It’s already Thanksgiving week! How is that possible??? I suppose it’s true what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
For the remainder of 2023, I’m providing free weekly meal plans. Each plan follows the design of my “Stick to Your Budget Checklist” and includes 3 pantry friendly meal options (at least one of which is vegetarian), 3 budget conscious recipes, and assumes 1 leftovers day. There are also 2 breakfast options and a sweet treat to try! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy these recipes!
Monday: This Tex Mex Skillet is a pantry friendly treat. The recipe calls for ground beef but you could easily swap your protein with ground chicken, turkey, shredded chicken, canned chicken, or just extra beans.
Tuesday: It’s Thanksgiving week, so let’s keep it lighter and simpler. This Kidney bean chili is easy enough but don’t worry it’s packed with flavor.
Wednesday: It’s the night before Thanksgiving, which means minimal cooking. To me, this is like Friday pizza night, and that’s what we’re making – French Bread Pizza for the budget friendly win!
Thursday: It’s Thanksgiving and you can make an entire Thanksgiving for just $30! This is truly what budget friendly Thanksgiving dreams are made of!
FREE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
Get Your Frugal and Fun Thanksgiving Guide + Planner
- 8 Tips for a Frugal and Fun Thanksgiving
- Turkey Cook Times
- How Much to Make
- Turkey Carving Guide
- Guest List
- Meal Planner
- Grocery List
- “Week of” Cooking and Cleaning Schedule
- Hourly Thanksgiving Planner
And, if you’re looking for a little help with the planning, check out my Frugal and Fun Thanksgiving guide and printable planning sheets that are FREE this holiday season!
Friday: You’re going to have to use those leftovers somehow, so how about Thanksgiving leftovers sliders? Try them once and you’ll be hooked!
Saturday: Fried rice is a go-to pantry friendly meal and, if you still have leftover turkey, you can just throw that right in there! No worries, if not, go vegetarian or use canned or shredded chicken. While this recipe includes chicken and shrimp, feel free to make it your own and swap out the proteins!
Sunday Dinner: Chana Masala is a great vegetarian option and has flavors totally different from the Thanksgiving flavors you’ve been eating for days.
For Breakfast: Cottage cheese bowls are my inexpensive and healthy go-to! Cottage cheese is such a winner as a high protein, low calorie, and low cost delight!
For a sweeter option try these pecan biscuit muffins. It’s likely you have everything you need for these aside from the biscuit dough, so grab a tube and get cooking!
For a Sweet Treat: Since it’s Thanksgiving week, pumpkin crunch is a must make! Since it’ll be peppermint and chocolate from here on out, we have to live out the last days of pumpkin season!
FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE FAMILY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:
- 3 Delicious Pantry Friendly Meals
- 105 Meals for $115 – Feeding My Family For a week
- The Top 10 Secrets to saving big on food!
MORE WEEKNIGHT RECIPES TO TRY:
- Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
- Cheesy Tortellini Bake(My Kids LOVE THIS!)
- Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas! (These are SO EASY!)
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