A $30 Dollar General Thanksgiving Dinner: Delicious, Affordable, and Full of Heart

 Hey y'all!  Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  The world is crazy right now, and times are tough, but that doesn’t mean Thanksgiving has to lose its flavor (or your wallet its sanity!). With food prices still climbing, many of us are trying to celebrate without overspending — and thankfully, Dollar General has our backs.

With a little smart shopping and simple recipes, you can serve up a complete Thanksgiving dinner for around $30. Yep — turkey, sides, dessert, and all the cozy holiday vibes included.  I can't wait to share with you how I did it so...

Let’s get started!

🛒 What’s on the $30 Dollar General Thanksgiving Menu

This menu keeps things classic, simple, and satisfying — all the comfort foods that make Thanksgiving feel special, without breaking the bank.

Menu Includes:

• 🦃 Turkey

• 🥔 Mashed Potatoes

• 🥫 Green Bean Casserole

• 🍠 Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

• 🥖 Dinner Rolls

• 🥧 Pumpkin Pie

That’s six comforting dishes — all for about thirty bucks!

💰 Dollar General Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Breakdown

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Frozen turkey	$12.00	Dollar General usually carries smaller frozen turkeys (like Jennie-O or Clover Valley). Perfect for 4–6 people.
Instant mashed potatoes	$2.50	Creamy, easy, and quick — just add butter and water.
Canned green beans	$1.00	Great for casseroles or as a simple veggie side.
Cream of mushroom soup + fried onions	$3.50	Everything you need for that traditional green bean casserole.
Canned sweet potatoes + brown sugar + marshmallows	$4.00	Sweet, cozy, and totally Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin pie (or pie crust + filling)	$4.00	Dollar General carries ready-made pies or ingredients to bake your own.
Dinner rolls	$3.00	Warm, buttery rolls complete the meal perfectly.
Total Estimated Cost:	≈ $30.00	Depending on your store’s prices or sales.

👩‍🍳 Easy Prep Plan for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen to make this meal shine. Here’s your simple game plan:

1. Roast your turkey.
Choose a smaller bird (8–10 lbs) to keep costs low. Season with butter, salt, and pepper — simple and delicious.

2. Make the mashed potatoes.
Instant potatoes are fast, fluffy, and easy to upgrade with a little butter or garlic powder.

3. Mix your green bean casserole.
Combine canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and top with fried onions. Bake until hot and bubbly.

4. Sweet potato side dish.
Drain canned sweet potatoes, mash lightly, and mix in brown sugar. Top with marshmallows and bake until golden.

5. Warm your rolls.
Brush with melted butter for that homemade feel.

6. Dessert time!
Bake or serve your pumpkin pie. Add a little whipped topping if your budget allows.

💡 Dollar General Holiday Savings Tips

• Shop Clover Valley products. Dollar General’s store brand is tasty and budget-friendly.

• Look for bundle deals. Around Thanksgiving, DG often offers “buy 2, get 1 free” promotions on side dish staples.

• Focus on the food. Skip extras like paper goods to stay within budget.

• Watch your portions. Smaller turkey = smaller price tag and less waste!

❤️ Thanksgiving on a Budget Still Feels Like Thanksgiving

Let’s be real — this year, every dollar counts. But here’s the truth: Thanksgiving isn’t about the biggest feast or the fanciest ingredients. It’s about gratitude, comfort, and togetherness.

With a little planning (and a quick Dollar General trip), you can create a holiday meal that fills your plates — and your hearts — without emptying your wallet.

So grab your grocery list, pop on some festive music, and get ready to serve up a $30 Thanksgiving dinner that’s full of flavor, comfort, and love.

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~