Aldi has set the Thanksgiving dinner bar with their $40 Thanksgiving meal for 10 people: a classic Thanksgiving feast on a budget.
Their website provides a shopping list with the option of placing an Instacart order or shop items in store.
What does the ALDI meal include
The Aldi Thanksgiving meal for $40 includes everything you'll need for a classic Thanksgiving dinner to feed 10 people.
- Whole Turkey: a 14lb turkey. You will need to buy at least 4-5 days in advance in order to thaw it in the fridge. The average price is $0.77/lb.
- Poultry Spices & Herbs: They have a poultry seasoning, rosemary, thyme and sage.
- Chicken Broth: Use in the turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
- Brown Gravy Mix (x2)
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: For the green bean casserole.
- Canned Cut Green Beans (x2)
- French Fried Onions
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Pie Crust: The package has 2 crusts, so you could double down the pie recipe and make 2 pies.
- Evaporated Milk:The list on ALDI's site only includes once can, but if you want to make 2 pies, by 2 cans.
- 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin: The list on ALDI's site only includes once can, but if you want to make 2 pies, by 2 cans.
- Whipped Dairy Topping
- Shells & Cheese (x2)
- Chicken or Cornbread Stuffing (x2): I picked the cornbread stuffing.
- Celery: use it for the stuffing and to add flavor to the turkey drippings.
- Yellow Onions (3 lbs.): Use them for the stuffing and to add to the turkey's roasting pan.
- Baby Peeled Carrots.
- Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs.)
- Miniature Marshmallows
- Russet Potatoes (10 lbs.): This is a lot of potatoes so you'll probably have some leftover.
- Cranberries or jellied cranberry can.
Extra things you will need:
You will need a few pantry/kitchen staples to make things like your pumpkin pie (You'll need eggs) and sugar.
Butter: You can use it to lather the turkey under the skin to keep it moist and add flavor, specially if you add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary and sage to the butter. Reserve some butter for the mashed potatoes, stuffing and glazed carrots.
For the glazed carrots you will need brown sugar and spices.
They also didn't account for kitchen staples such as sugar, salt, pepper, oil etc.
Nice-to-have's
These items elevate the flavor and texture of the dishes. If you have access to these use them.
- Heavy Cream: It will add a very nice texture and flavor to the massed potatoes.
- Fresh Garlic: You can add so much flavor to the mashed potatoes with some roasted or sautéed garlic. I'd also use it in the turkey cavity and under the skin.
- If you want a lot more flavor for the turkey, lemons and fresh herbs are nice.
Equipment you will need
For the turkey I used a roasting pan with rack that allows the air to circulate better for a more even roast. I got my roasting pan at ALDI.
You will need a potato masher or ricer for a smoother texture.
A microplane is so useful to zest the lemon and grate the garlic for the turkey's compound butter.
Instructions
Aldi did not provide recipes for their Thanksgiving meal, so here is an idea of what you will do with the items listed above to make the meal.
Here is a visual aid of what you will need for the recipes:
For the Roasted Turkey and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
10 lb. bag of potatoes. You will need salt and pepper. Butter and milk are not included in the list but a must-have.
I suggest adding roasted garlic for extra flavor.
If your budget allows, you could make my Boursin Mashed Potatoes for a boost in flavor.
Cornbread Stuffing
I picked the cornbread stuffing to add variety of flavors. I bought the bag, but is cheaper to buy 2 boxes and you will have the same amount of servings.
You will also need some of the celery and onions.
The instructions on the bag call for butter and water as well.
Sweet potato casserole
The meal includes mini marshmallows and a 3 lbs. bag of sweet potatoes.
Green bean casserole
This is a classic at Thanksgiving and the Aldi list provides all the ingredients for it.
If you prefer to make your green bean casserole completely from scratch, check my recipe that includes fried shallots, homemade mushroom gravy and fresh green beans.
Cranberry sauce
My store only had jellied cranberry sauce in the can, but closer to Thanksgiving you should be able to buy fresh cranberries.
Glazed carrots
For this recipe, the only ingredient provided is the baby carrots. You will need to use brown sugar and butter as well.
Dinner rolls
You can add some melted butter on top and some garlic powder before heating them up to add more flavor.
Classic pumpkin pie
The shopping list includes almost everything you need to make the pie. You will need 2 eggs, sugar and additional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
There are two crusts in the package so I suggest buying 2 cans of pumpkin and 2 cans of evaporated milk to make 2 pies.
Mac and cheese
The 2 boxes provided.
If you want to make your Mac and cheese from scratch, try my version of Tini's Mac and Cheese.
Meal improvements
Make 2 pies. You will need more canned pumpkin and evaporated milk.
Buy 2 packs of dinner rolls.
Make ahead instructions and prep timeline
Prep the turkey
I like to cleanup the turkey the night before.
Remove the neck and giblets from the inside cavity.
Use half of the salt (about 1 tablespoon kosher salt) and some of the poultry seasoning and rub it on the skin.
Refrigerate uncovered until ready to roast the next day.
Mashed potatoes
These can be made one day in advanced and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Omit the herbs/garnish until ready to serve.
You will need extra milk or chicken broth to reheat them on the stove.
Make the Sweet Potato Casserole
You can assemble the sweet potato casserole ahead of time and bake the next day.
Bake covered for about 20 minutes and for 10 or so uncovered until marshmallows are browned.
Make the Glazed Carrots
Make the glazed carrots the day before, store in the fridge in an airtight container. Omit the parsley garnish until ready to serve.
Reheat on the stove for 5-10 minutes.
Make the corn bread stuffing
Prepare the corn bread stuffing as per instructions provided below.
To reheat, place the casserole in a dish, cover it, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Make the Pumpkin Pie
You can make the pie the day before and allow it to fully cool down and set in the fridge overnight.
Helpful tips
Plan ahead, buy your turkey with enough advance to thaw it in the fridge.
Prepare the green bean casserole, gravy, Mac and cheese and cranberry sauce the day of Thanksgiving. These dishes are quick to cook.
For the turkey roasting technique, I used the Good Eats Roasted Turkey which calls for cooking the turkey at 500F uncovered for 20 minutes, mine was browning very quickly so keep an eye on your turkey and adjust timing as needed.
Thanksgiving Dinner For 10
Ingredients
For the Turkey and gravy
- 14 lb whole turkey Thawed
- 3 tablespoons salt I use Kosher salt, adjust if you are using table salt
- 1 packet poultry spices
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 lemon zested and juiced.
- 1 unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water for roasting pan
- 2 packets brown gravy prepare per package instructions
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 lb russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley optional
For the Sweet Potato Casserole
- 3 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- salt to taste
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
For the Green Bean Casserole
- 2 14.5 oz cans cut green beans Drained
- 1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
For the Stuffing
- 2 6 oz. cornbread stuffing mix box
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil I used avocado
- ½ cup celery diced, about 2 stalks
- ½ cup onion diced, about ½ medium onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water or substitute broth
For the Mac and Cheese
- 2 12 oz boxes shells and cheese
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
For the glazed carrots
- 1 16 oz bag baby carrots
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley optional
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 1 14 oz jellied cranberry sauce
For the Dinner Rolls
- 1 12 oz. Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 count
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
For the Pumpkin Pie
- 1 pre-made pie crust thawed and at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 15 oz. can 100% pure pumpkin
- 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey and Gravy
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, poultry seasoning on all sides. If time allows let it sit in the fridge with the spices overnight.14 lb whole turkey, 1 packet poultry spices, 3 tablespoons salt
- In a bowl mix the butter, garlic, juice and zest of half a lemon, salt and poultry seasoning.1 lemon, 1 unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic
- Carefully insert your finger under the breast to separate the skin and meat. Rub the butter in between the skin and meat on as much of the surface as possible. If you have some leftover carefully rub it on top of the turkey.
- Add the onion cut in quarters and the half lemon. Add 2 cups of water to the bottom of the roasting pan.1 yellow onion, 2 cups water
- Preheat oven to 500F
- Cook the turkey uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes keeping an eye on the color.
- Reduce the temperature to 350F
- Cover Turkey with aluminum foil and bake until temperature reaches 155F to 160F. Mine took 1 hour.
- Rest the turkey 30-45 minutes before carving.
- Gravy can be made right before serving.2 packets brown gravy
Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, add enough water to cover them, add salt and bring to boil.4 lb russet potatoes
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and add the evaporated milk.½ cup evaporated milk, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Mash the potatoes and add the butter mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley.Salt & pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Make the Sweet Potato Casserole
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, add enough water to cover them, add salt and bring to boil.3 lb sweet potatoes
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and set aside.
- In a small sauce pan melt the butter and sugar. Cook until the sugar is dissolved .3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Mash the potatoes and add cinnamon, salt to taste and the melted butter and sugar.salt to taste, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- In a small bowl whisk the egg and evaporated milk. Add them to the mashed potato mixture.½ cup evaporated milk, 1 egg
- Place in a baking dish, top with mini marshmallows.1 cup miniature marshmallows
- Bake at 350F until marshmallows are melted and lightly browned.
Make the Green Bean Casserole
- In a medium bowl whisk together the evaporated milk and the cream of mushroom soup. Fold in the drained green beans.1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup, ¼ cup evaporated milk, 2 14.5 oz cans cut green beans
- Place the green beans in a casserole dish, add crispy onions on top and bake at 350F until the onion topping turns golden brown.1 cup French fried onions
Make the Cornbread Stuffing
- In a skillet melt the butter and oil and sauté the onions and celery for 5 minutes.2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons oil, ½ cup celery, ½ cup onion
- Add the cornbread stuffing mix, water and broth and mix well. Place in a serving dish.2 6 oz. cornbread stuffing mix, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup water
Make the Mac and Cheese
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add salt and shells and cook for 6 minutes.2 12 oz boxes shells and cheese
- Drain and add the packets of cheese sauce and evaporated milk and serve.¼ cup evaporated milk
Make the Glazed Carrots
- In a skillet add the carrots and 1 cup of water and bring to boil, add salt to taste. Cover and cook until fork tender for 4-5 minutes.1 16 oz bag baby carrots, 1 cup water, Salt to taste
- Drain and set aside. Use the same skillet to melt butter and sugar. Return carrots to the skillet until they are covered in the sugar mixture and serve.3 Tablespoons brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons Butter
- Garnish with parsley (optional)1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Cranberry Sauce
- Add sauce to a small sauce pan and heat gently.1 14 oz jellied cranberry sauce
- Place in a serving bowl.
Dinner rolls
- Place the dinner rolls in a baking dish, brush with butter and place them in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes.1 12 oz. Hawaiian sweet rolls, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Make the Pumpking Pie
- Let the pie dough stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Fit the crust into a 9-inch pie pan.1 pre-made pie crust
- Use one hand to hold the edge of the dough while using the other hand to gently press it into the center and up the sides of the pan. Be careful not to stretch the dough.
- Make the crimp and chill the dough uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line the pie crust with parchment paper and place some beans or rice in the center. Bake the crust for 30 minutes until lightly browned.
- In a bowl whisk the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk and pumpkin puree.2 eggs, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 15 oz. can 100% pure pumpkin, 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 50 minutes or until outer 3 inches of the pie are set and the center a bit giggly.
- Allow the pie to fully cool down and set before serving. For best results, bake ahead and store overnight in the fridge uncovered.
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