The holidays are beautiful, but let’s be honest… they can also be expensive. Between groceries, gatherings, and family traditions, it all adds up. This year, I wanted to put together a simple, budget-friendly, wholesome Thanksgiving guide that feels doable, healthy, and full of flavor.
With a little planning, a few smart swaps, and a willingness to use leftovers creatively, you can feed your family well without stressing your wallet.
And truthfully, that is what this season is about: nourishment, gratitude, and gathering around the table with the people you love.
Here is our traditional Thanksgiving meal plan, how we budget for it, and several meals you can make using leftovers throughout the week.
🛒 Step One: Shop Smart and Save Big
Before we get to the recipes, here are a few ways to make Thanksgiving more affordable this year:
✔ Use coupon apps like Ibotta
Ibotta regularly offers deals for free or heavily discounted turkeys during Thanksgiving week. This alone can cut your meal cost significantly.
✔ Plan ahead and buy early
Produce, broth, butter, and baking items often go on sale early in November.
✔ Choose simple, real ingredients
Whole foods stretch further, taste better, and cost less.
✔ Let leftovers work for you
One turkey can easily turn into four or five meals.
This saves money and reduces waste.
🍽 The Traditional Thanksgiving Menu (Clean + Budget-Friendly)
Below is a full meal that feels cozy and classic but still stays aligned with clean living and mindful spending.
🦃 1. Whole Turkey
The star of the show!
Tips:
• Use Ibotta to get a free turkey or one that is deeply discounted
• Choose a size that gives you leftovers
• Season simply with butter, garlic, herbs, and salt
• Save the bones for broth (we’ll use them later)
🥔 2. Real Mashed Potatoes
Simple, creamy, and always a favorite.
Ingredients:
• Russet or Yukon potatoes
• Grass-fed butter
• Organic milk or cream
• Redmond Salt
Directions:
Boil potatoes until tender, drain, mash with butter and warm milk. Season to taste.
🥬 3. Green Bean Casserole
A clean version of the classic.
Ingredients:
• Fresh or frozen green beans
• Organic cream of mushroom soup (avoid fillers and gums)
• Clean fried onions or homemade crispy onions
• Redmond Salt and pepper
Mix and bake until bubbly. Easy and delicious.
🍞 4. Clean Stuffing
Choose a clean boxed stuffing or make your own with:
• Sourdough or sprouted bread
• Organic broth
• Grass-fed butter
• Onion, celery, garlic
• Herbs
Both options fit a real-food lifestyle.
♻️ Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
This is where the money-saving magic happens.
One turkey can stretch into several meals for the entire weekend and beyond.
🍗 1. Homemade Turkey Bone Broth
Do not throw the bones away.
Ingredients:
- Turkey carcass
- Water
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Redmond Salt
- Bay leaf
- Peppercorns
Simmer for 12–24 hours. Strain. Use for soups or freeze for future meals.
Bone broth supports gut health, immunity, and postpartum healing.
🍲 2. Turkey and Rice Soup
Warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
• Turkey bone broth
• Leftover turkey meat
• Rice (white or brown)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Herbs
Simmer until veggies and rice are cooked through. Nourishing and budget friendly.
🥘 3. Turkey Stuffing Casserole (Leftover Favorite)
This is one of the easiest and most comforting ways to use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients. Everything goes into one dish and transforms into the perfect cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, chopped
- Leftover stuffing
- 1 can organic cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- A splash of homemade turkey bone broth
- Shredded cheese on top
- Mixed veggies (optional)
- Redmond Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes to serve (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix leftover turkey, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, bone broth, and mixed veggies if using.
3. Season with Redmond Salt and pepper.
4. Spread evenly into a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese then stuffing. (I add some pats of butter on top too or keep it covered till the last few minutes
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes if you want an even heartier meal.
This is comfort food at its finest and stretches your leftovers beautifully.
🥪 4. Turkey Sandwiches
Sometimes simple is best.
Ideas:
• Sourdough + turkey + lettuce + avocado
• Turkey with clean mayo (like Chosen), mustard, and pickles
• Turkey and cranberry sauce on toasted bread
Perfect for lunches after the holiday.
🧡 A Heartfelt Closing
You do not need a perfect table or a huge budget to create a beautiful Thanksgiving meal. You just need simple ingredients, a little creativity, and a heart filled with gratitude.
This season is not about the performance, but the presence.
Not about the pressure, but the peace.
Not about perfection, but about gathering in God’s goodness and remembering how blessed we are.
May your home be full of warmth, nourishment, and joy this Thanksgiving season… and may your leftovers carry you well into the weekend.
Living Life with a Purpose 