Fork & Kite
Kite peeking over the fridge

Hosting or not, this week works. Thursday's easy menu is right below the board. Grocery list →

Nov 21–27

Your week, planned : Thanksgiving Week, Planned: Easy Thanksgiving Menu (Hosting or Not), 7 easy dinners + one grocery list

  1. SatMeatball Subs20 min
  2. SunMild Taco Soup30 min
  3. MonBiscuit Pot Pie30 min
  4. TueTaco Soup Again10 min
  5. WedChicken + Noodles15 min
  6. ThuThanksgiving150 min
  7. FriLeftover Naan Pizza15 min

Every Saturday morning

Next week’s 7 dinners + grocery list, in your inbox before you shop.

Grocery list35 things · one trip
  • Apples
  • Clementines or oranges
  • Grapes
Tap for the list →

Saturday to Friday · school-night dinners under 30 minutes · one trip to the store

An easy Thanksgiving dinner on a family table: sliced turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and rolls

Thursday · hosting or not

The Easy Thanksgiving Menu

Hosting or not, start here. Hosting? This is a small, doable dinner for 6 to 8: one turkey breast, sides that mostly come from a box or a bag, and a store pie. The other 6 nights of the week work either way.

Not hosting? Bring one of these

The fruit turkey plate (kids make it in 15 minutes, and it travels on a tray) or the make-ahead mashed potatoes in a covered dish, reheated at their place. Ask the host first; most want a side or a dessert. Your Thursday is then a snack-plate breakfast, the kid job, and out the door.

  • Roast turkey breastBone-in, about 7 lb, feeds 6-8. Butter, salt, pepper, 325°F for about 2 to 2½ hours, until 165°F. Feeding 10 or more? A 12-14 lb whole turkey takes about 3 to 3¾ hours.
  • Mashed potatoesMake-aheadMake them Wednesday (about 45 minutes) and reheat, or buy the refrigerated tub and add a pat of butter.
  • StuffingFrom a boxOne or two boxes on the stove with 2 Tbsp extra butter and a chopped celery rib. 10 minutes.
  • Sheet-pan green beansFrozen whole green beans, oil and salt, 425°F for 15 minutes while the turkey rests.
  • Cranberry sauce + rollsStore-boughtSlice the can into rounds. Warm the rolls for the last 5 minutes.
  • Pumpkin pie, made to look homemadeStore-boughtA store pie, a ring of whipped cream around the edge and a dust of cinnamon. Kids do the cream.

Thursday timeline (eating about 4:00)

  1. Sun / MonWhole 12-14 lb turkey: freezer to fridge Sunday morning. Turkey breast: Monday morning. About 1 day per 4-5 lb, on a plate on the bottom shelf.
  2. WednesdayBuy the pie, rolls and whipped cream. Mashed potatoes made (or the tub bought). Celery chopped. Kids set the table.
  3. 12:30Oven to 325°F. Pat the turkey dry, rub with soft butter, salt and pepper.
  4. 12:45Turkey in. Nothing to do for 2 hours: parade, a walk, the fruit turkey plate.
  5. 3:00Start checking: 165°F in the thickest part, not touching the bone. Not there yet? 15 more minutes.
  6. Turkey outCover it loosely with foil and let it rest 20-30 minutes. Oven up to 425°F, green beans in for 15 minutes. This is the oven moment, solved.
  7. While it restsStuffing on the stove. Mashed potatoes in the microwave, stirring every 2 minutes. Rolls in the oven the last 5 minutes. Cranberry sliced.
  8. About 4:00Carve, pass, eat. Pie after a walk around the block.

While it cooks · the kid job

The fruit turkey plate (+2 more ideas)

The grocery list

One trip. That’s it.

Ballpark: about $85 for the week + about $70 for Thanksgiving dinner (feeds 6-8)

0 of 35 in the cart

Produce

Meat

Dairy & eggs

Bread

Pantry aisles

Frozen

Thanksgiving dinner (buy Saturday, feeds 6-8)

Wednesday top-up (so it's fresh)

Pantry check: you probably have these
  • Oil + butter
  • Salt + pepper
  • Milk
  • Cinnamon
  • Ranch (for the veggie turkey)
  • Foil

This whole week on one page

Dinner’s figured out before they ask.

All 7 dinners + the grocery list on one fridge page. It opens right here. Next week’s plan lands Saturday morning, so the week’s figured out before it starts.

Day by day

Saturday to Friday

Meatball Subs Saturday20 min

The day

  • MorningBig-shop bingoBring them to the store. Open the list below on your phone; they spot it, you tap. A frozen turkey goes straight in the freezer for now. Open the checklist →
  • Rain planIt's inside anywayKids home with a grown-up? Same bingo in the pantry.
  • LunchSnack plate or leftoversCheese, crackers, fruit, whatever's in the fridge. Done.
  • Before dinnerKid job: Cheese SprinklerThey sprinkle the mozzarella on the subs (you do the oven).
  • After dinnerWho's coming?Count the people for Thursday and write the names on paper strips. They're place cards later this week. See the crafts →

Dinner · 20 min

Meatball Subs

The big-shop day, so dinner is frozen meatballs, a jar of sauce and rolls. Save the rest of the sauce for Friday's pizzas.

You need

  • 1 bag (24 oz) frozen cooked meatballs (about 24)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara (save 1 cup for Friday)
  • 6 hoagie rolls
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • Baby carrots or apple slices on the side

Do this

  1. Simmer the meatballs in most of the sauce, covered, 12 to 15 minutes, until hot all the way through.
  2. Heat the oven to 425°F. Split the rolls and toast them open on a sheet pan, 3 minutes.
  3. Fill with 4 meatballs each, a spoon of sauce and cheese.
  4. Back in the oven 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese melts.

If they won’t eat it: Plain meatballs on a fork with a little sauce to dip, and a buttered roll.

Saturday · the big grocery trip

Big-shop bingo

They point, you tap. No printer needed. 0 of 10 found.

It's inside, so rain doesn't matter. Kids staying home? Same game in the pantry: find 5 things that are orange.

Mild Taco Soup Sunday30 min

The day

  • MorningHandprint turkeysPaper, paint or markers, and their hand as the feathers. Ten minutes and it goes on the fridge (or on Thursday's table). See the crafts →
  • Rain planSame thing, insideIt's an inside craft. Add googly eyes if you have them.
  • AfternoonNothing plannedThat's the plan. Big week ahead. Couch, nap, backyard.
  • Sunday reset · 15 minSoup on, week readyWhile the soup simmers: whole turkey? It moves to the fridge today. Count chairs and plates, pack Monday's lunchbox.
  • Before dinnerKid job: Can Opener's HelperThey rinse the beans in a strainer and dump in the corn (you open the cans).

Dinner · 30 min

Mild Taco Soup

One pot, mostly cans, and it makes Tuesday's dinner too. Mild taco seasoning, so it's not spicy.

You need

  • 1½ lb ground beef
  • 1 packet mild taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black or pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth
  • Toppings: shredded cheddar, tortilla chips

Do this

  1. Brown the beef in a big pot over medium-high, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the fat.
  2. Stir in the seasoning, beans, corn, tomatoes and broth.
  3. Simmer 15 minutes.
  4. Top with cheese and crushed chips. Save half for Tuesday.

If they won’t eat it: Scoop out beef and beans before the broth goes in: a taco bowl with cheese and chips.

Biscuit-Top Chicken Pot Pie Monday30 min

The day

  • MorningTurkey to the fridgeA frozen turkey breast moves from the freezer to the fridge this morning (on a plate). It's thawed by Thursday.
  • Kids home?Paper plate turkeysA paper plate, construction paper feathers, glue. Little ones: you cut, they stick. See the crafts →
  • Before dinnerKid job: Biscuit PlacerThey pop the can (with you) and lay the biscuits on top.
  • After dinner · 10 minThankful guessing gameGive 3 clues about something you're thankful for ("It's soft, it sleeps on my bed..."). Everyone guesses.

Dinner · 30 min

Biscuit-Top Chicken Pot Pie

Cozy, one dish, and a rotisserie chicken does the hard part. Shred all of it tonight and freeze half for Wednesday.

You need

  • 1 rotisserie chicken (half tonight, half frozen for Wednesday)
  • 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 can (8) refrigerated biscuits

Do this

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Shred all the chicken. Freeze half in a bag for Wednesday.
  2. Stir the other half with the frozen veg, soup and milk in a 9x13 or deep pie dish.
  3. Lay the biscuits on top.
  4. Bake 20 to 22 minutes, until the biscuits are golden and it bubbles at the edges.

If they won’t eat it: Plain chicken, a biscuit and peas on the side, nothing mixed together.

Taco Soup Round 2 + Chips Tuesday10 min

The day

  • Kids home?Couch-cushion obstacle coursePillows to jump, a blanket tunnel, a hallway "lava" stretch. They design it, you time it.
  • Before dinnerKid job: Topping Bar BossThey set out the chips, cheese and spoons, and they're in charge of the bar.
  • After dinner · 10 minBlanket fort storyBuild a quick fort, flashlight inside, read one book in it.

Dinner · 10 min

Taco Soup Round 2 + Chips

The easy night: Sunday's soup, warmed up. Put out more toppings than last time and call it a taco soup bar.

You need

  • The saved half of Sunday's taco soup
  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Sour cream (optional)

Do this

  1. Warm the soup on the stove over medium, 8 minutes, stirring now and then.
  2. Set out the chips, cheese and sour cream.
  3. Everyone tops their own bowl.

If they won’t eat it: Quick nachos: chips and cheese in the microwave, 45 seconds.

Chicken + Buttered Noodles Wednesday15 min

The day

  • Kids home?Make the place cardsFold an index card, write a name, draw a leaf or a turkey. Use Saturday's name strips. See the crafts →
  • Make-ahead · honestMashed potatoes now, or notPeel, boil and mash 5 lb of potatoes (about 45 minutes), then chill. Or buy the refrigerated tub. Nobody can tell. Chop 1 celery rib for the stuffing.
  • Before dinnerKid job: Pea PourerThey pour the peas into the pot (you watch the steam).
  • After dinner · 10 minSet the Thanksgiving tableKids set it tonight: plates, napkins, their place cards. One less thing tomorrow.

Dinner · 15 min

Chicken + Buttered Noodles

The night before Thanksgiving, dinner is the easiest one there is. Monday's frozen chicken, egg noodles, butter and peas. Thaw the chicken in the fridge this morning (or 3 minutes in the microwave on defrost).

You need

  • The frozen half of Monday's chicken, thawed
  • 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Shredded Parmesan (optional)

Do this

  1. Boil the noodles 6 to 7 minutes. Add the peas for the last 2 minutes.
  2. Drain and toss with the butter, salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in the warm chicken.
  4. Parmesan on top for anyone who wants it.

If they won’t eat it: Plain buttered noodles, chicken and peas in separate piles.

Thanksgiving: The Easy Menu Thursday150 min · about 45 min hands-on

The day

  • MorningSnack-plate breakfast + the paradeEasy breakfast, the TV on, the oven not needed until 12:30.
  • While it cooksKid job: Fruit turkey platePear body, apple and orange feathers, grape rows. They place, you slice. It's also the thing to bring if you're not hosting. Jump to it →
  • After dinnerA walk, then pieAround the block, everyone. Then pie and the thankful chain or paper strips read out loud.

Dinner · 150 min

Thanksgiving: The Easy Menu

Hosting: a turkey breast, four sides that mostly come from a box or a bag, and a store pie. Not hosting: bring the fruit turkey plate or the mashed potatoes, and you're done.

You need

  • 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 7 lb, thawed)
  • Make-ahead or tub mashed potatoes
  • 1-2 boxes stuffing + 2 Tbsp butter + 1 celery rib
  • 2 bags (16 oz) frozen whole green beans
  • Canned cranberry sauce + dinner rolls
  • Store-bought pumpkin pie + whipped cream

Do this

  1. Turkey: butter, salt, pepper, 325°F for 2 to 2½ hours, until 165°F in the thickest part.
  2. While it rests (20-30 minutes): oven up to 425°F, green beans in for 15 minutes.
  3. Same time: stuffing on the stove, potatoes in the microwave, rolls in the oven the last 5 minutes.
  4. Slice the cranberry, carve, pass. Pie after a walk.

If they won’t eat it: A plate of turkey, a roll and mashed potatoes counts. Nobody is grading the kids' plates today.

The full menu + Thursday timeline →
Pizza Friday: Leftover Naan Pizzas Friday15 min

The day

  • MorningStay-home dayPajamas, a puzzle or a board game on the table all day. Anyone can add a piece.
  • Everyone's jobPizza BuilderEveryone tops their own naan. That's the whole activity.
  • After dinnerMovie nightA Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (25 minutes, all ages), or Free Birds for 6+.

Dinner · 15 min

Pizza Friday: Leftover Naan Pizzas

Pizza Friday, leftover edition: naan as the crust, Saturday's saved marinara, cheese pizzas for the kids, and turkey + cranberry + mozzarella for the grown-ups.

You need

  • 1 pack naan (4-6)
  • 1 cup marinara (saved from Saturday)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • Leftover turkey, chopped
  • A few spoons of leftover cranberry sauce

Do this

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Put the naan on a sheet pan.
  2. Kids' pizzas: sauce and cheese. Grown-ups: a thin layer of cranberry, turkey, then cheese.
  3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until bubbly.
  4. Cut into strips. Week done.

If they won’t eat it: Cheese only. Still pizza.

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A thermos of taco soup, a lunchbox of chicken roll-up pinwheels with grapes and pretzels, and a home snack plate

Lunchboxes

Put this, this and this.

  • Taco soup thermos (Mon)
    • Warm taco soup in a thermos
    • A few tortilla chips to crush on top
    • Clementine
  • Chicken roll-up (Tue)
    • Tortilla + rotisserie chicken + cheese, rolled and sliced
    • Grapes
    • Pretzels
  • Kids home? Home lunch
    • Snack plate: cheese, crackers, fruit, leftovers
    • Or a 2-minute cheese quesadilla
    • Lots of schools are off Wed-Fri (some all week)
Plus 20 after-school snacks →
Kite in pajamas with a coffee

Dinner’s figured out before they ask.

Next week’s 7 easy dinners + the grocery list land in your inbox Saturday morning, before you shop. This week’s fridge page opens right here, no waiting.

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