used it for cheesecake crust and I didn’t regret it at all! Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites will become your favorite spring/summer dessert this year, believe me. Here’s the recipe for no-bake, no-fuss cheesecake bites!
Red Velvet Pancake Tacos with Strawberries are a delicious breakfast treat, especially for Valentine’s Day. These moist, slightly tangy pancakes pair beautifully with fresh strawberries for a romantic morning meal.
Red Velvet Pancake Tacos with Strawberries
This recipe is perfect breakfast treat to serve, especially on the Valentine's morning. Pancakes inspired by Red Velvet Cake are super moist, slightly tangy, and whole lot delicious! I like serving them as tacos with fresh strawberries on the side, to make them look fancy. Red Velvet Pancake Tacos with Strawberries are my number 1 recommendation for romantic breakfast for two!
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies are super chocolaty, crispy, and moist, with an added crunch from almond flakes. They’re an easy, beginner-friendly dessert that’s perfect with a hot glass of milk.
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
These Texas Sheet Cake Cookies are super chocolaty, crispy, and moist! I sprinkled them with some almond flakes for additional crunch. They are easy and quick dessert to make, completely beginner-friendly! I love Double Chocolate Cookies with a hot glass of milk! YUM!
Transform a standard brownie mix into mouth-watering Chocolate Muffins with this simple recipe. It’s a quick, foolproof way to enjoy delicious muffins with minimal effort.
Chocolate Muffins from Brownie Mix
Surprisingly simple process of converting a standard brownie mix into mouth-watering chocolate muffins. I worked with Betty Crocker Brownie mix, but also shared the tips for any brownie mix in the article.
These Apple Pie Cupcakes combine rich, aromatic filling with a spongy, airy cake and creamy frosting. They’re an easy, 10/10 recommendation for all apple pie lovers.
Apple Pie Cupcakes That Will Thrill
These cupcakes have only the best from the baking world – rich, aromatic filling, spongy, airy cake, and creamy frosting. What more to ask for, right? They are ready in a swift and even better the next day! 10/10 recommendation for all my fellow apple pie lovers!
This White Cake with Cheesecake Filling is a delightful combination of Betty Crocker cake mix and a no-bake cheesecake filling. It’s an easy, delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
White Cake with Cheesecake Filling
Betty Crocker cake mixes are the most convenient thing you can choose when in a hurry. I often experiment with different fillings, and this time, I made no-bake cheesecake filling. Enjoy!
Improve your Betty Crocker Carrot Cake Mix by adding buttermilk and whipping the egg whites for a lighter, more flavorful cake. It’s a simple way to elevate a classic dessert.
Betty Crocker Carrot Cake Improved
The Betty Crocker Carrot Cake Mix can get better by adding buttermilk instead of water as well as whipping the egg whites.
Fried Oreos with Bisquick are a unique twist on a classic treat, offering a crispy, sweet indulgence that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Fried Oreos with Bisquick Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique twist on an already delicious classic, then my Fried Oreos with Bisquick recipe is just what you need. Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, these Oreos are perfect for a major sweet tooth craving! ♡
This flourless Chocolate Poppy Seed Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table.
Chocolate Poppy Seed Cake
Flourless and flawless – chocolate poppy seed cake that will be adored by all chocolate lovers. Easy to make and even easier to eat. 🙂
As you prepare these delicious, budget-friendly dishes, we hope they bring warmth, joy, and satisfaction to your Thanksgiving table. May your holiday be filled with gratitude, laughter, and the company of loved ones. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving full of memorable moments and mouth-watering meals. Happy Thanksgiving!
Laura Bais is the owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery food blog. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking, and at the age of 13, she made her first meal. After finishing high school, she undergraduates in Cultural Studies at the University of Rijeka, and graduates in Journalism at the University of Zagreb. At that time she honed her cooking skills, but also worked in marketing. Since her love for cooking never faded, in 2021 she finally decided to share her recipes with the world. Laura turned her hobby into a career and loves every moment of it. Now she writes about common mistakes in the kitchen and how to avoid them, about adding twists to traditional meals, etc. Her love for trying new foods often leads her to visit restaurants and attempt to recreate the meals at home. She has been featured on F and B Recipes and BOXROX, to name a few.
