Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
Welcome to the delightful world of Thanksgiving! This season is all about coming together with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and, of course, enjoying delicious food. Our Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes are here to make your holiday meal planning a breeze, offering quick, easy, and flavorful options that are perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. From the heart of the South to the rich traditions of regional flavors, these recipes incorporate inspirations from Country Thanksgiving Recipes, Best Southern Thanksgiving Recipes, and various Thanksgiving Meal Side Dishes, ensuring that every gathering can be a memorable feast.
What is Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes?
The Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Thanksgiving while evolving to meet the needs of today’s busy cooks. Initially rooted in classic holiday fare, these recipes have become popular for their simplicity and versatility, allowing families to enjoy delightful flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Inspired by Country Thanksgiving Recipes and Best Southern Thanksgiving Recipes, these dishes offer a unique blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re planning a full Thanksgiving Meal Checklist or a cozy Thanksgiving Dinner For Two Ideas, these recipes cater to every occasion.

Ingredients (with Servings)
This collection of Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes typically serves 4, but can easily be adjusted for larger gatherings or intimate dinners. Below are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced turkey or chicken
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup turkey gravy
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- Seasoning Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional Add-Ons:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for a Southern twist)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)

Directions (Step-by-Step)
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes. Follow these simple steps to create your Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced turkey and green beans.
- Add the mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, mixing gently.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust and top with shredded cheese if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Size Adjustments (Scaling Table)
Need to adjust your servings for your gathering? Use the table below to scale the ingredients:
x1 | x2 | x4 |
---|---|---|
2 cups diced turkey or chicken | 4 cups diced turkey or chicken | 8 cups diced turkey or chicken |
1 cup green beans, trimmed | 2 cups green beans, trimmed | 4 cups green beans, trimmed |
2 cups mashed potatoes | 4 cups mashed potatoes | 8 cups mashed potatoes |
1 cup turkey gravy | 2 cups turkey gravy | 4 cups turkey gravy |
1 pie crust | 2 pie crusts | 4 pie crusts |

Recipe Variations
Enhance your Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes with these creative variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute turkey with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty option.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure your gravy is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Serve the mixture over cauliflower rice instead of mashed potatoes.
- For a seasonal twist, add cranberries or pumpkin puree to the filling!
Serving Tips
To elevate your dining experience, consider these serving tips:
- Pair with Thanksgiving Meal Side Dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh cranberry salad.
- Serve with a light white wine or sparkling cider to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for a beautiful presentation.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore the Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for their incredible convenience, rich flavor, and adaptability for various dietary preferences. These recipes shine in family gatherings, offering kid-friendly options alongside more sophisticated dishes, inspired by Country Thanksgiving Recipes and Best Southern Thanksgiving Recipes.
Pro Tips
- Prep ingredients in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
- Use leftover turkey or chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Consider using a store-bought pie crust to simplify the process.
Customizations
Make this dish your own with these fun customizations:
- Swap out turkey for ham or a meat of your choice.
- Add seasonal veggies like squash or sweet potatoes.
- Create a spicy version with jalapeos or pepper jack cheese.
- For a festive touch, include pomegranate seeds or nuts.
- Make it a casserole by layering the ingredients and baking longer.
- Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for a different base.
- Incorporate different spices for a unique flavor profile.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a rich topping.
- Use fresh herbs from your garden for added aroma.
- Make mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on top before serving.
- Mix in some sauted mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Make it a sweet addition by adding apples or pears.
- Try a creamy sauce instead of gravy for a different texture.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits like figs or persimmons.
- Use different types of potatoes for variety.
- Include cooked bacon or sausage for a savory twist.
- Try using different cooking methods like slow cooking.
- Make it gluten-free with alternative crusts.
- Try a Mediterranean version with olives and feta cheese.
- Top with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for added texture.
- Create a fusion dish by adding Asian flavors, such as soy sauce and ginger.
- Play with the temperature by serving it cold as a salad.
- Add nuts for crunch and additional nutrition.
- Incorporate different grains for a heartier dish.
Key Takeaways:
- Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes are designed for convenience and flavor.
- These recipes can easily cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Inspiration can be drawn from regional dishes to create unique offerings.
FAQs
- Can I make these recipes ahead of time? Yes! Many components can be prepped a day in advance.
- Are there vegetarian options available? Absolutely! You can easily substitute turkey for vegetables or lentils.
- How should I store leftovers? Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the dishes? Yes, most of these can be frozen and reheated later.
- What is the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through for best results.
Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes |
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Bookmark now, savor later! | |
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
Ingredient | Amount |
Diced turkey or chicken | 2 cups |
Green beans, trimmed | 1 cup |
Mashed potatoes | 2 cups |
Turkey gravy | 1 cup |
Pie crust | 1 |
Directions |
|
1. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). | |
2. In a bowl, combine diced turkey and green beans. | |
3. Add mashed potatoes and gravy, mixing gently. | |
4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powders. | |
5. Pour into the pie crust and add cheese if desired. | |
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. | |
7. Let cool before serving. |
In conclusion, the Best Easy Thanksgiving Recipes are your go-to solution for a delicious and stress-free holiday meal. With their versatility and simple preparation, these recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether its a large family gathering or a cozy dinner for two. Try them out and share your experience with friends and family!