22 Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for Busy Cooks

One-Pan Herb-Roasted Turkey and Vegetables

This delightful dish combines the savory goodness of turkey with the earthy flavors of fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables, making Thanksgiving dinner a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey breast (around 3 lbs)
• 3 cups baby carrots
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the turkey breast on a baking sheet and surround it with carrots, Brussels sprouts, and onion slices.
3. Drizzle olive oil over everything, then sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.

Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips

This simple yet elegant side dish adds a sweet and savory touch to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups parsnips, sliced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Steam carrots and parsnips until tender.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey.
3. Add the vegetables to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the honey-butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

A twist on traditional stuffing, these mushrooms are packed with flavor and perfect for appetizers.

Ingredients:

• 12 large mushroom caps
• 1 cup prepared stuffing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange mushroom caps on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Fill each cap with a spoonful of stuffing and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Cranberry-Pecan Brussels Sprouts

This delightful side combines the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of pecans for a festive dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20 minutes, add cranberries and pecans, and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

This rich and creamy soup offers a warm and comforting start to your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, combine pumpkin puree and broth, bringing to a simmer.
2. Stir in heavy cream and season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth, heat through, and serve warm.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A Thanksgiving classic, these mashed potatoes are creamy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
2. In a pot, heat milk and butter until melted.
3. Mash potatoes with garlic, then stir in the milk-butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Green Beans Almondine

This elegant side dish combines fresh green beans with the nutty crunch of almonds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Lemon juice to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water until tender-crisp, then drain and cool.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add green beans and almonds, tossing to coat.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing

This flavorful stuffing combines savory sausage with the natural sweetness of apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 4 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown sausage in a skillet, then add apples and onion.
3. In a bowl, combine sausage mixture with bread cubes and broth.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are caramelized with a hint of maple syrup and make a delightful side.

Ingredients:

• 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, toss sweet potatoes with maple syrup and butter.
3. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and bake for 45 minutes, until tender.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

End your Thanksgiving feast on a sweet note with this timeless pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and spice.
3. Pour mixture into pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes, until set.