With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it might seem like there’s not much time to think about your Thanksgiving plans. However, with a little bit of planning and some frugal shopping, you can put together a Thanksgiving meal that won’t break the bank. Whether you prefer traditional turkey or something more frugal with ham or chicken, this article will help you keep your costs down while still having a lovely Thanksgiving.
Decide What You Want for Your Thanksgiving Meal
Your Thanksgiving meal is one of the most important parts of the entire holiday. You want to make sure it’s perfect, from the sides to the main dish. If you’re on a tight budget, though, it can feel like it’s out of reach. While most Thanksgiving meals will cost you more than $100, you can keep your costs down by choosing foods that are cheaper. If you don’t mind sacrificing some flavor, you can save a lot by choosing cheaper Thanksgiving recipes. One of the first things to consider is what you want for your Thanksgiving meal. Do you want to stick with a traditional Thanksgiving meal or are you feeling adventurous? This will help you decide from the get-go what foods you want to feature at your Thanksgiving meal.
Make a Grocery List Before You Shop
Before you go grocery shopping, make a grocery list. This will help you to avoid impulse buys while also making sure you have the items on the list. You can also use online shopping coupons to help you save money on your grocery bill. There are a number of online grocery coupon sites that allow you to search for coupons and print them out. This will allow you to save money while also avoiding impulse buys. If you have a smartphone, you can also use apps such as Ibotta or Checkout 51 to earn cash back at the grocery store while you shop. These apps will help you earn money back on your groceries while also helping you stay on track.
Stock Up on Frozen and Staple Items
Stocking up on frozen ingredients like potatoes, onions, and green beans will help you save money and take less time to prepare your Thanksgiving meal. These ingredients all freeze well, so you can store them in your freezer so you’ll have them on hand all year long. You can even make up a freezer bag with a label to help you keep track of what you have. Stock up on frozen staples like these so you don’t have to buy them every time they’re on sale. Stocking up on frozen chicken, turkey, and beef and pork is another way to save money and help your Thanksgiving meal go more smoothly. Most of these proteins have a long shelf life and will last for several months in the freezer.
Get Vegetarian Meals Ready to Go
Instead of cooking a separate meal for vegetarian guests, you can simply make a stir-fry or some vegetarian casseroles. You can also make lasagna, a casserole, or quiche in advance and freeze it for later. This will save you money since you won’t have to spend as much on grocery shopping on the day for Thanksgiving dinner. These dishes can also be eaten as snacks, so you can easily have a vegetarian meal available for guests at any time of the day. If you’re vegetarian or vegan yourself, you can make your own vegetarian meals and freeze them for later use.
Wrapping Up
With a little planning and some frugal shopping, you can put together a Thanksgiving meal that won’t break the bank. This will ensure that you have something delicious and filling on Thanksgiving Day, even if you’re on a tight budget. Plan ahead by making a grocery list, stocking up on frozen and staple ingredients, and shopping the weekend before you put together your Thanksgiving meal. These tips will help you save money and make your Thanksgiving meal even more enjoyable!
