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Budget Thanksgiving Dinner $10 Easy Make Ahead Feeds 6

Budget Thanksgiving Dinner $10 Easy Make Ahead Feeds 6


  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Diet: Omnivore

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs Turkey Drumsticks or Thighs (often the most affordable cut)
  • 1 box (6 oz) Poultry Stuffing Mix (Store brand)
  • 5 lbs Russet Potatoes (usually $2.50-$3.00 for a large bag)
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz) Green Beans
  • 1 packet Turkey Gravy Mix
  • 1 can Cranberry Sauce (Jellied)
  • 2 tbsp Butter or Margarine
  • Salt, pepper, and dried sage to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning your turkey cuts generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of dried sage. If you are making this ahead, place the seasoned turkey in a storage bag and keep it in the fridge overnight. Peel and chop your russet potatoes into uniform chunks. Submerge them in a pot of cold salted water. You can peel these the day before and keep them in the fridge covered in water to prevent browning.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey pieces in a large roasting pan. If you have any spare onion scraps or celery stalks, toss them in the pan for extra flavor. Roast the turkey for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. While the turkey roasts, boil the potatoes until tender, mash them with a splash of milk or water and a tablespoon of butter, and set aside.
  3. Prepare the boxed stuffing according to the package directions, usually requiring just boiling water and a small amount of butter. For the green beans, drain the cans and heat them in a small saucepan with a pinch of black pepper. Whisk the gravy mix with water in a small pot and simmer until thickened. Slice the chilled cranberry sauce into rounds for a classic presentation.
  4. Carve the turkey meat away from the bone or serve the drumsticks whole for a rustic look. Create a large scoop of mashed potatoes and make a well in the center for the gravy. Add a generous portion of stuffing, green beans, and a slice of cranberry sauce. Serve everything while hot and enjoy the fact that you fed six people for just ten dollars.
  • Cook Time: 2 hours