How to Host a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner for $30 from Walmart

 Hey y'all and welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  I have a message for you today, THANKSGIVING ON A BUDGET IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE.  

If you've been grocery shopping lately, you know prices are wild.  Between rent, gas, and the cost of butter these days, a big holiday meal can feel out of reach.  But here's the truth:  you can still have a cozy, full Thanksgiving dinner without overspending.  

I set out to prove it by building a complete Thanksgiving dinner for around $30, all from Walmart.  And yes, it includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, veggies, rolls, and dessert.

With a few smart swaps, this menu feeds 4-6 people comfortably (and gives you that classic Thanksgiving flavor you crave).  I can't wait to share this with you so...

Let's Get Started!

THE $30 WALMART THANKSGIVING MENU:

Here's the full breakdown, using current Walmart prices (give or take a few cents depending on your store):

Item,	Approx. Price,	Description:

• Whole Turkey (10-17 lbs) $11.76  The star of the show.  Juicy, golden, and plenty of leftovers.
• Great Value Instant Mashed Potatoes (13.75 oz) $1.64  Creamy and buttery with minimal effort.
• Stove Top Stuffing Mix (6 oz) $1.88  Fast, flavorful, and full of nostalgia.
• Great Value Turkey Gravy (12 oz jar) $1.47  Smooth, savory, and perfect on everything.
• Great Value Cut Green Beans (14.5 oz can) $0.64  Simple, budget friendly veggie side. 
• Great Value Dinner Rolls (12 count) $2.48  Soft, warm, and perfect for soaking up gravy.
• Two-Bite Pumpkin Tarts w/Cream Cheese Frosting (19 oz)  $7.48  Sweet and seasonal with zero stress.

Estimated Total:  $27.35, leaving a couple of dollars wiggle room for spices, butter, or milk if needed.

Want to bake your own pie instead of buying the tarts?  Swap the tarts for Great Value 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin ($3.96) and you'll still land around $29-$30 total.  

HOW TO PULL IT ALL TOGETHER:

You don't need any fancy skills or a dozen pots to make this feast happen.  Here's how to time it all so dinner comes together beautifully:

1. Start with the Turkey:  A 10-17 lb bird for under $12?  Yes, please.  Roast it simple with butter, salt, pepper, and herbs (whatever you already have).
2. Prep Your Sides While the Turkey Cooks:  Whip up instant mashed potatoes.  They're creamy and ready in minutes.  Cook the stuffing per box directions (it only takes 5 minutes).  Warm the green beans and season with butter, salt, and pepper.  
3. Heat the Gravy:  Pour your Great Value Turkey Gravy into a small saucepan and heat on low until smooth and hot.  
4. Warm the Rolls:  Pop them in the oven for a few minutes before serving so they're soft and golden, perfect for sopping up gravy or making little turkey sliders later.  
5. Don't Forget Dessert:  Serve the pumpkin tarts as-is, or add a dollop of whipped cream if your budget allows.  They're a sweet, festive finish without the fuss.  

 

SMART WALMART SHOPPING TIPS:

• Shop early for the best turkey deals:  Walmart often runs markdowns leading up to Thanksgiving.  
• Use Great Value everything:  Their store brand is affordable AND delicious.  No one will know the difference.   
• Stretch leftovers:  Turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles will keep you fed long after the big day.  
• Skip extras you don't need:  You already have a complete meal here.  No need for ten sides or three pies.  

BECAUSE THANKSGIVING ISN'T ABOUT THE PRICE TAG:

This year, so many of us are feeling the squeeze, but Thanksgiving doesn't have to be cancelled, it just needs a little creativity.  

For about $30, you can serve a full table:  juicy turkey, fluffy potatoes, warm stuffing, buttery rolls, veggies, and pumpkin dessert.  More importantly, you can serve love, gratitude, and connection.  Those are the ingredients that really matter. 

So light a candle, grab your favorite stretchy pants, and enjoy a cozy Thanksgiving that proves comfort and celebration don't require a big budget.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about thankfulness, not extravagance.  This $30 Thanksgiving dinner from Walmart is proof that even in hard times, there's always a reason (and a way) to celebrate.  Because the best meals aren't the most expensive, they're the ones shared with the people you love.  

I hope this helps relieve any holiday stress and Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all

~The Kitchen Wife~