27 Day Before Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
As we all know, preparing a delicious Thanksgiving dinner can be quite stressful and overwhelming. And the day before Thanksgiving Dinner can be especially stressul because you don’t want anything too heavy, and you want something that’s quick, easy and won’t leave the kitchen a mess.
That’s why I’ve put together this collection of easy recipes that are perfect for the days leading up to the big feast.
Whether you’re looking for quick and easy meals or want to get a head start on your Thanksgiving dinner prep, I’ve got you covered!
These recipes are designed to save you time and effort while still delivering great flavor.

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I’ve carefully curated this selection of recipes to cater to all tastes and dietary restrictions, so no one is left out.
Need a vegetarian option? I have plenty of plant-based recipes that are sure to impress.
Looking for one pot dishes to keep the mess contained? I have plenty of Instant Pot, Sheet Pan and Slow Cooker recipes.
Thanksgiving Inflatables Turkey Sitting on The Train with Pumpkin OwlThanksgiving Day Decorations
Thanksgiving Decorations Set of 6 Artificial Pumpkin Decor
Thanksgiving Turkey Inflatables
And with easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can whip up these dishes with confidence.
So forget about the stress and panic of last minute meal planning. Let our easy recipes guide you through the days before Thanksgiving, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
And who knows? You might even discover some new family favorites along the way! So don’t wait any longer
Day Before Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
The week of Thanksgiving is a busy time for many people as they prepare for the big feast. With so many tasks to take care of, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out.
That’s why planning easy dinners in advance can be extremely beneficial.

Having a plan for dinner each night takes the guesswork out of meal planning and can help save time and energy. Instead of trying to come up with ideas on the spot, you already have a list of delicious and convenient recipes to choose from.
This means less stress for you and more time to focus on other important tasks leading up to Thanksgiving.
Benefits of Meal Planning Before Thanksgiving
Planning easy dinners in advance allows for better utilization of fresh ingredients and reduces food waste. By planning out meals for the week, you can make sure to use up any perishable items before they go bad.
This not only saves money but also helps reduce food waste and promotes sustainability
Thanksgiving PlatesThanksgiving Plates
Thanksgiving Food Trays
Thanksgiving Party Supplies Set
Having easy dinner ideas on hand can provide a break from all the heavy and rich foods typically enjoyed during Thanksgiving week. It’s important to have some lighter and more nutritious options in the mix to balance out the indulgent holiday meals.
Plus, it’s always nice to have something quick and easy to prepare on those busy days leading up to Thanksgiving.

So don’t stress over last minute meal planning during Thanksgiving week. Plan ahead with our collection of delicious and convenient recipes for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season
Quick Dinner Tools
One of my favorite ways to get an easy meal on the table with no mess is to make one pot meals. I’ve put together a list of my favorite kitchen tools that can be found on Amazon (these are affiliate links):
Instant Pot UltraHamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart
Ninja DZ090 Foodi 6 Quart 5-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
Overmont Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Day Before Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
The days leading up to Thanksgiving can often be hectic and busy as we prepare for the big feast.
In this section, we'll provide you with some delicious recipes and meal ideas for the day before Thanksgiving to make your dinner a little easier.
If you're looking for an easy and delicious way to cook a rump roast, look no further than the crockpot! This cooking method is ideal for those who want to set it and forget it, as it requires very little hands-on time. Plus, the slowcooker will keep your roast moist and flavorful, making it the perfect dish for a family gathering or weeknight meal
This carrot sweet potato soup is a light, and easy dinner - loaded with vegetables and tons of flavor. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal the family will love.
Green Chili Chicken is a super easy weeknight dinner made in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. It’s made with boneless skinless chicken, a jar of salsa verde, fresh onions and peppers, and some pantry staples, such as canned cannellini beans and frozen corn. It’s creamy, flavorful and only takes 10 minutes to prep!
Make crispy fried tacos with the tastiest cheesy ground beef filling. Ready in 30 minutes using 10 everyday ingredients and just one pan.
This easy harvest sheet pan dinner is a perfect pre-holiday meal. Everything roasts on one pan for a delicious dinner with simple cleanup.
A one-pan vegetarian baked gnocchi recipe with tomatoes and broccoli in a creamy, herby sauce with the tastiest cheesy topping
Just set it and forget it when you make this Instant Pot black bean soup! Serve with a scoop of homemade mango salsa, or just buy store bought fruit salsa to save time.
This simple sausage and pepper dinner is cooked in the crockpot for an easy, hands-off meal in the days before a holiday.
This keto whole crockpot chicken recipe produces the tenderest, most flavorful, juiciest chicken with minimal effort.
This beef vegetable soup is a delicious recipe made with one of my favorite cooking gadgets, the Instant Pot
The Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is the answer to your craving for a scrumptious meal! Perfect for a delightful dinner any day of the week, this recipe requires just four ingredients and a quick 30 minutes in the kitchen.
Searching for a weeknight dinner idea that's as easy as delicious? My One-Pan Harissa Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Lime comes straight from the oven to your dinner table, making your evening meal a breeze.
Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect, easy to make, weeknight meal, with creamy citrusy rice and crispy chicken. You can make it all in one pan and it is so easy, anyone can do it. Just follow the recipe instructions or make it your own by adding or removing certain ingredients.
Balsamic Parmesan Chicken and Veggies is a flavorful sheet pan dish with chicken thighs, balsamic vinegar, lots of veggies, and various Italian herbs. It is a great weeknight meal since you can make this easy recipe all in one pan for easier cleanup. It is one of my favorite recipes and it is gluten-free with lots of healthy vitamins.
This Walking Taco Casserole super quick to make using pantry staples and it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your heart’s content. Great when you need to whip up something in a hurry over the holiday.
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti uses common pantry ingredients you already have and about 5 minutes of your time to whip up a restaurant-quality meal for your family. Great minimum prep meal for the busy festive period
This Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe just looks like you've been slaving over a stove all day. Simple to make, filling and delicious.
Our homemade hamburger helper is easy to make and loved by all. Use fresh ingredients for this hearty casserole that feeds many.
Cheeseburger sliders are savory, shareable mini burgers made with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese between toasted Hawaiian rolls. A quick and delicious dinner idea to please the whole family!
This ‘dump and go’ Crock-pot chicken enchilada soup has a blend of tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and zesty tomato sauce, infused with smoky chipotle peppers, spices, and a refreshing squeeze of lime juice. It’s the perfect balance of warmth, spice, and freshness, and its simplicity makes it a go-to choice for a flavorful, low-effort dinne
Chicken with Parsley and Garlic is quick and flavorful. Both kids and their parents will love this easy skillet recipe!
This quick and easy weeknight Instant Pot beef ragu is made using a jar of marinara to develop rich flavors. Pot roast shreds into a comforting pasta sauce that tastes like it took hours to make!
when you have so much to do around the holidays, your trusted crock pot will always come to the rescue. This is the perfect dump-but-hearty turkey dinner recipe that is so easy to make for the whole family in The slow cooker
Instant Pot Chicken Tinga is Mexican seasoned shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle sauce that is super easy to make and can be used in chicken tacos, tostadas, nachos, chalupas, burritos, and enchiladas.
Enjoy this savory, comforting, vegan sweet potato casserole with black beans, kale, quinoa and roasted garlic sauce. It’s easy to assemble and perfect to make ahead.
Just 6 simple ingredients make up this delicious chicken and broccoli lasagna. Rotisserie chicken, oven ready noodles, and jarred alfredo sauce make this an effortless meal the whole family will love
Light and delicious, this ricotta stuffed chicken is the perfect easy meal that takes under 30 minutes to make. A garlic zucchini ricotta are stuffed into seared chicken for a very light meal that's still cozy and comforting.
More Easy Dinner Ideas
When you’re in the mood for a cozy meal, my Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup will hit the spot! It’s an easy one dish meal that’s delicious any time of year.
Put a fun twist on Taco Night with Chicken Taco “Cupcakes”. Wonton wrappers make tacos into cute little cupcakes. Kids love these!
Here in Minnesota, when the weather starts to cool down it means it’s time for Wild Rice Soup. It’s a cozy and easy dinner that’s perfect for fall or winter.
We love casseroles in our house and one of our family favorites is Butternut Squash and Wild Rice casserole. It’s a one pan dinner that’s so easy to make!