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ToggleCreate a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget with Target’s Best Affordable Meal Options
Target Thanksgiving Meals: Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for many, it’s the season for sharing delicious meals with loved ones. However, holiday feasts can become expensive quickly, especially with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Thankfully, Target offers affordable, high-quality options that allow families to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 Target Thanksgiving meals under $25, making it easy to enjoy a hearty meal on a budget.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or planning an intimate dinner, these budget-friendly meal ideas will help you create a festive feast that’s affordable and flavorful.
1. Simply Balanced Turkey Breast

- Price: $12.99
- Details: Target’s Simply Balanced Turkey Breast is a juicy, tender choice, perfect for smaller gatherings. It’s pre-cooked, saving you time in the kitchen and ensuring a delicious main course. Pair it with a few sides, and you’ve got a complete meal under budget.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted veggies and cranberry sauce for a classic Thanksgiving taste.
2. Market Pantry Mashed Potatoes

- Price: $2.99
- Details: Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving essential, and Target’s Market Pantry brand offers a budget-friendly option that’s both creamy and flavorful. Just heat and serve for a smooth, buttery addition to your table.
- Serving Suggestion: Top with a sprinkle of chives and a pat of butter for a gourmet touch.
3. Good & Gather Herb-Seasoned Stuffing

- Price: $2.79
- Details: This herb-seasoned stuffing mix by Good & Gather brings classic holiday flavors without the high price tag. Easy to prepare, it pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
- Serving Suggestion: Add fresh celery and onions to give it a homemade taste without the hassle.
4. Archer Farms Roasted Turkey Gravy

- Price: $1.99
- Details: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without rich, savory gravy. Archer Farms Roasted Turkey Gravy has that homemade flavor and is ready to heat and pour, making your turkey and sides even tastier.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for an extra savory experience.
5. Good & Gather Cranberry Sauce

- Price: $1.59
- Details: Cranberry sauce brings a sweet-tart element to the Thanksgiving table, balancing out the savory dishes. Good & Gather offers this seasonal classic for under two dollars, and it’s just as delicious as homemade.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with orange zest for a fresh flavor boost.
6. Market Pantry Green Bean Casserole

- Price: $3.99
- Details: This pre-made green bean casserole brings a warm, comforting side dish to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s an affordable, classic side that requires no preparation—just heat and serve!
- Serving Suggestion: Top with crispy onions for an extra crunch and flavor.
7. Good & Gather Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

- Price: $3.99
- Details: Target’s Good & Gather Sweet Potatoes are seasoned with brown sugar and cinnamon, adding a touch of sweetness to your meal. These are ready to heat, providing a delicious side that pairs well with turkey and stuffing.
- Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle with marshmallows or pecans for an even richer taste.
8. Archer Farms Pumpkin Pie

- Price: $4.99
- Details: No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert, and Archer Farms Pumpkin Pie is a holiday favorite at an unbeatable price. Its creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish to your meal.
9. Good & Gather Dinner Rolls

- Price: $2.29
- Details: These soft, warm dinner rolls from Good & Gather are the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving spread. They’re great for mopping up gravy or making mini leftover sandwiches.
- Serving Suggestion: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
10. Good & Gather Sparkling Cranberry Juice

- Price: $1.79
- Details: Add a touch of festivity to your meal with Good & Gather’s Sparkling Cranberry Juice. This non-alcoholic beverage provides a tart, refreshing complement to the heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in wine glasses garnished with cranberries or rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch.
Putting Together Your Target Thanksgiving Meal for Under $25
Creating a delicious Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. With Target’s selection of affordable Thanksgiving essentials, you can enjoy a full meal for less. Here’s an example of how you can build a meal for under $25:
- Simply Balanced Turkey Breast – $12.99
- Market Pantry Mashed Potatoes – $2.99
- Good & Gather Herb-Seasoned Stuffing – $2.79
- Archer Farms Roasted Turkey Gravy – $1.99
- Good & Gather Cranberry Sauce – $1.59
- Good & Gather Dinner Rolls – $2.29
Total Cost: $24.64
This meal includes a main course, two sides, gravy, cranberry sauce, and rolls for a balanced, satisfying Thanksgiving dinner under $25. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or creating a festive dinner for two, Target offers everything you need for an affordable and memorable Thanksgiving.
Final Tips for a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving
- Plan Ahead: Stock up on items like canned goods, stuffing mix, and gravy in advance to take advantage of sales.
- Buy in Bulk: For large gatherings, Target’s bulk packaging can save you money, especially on items like turkey and sides.
- Use Coupons and Promotions: Target frequently offers discounts through the Target Circle app, allowing you to save even more on your Thanksgiving essentials.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean overspending. With these Target Thanksgiving meal ideas, you’ll have everything you need to celebrate the holiday with delicious food while staying within budget. Happy Thanksgiving!
FAQs for 10 Target Thanksgiving Meals Under $25
1. Can I really prepare a full Thanksgiving meal for under $25 at Target?
- Answer: Yes! Target offers a variety of affordable Thanksgiving essentials, including turkey, sides, and desserts, making it possible to create a satisfying Thanksgiving meal for under $25. By choosing budget-friendly options like Market Pantry and Good & Gather, you can build a delicious meal without overspending.
2. Are these Target Thanksgiving meal items pre-cooked or ready to serve?
- Answer: Many of the items, such as Simply Balanced Turkey Breast, Market Pantry Mashed Potatoes, and Archer Farms Roasted Turkey Gravy, are pre-cooked or ready-to-heat, saving you time on preparation. Always check the packaging for specific heating instructions.
3. Does Target offer any vegetarian options for Thanksgiving meals?
- Answer: Yes, Target has several vegetarian-friendly sides, such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls. You can build a plant-based Thanksgiving meal with these options or add other vegetarian products from Target’s selection.
4. Are there gluten-free Thanksgiving meal options available at Target?
- Answer: Target offers gluten-free options, though they may vary by store. Some products, like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, are often naturally gluten-free, but it’s essential to check labels or ask for assistance to confirm if an item is gluten-free.
5. How can I make the meal look homemade without a lot of preparation?
- Answer: Adding a few fresh ingredients, such as chopped herbs to mashed potatoes or fresh cranberries to cranberry sauce, can make store-bought items feel homemade. Heating items on the stovetop or in the oven and serving them in nice dishes also helps give a homemade touch.
6. Does Target offer any deals or discounts for Thanksgiving meal items?
- Answer: Yes, Target often provides seasonal discounts and deals through its Target Circle app, especially around the holidays. Check the app or website for coupons and promotions to save even more on your Thanksgiving meal.
7. How many people can these Thanksgiving meal items serve?
- Answer: A typical under-$25 meal from Target can comfortably serve 2–4 people, depending on portion sizes. If you’re serving a larger group, you might want to double up on certain items, like turkey breast or mashed potatoes.
8. Can I find plant-based or vegan options for a Thanksgiving meal at Target?
- Answer: Yes, Target offers some plant-based options, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes (without dairy), and cranberry sauce. Additionally, you can find plant-based protein options in the freezer aisle if you want a meat-free main course.
9. Can I order these Thanksgiving meal items online for pickup or delivery?
- Answer: Yes, most Thanksgiving essentials can be ordered online for either in-store pickup or delivery. Availability may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to order ahead to secure your items before the holiday rush.
10. How can I make my Target Thanksgiving meal more festive?
- Answer: You can elevate your meal with simple additions like fresh herbs, spices, or garnishes. Setting a nice table with festive napkins, candles, and place settings also adds a special touch to your meal, making it feel like a true Thanksgiving celebration.