Easy Trader Joe's Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
If you're like me and want a holiday meal that's full of flavor but low on stress, then my Trader Joe's Thanksgiving Dinner for 2 is exactly what you need! When my husband and I first moved away from our families, I wanted to create a special Thanksgiving day tradition that allowed us to spend more time together and less time in the kitchen. That’s when I turned to Trader Joe’s and their tasty, affordable, ready-made options.
Inspiration Behind This Meal
When my husband and I got married, right away we moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. We were away from all of our family.
I wanted to create a fun Thanksgiving tradition for us without the blood, sweat, and tears that go into a gourmet Thanksgiving meal.
I wanted to spend more time hanging out with my partner vs. in the kitchen cooking.
I knew I wasn’t the only one to feel this way.
I wanted to create a stress-free dinner for those who wanted to spend more time HANGING OUT vs. cooking. Hope you enjoy my easy take on a fun Thanksgiving meal!
Why You'll Like This Meal
You can have an entire Thanksgiving dinner ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
No dishes. No cleaning up the next day!
It’s equally as great as homemade, a great option if you still want to taste the delicious flavors of traditional Thanksgiving meals.
Spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time actually enjoying the holiday!
Ingredients You'll Need
The best part of this meal is how affordable it is—just $43 for the entire meal! Here's what you'll need for an effortless Thanksgiving spread:
Grass-Fed Beef Sirloin Roast ($13.99/lb): Fully cooked and perfectly seasoned, just bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. A juicy, flavorful centerpiece without the hassle.
Four Cheese Scalloped Potatoes ($5.99): Creamy and cheesy with parmesan, asiago, fontina, and provolone. Just heat, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve. A great way to bring delicious side dishes to your holiday meals.
Trader Joe’s Cornbread Stuffing ($5.99): Made with cornbread croutons, apples, cranberries, and savory herbs. An easy, delicious side dish that tastes just like homemade.
Roasted Vegetables ($5.99): A colorful mix of sweet potato, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and more. No prep required—just heat and enjoy. These veggies are the perfect way to add vibrant, fresh flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese ($3.79): Mezzi rigatoni with creamy gouda, cheddar, and parmesan, all blended with butternut squash for a holiday twist on classic mac and cheese. This is a great way to add a seasonal spin to a classic side.
Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cakes ($3.99): Pumpkin-flavored bundt cakes with dates, brown sugar, and a sticky caramel sauce. Microwave for a quick, warm dessert!
Coconut Whipped Cream ($3.29): A light, dairy-free topping that’s perfect for desserts. Adds a slight coconut sweetness to finish off the meal.
All items can be found at Trader Joe’s, but similar ready-made options are often available at other grocery stores. Just check the ready-made or frozen sections for Thanksgiving foods!
How to Make Trader Joe's Thanksgiving for 2
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Take 2 large baking sheets and unbox the scalloped potatoes, cornbread stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Place the three containers on one baking sheet next to each other, then put it in the oven for 25 minutes.
3. On the second baking sheet, add the butternut squash mac and cheese. Remove the plastic wrap from the pumpkin sticky toffee cake and place it on this baking sheet.
4. Line a section of the second baking sheet with aluminum foil and add the sirloin and its juices to the foil. Fold up the four sides of the foil to keep the juices contained.
5. Top the sirloin with butter and fresh thyme. Place this baking sheet in the oven for 15 minutes, starting about 10 minutes after you put the first baking sheet in.
6. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove both baking sheets from the oven.
7. Plate the food and garnish with fresh herbs on top.
8. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes:
Check out my non-perishable Thanksgiving list!
FAQs
-
To make your Trader Joe's Thanksgiving Dinner for 2 even better, think about adding creamy mashed potatoes, a classic side for roast beef, and festive mini pumpkin pies for dessert—either homemade or from a local bakery. Green bean casserole brings a comforting touch, while candied sweet potatoes offer delightful sweetness. A tangy cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors, completing your holiday meal perfectly!
-
This meal is great for two or a small Thanksgiving gathering, but the best way to adapt it for larger groups is to grab some extra items from Trader Joe's, such as additional sides or proteins, to ensure there's plenty for everyone!
This sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner is a fantastic option for those of us celebrating our first time with a small Thanksgiving dinner. It’s perfect for turkey day with fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without the stress of cooking a massive feast. Whether it's just you and your partner or a small group of friends, this smaller-scale meal is sure to bring everyone together around the table!
Happy Thanksgiving!