Thanksgiving 2024: Grocery Stores and Restaurants Offering Affordable Meal Deals

Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday—a time for gathering, gratitude, and a feast that brings everyone to the table. But putting together a traditional Thanksgiving spread can feel heavy on the wallet. Between rising food costs and the sheer volume of ingredients, hosting the holiday feast is not cheap. Thankfully, supermarkets and restaurants are stepping up with pre-planned meals and wallet-friendly bundles to make Thanksgiving 2024 as stress-free as possible.

Supermarkets Offering Thanksgiving Feasts

If you prefer to host the traditional way—cooking at home and filling your kitchen with the warm smells of turkey and pie—supermarkets have deals and meal bundles that will simplify the process without breaking the bank.

Aldi ($47)

Aldi has gained a reputation for affordability, and their Thanksgiving promotion this year lives up to the hype. For just $47, you can feed a group of 10 with a bundle that includes:

• A whole turkey
• Canned cranberry sauce
• Sweet potatoes and green beans
• Dinner rolls
• Pumpkin pie with whipped topping

What sets Aldi apart is its focus on fresh produce and budget-friendly staples. Sweet potatoes are just $1.99 for a 3-pound bag, and their stuffing mix costs only 75 cents per box. Aldi even offers extras like cranberry sauce for $1.59 and cream of mushroom soup for 68 cents, perfect for a green bean casserole.

Walmart ($53)

Walmart’s “Inflation-Free Thanksgiving” promises to serve eight people for just $53, less than $7 per person. Their bundle is comprehensive, including:

• A 16-pound frozen turkey
• Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing
• Essentials like chicken broth, gravy mix, and cranberry sauce
• Desserts such as Southern pecan pie and whipped topping

The pre-selected items focus on affordability without sacrificing variety, ensuring every dish from your table’s staples to sweet treats is covered. Plus, Walmart offers convenient options for curbside pickup or delivery, saving you time and effort.

Target ($20)

Target is stepping up with a $20 Thanksgiving meal deal that feeds up to four people. Available under the Good & Gather brand, this bundle is ideal for smaller gatherings or families who want a budget-conscious way to enjoy the holiday.

Included in the $20 meal deal:

• Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey (frozen) – Up to 10 pounds
• Good & Gather Russet Potatoes – 5 pounds
• Del Monte Cut Green Beans – 14.5 ounces
• Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – 10.5 ounces
• Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce – 14 ounces
• Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix – 6 ounces
• Heinz Home Style Roasted Turkey Gravy – 12 ounces

Target also promises reduced prices on over 2,000 food and home items leading up to Thanksgiving, making it a go-to option for holiday shopping.

Lidl ($45)

Lidl is making Thanksgiving affordable with a $45 meal deal designed to feed 10 people, breaking down to less than $4.50 per person. Known for its budget-friendly options, Lidl has curated a list of essentials that make holiday preparation simple and affordable.

Included in Lidl’s Thanksgiving meal deal:

• Shady Brook Farms turkey
• Sweet rolls
• Lidl jellied cranberries
• Additional holiday staples

This deal is perfect for families aiming to stretch their budget without compromising on quality or quantity. Lidl’s focus on affordability ensures that even larger gatherings can enjoy a festive feast at an accessible price point.

Sam’s Club ($100)

Sam’s Club has made hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner easier with its Member’s Mark Thanksgiving bundle. Designed to feed 10 people for under $100, this pre-cooked meal is ready to serve in under two hours, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution.

The bundle includes:

• Member’s Mark smoked turkey
• Dinner rolls
• Macaroni and cheese
• Mashed potatoes
• Pumpkin pie
• Other traditional Thanksgiving sides

With Sam’s Club’s reputation for high-quality store-brand products, this bundle is a standout option for families aiming to save time and money.

Dollar General

Dollar General is keeping things simple and budget-friendly this year with their Buy Two Get One Free deal, available from Oct. 20 to Nov. 28. The bundles are cleverly grouped around Thanksgiving staples, making it easy to stock up on essentials:

• Pumpkin Pie Bundle: Buy a 6-count Keebler mini pie crust and a 12-ounce container of Eagle Brand evaporated milk, and get a free 15-ounce Clover Valley canned pumpkin.
• Green Bean Casserole Bundle: Purchase a 10 ½-ounce can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and a 2.8-ounce container of French’s fried onions, and receive a free 14 ½-ounce can of Clover Valley green beans.
• Sweet Potato Casserole Bundle: Buy a 29-ounce can of Bruce’s yams and a 2-pound bag of Clover Valley brown sugar, and get a free 10-ounce bag of Kraft mini marshmallows.

These bundles are perfect for shoppers looking to save without sacrificing the classic flavors of Thanksgiving.

Kroger ($5 Per Person)

Kroger’s Thanksgiving bundles cater to groups of up to 10, with costs averaging under $5 per person. The meal includes a frozen turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, corn, rolls, and pumpkin pie. Kroger’s focus on pre-cooked, ready-to-reheat meals is perfect for hosts who want the traditional spread without the prep.

Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Feasts

Not in the mood to cook this year? Restaurants are stepping in with pre-cooked feasts and dine-in specials that deliver all the Thanksgiving favorites without the hassle.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel’s Heat n’ Serve Family Meal To-Go feeds up to 10 people and includes:

• Oven-roasted turkey
• Cornbread dressing and gravy
• Sweet potato casserole with pecans
• Green beans and cranberry relish

Their larger catering packages add extra sides and desserts, perfect for bigger gatherings. Orders are prepared fresh and only require reheating, making Cracker Barrel a reliable option for a fuss-free holiday.

Boston Market

Boston Market offers full Heat & Serve meals that include turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Their packages range from smaller meals for intimate gatherings to larger spreads that serve up to 12 guests.

Denny’s

Denny’s Turkey & Dressing Bundle costs $54.99 and feeds four people. It includes carved turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a choice of sides, making it a great option for smaller families.

Maggiano’s

Maggiano’s Thanksgiving carryout package feeds five people and offers a mix of traditional and Italian dishes, such as:

• Roasted turkey and giblet gravy
• Sage and sausage stuffing
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Four-cheese ravioli
• Pumpkin praline cheesecake

Meals can be picked up hot or cold, depending on your schedule.

Popeyes

Popeyes’ signature Cajun-Style Turkey brings a bold twist to Thanksgiving. Fully seasoned with Louisiana-style spices, the bird comes ready to heat and serve. Sides like biscuits and mac & cheese can be added for a complete Southern-inspired feast.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral offers dine-in and takeout holiday meals featuring roasted turkey, glazed ham, and traditional sides. Their takeout packages are available for preorder and come fully cooked, saving you time without compromising on variety.

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze’s Thanksgiving Family Bundle costs $100 and includes jerk turkey, green beans, brioche stuffing, and unique sides like cranberry-pineapple chutney. It’s a refreshing take on the holiday, perfect for those wanting to try something different.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris offers a $175 Thanksgiving dinner for four people, featuring:

• Oven-roasted turkey with sausage stuffing
• Cranberry relish
• Pumpkin cheesecake

Their upscale menu caters to those looking for a more refined holiday experience.