November Menu Plan (Thanksgiving Week!) – Jamie Cooks It Up
Introduction
As Thanksgiving approaches, planning every meal becomes essential to keep the week stress-free and enjoyable. With the November Menu Plan for Thanksgiving Week from Jamie Cooks It Up, you’ll have classic comfort foods, simple weeknight dinners, and, of course, that stunning Thanksgiving feast all thoughtfully laid out. This comprehensive plan takes the guesswork out of the busiest cooking week of the year, so you can savor favorite flavors without scrambling at the last minute.
Why You’ll Love This November Menu Plan
This menu plan stands out for its balance of classic Thanksgiving recipes and easy weekday meals, ensuring your family is well-fed both before and after the holiday. Each meal is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss—delicious casseroles, hearty soups, and clever leftover ideas tuck seamlessly alongside the iconic turkey dinner. It’s the ideal way to deliver memorable meals all week, keep your kitchen running smoothly, and spend more time enjoying the holiday.
Day-by-Day Thanksgiving Week Meal Lineup
From comforting breakfasts to quick weekday dinners and, of course, the main event, here’s a sample November Menu Plan for Thanksgiving week inspired by Jamie Cooks It Up:
- Monday: Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup, Homemade Rolls, and a Green Salad
- Tuesday: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, Fresh Fruit
- Wednesday: Easy Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread (make extra for leftovers!)
- Thursday: Thanksgiving Day – Roast Turkey, Classic Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Almondine, Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Pie
- Friday: Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches, Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes, and a Crisp Apple Salad
- Saturday: BBQ Chicken Pizza, Veggie Tray
- Sunday: Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
Shopping List for the Week
Here are the commonly used ingredients to stock up on for a smooth Thanksgiving week:
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this entire menu to instantly generate a categorized shopping list—perfect for staying organized during one of the year’s busiest cooking weeks!
Instructions for a Smooth Thanksgiving Week
- Pre-plan and shop: Review the menu and shopping list by the weekend before Thanksgiving. Check your pantry for staples and note any special ingredients needed for holiday dishes.
- Meal prep early: Prepare casseroles, wash produce, and mix sauces or dressings ahead. Many bakes and side dishes can be assembled and refrigerated the night before.
- Organize the fridge: Designate space for make-ahead items, leftovers, and the turkey. Use labeled containers for easy access.
- Thanksgiving Day prep: Start early with the turkey. Prep salads and sides while the bird roasts. Assign family members simple tasks (like mashing potatoes or setting the table) to streamline the process.
- Enjoy leftovers: Use Friday and Saturday meals to repurpose leftover turkey, potatoes, and sides, minimizing waste and kitchen time.
Weekly Meal Planning
A detailed meal plan not only simplifies Thanksgiving Day—it transforms the entire week! Save and schedule your full menu plan to automatically generate master shopping lists and organize prep tasks for each meal.
Planning Benefits:
- Quickly combine ingredients from every meal into a single, organized grocery list
- See recipes scheduled by day to coordinate prep and cooking times
- Track leftovers and overlap ingredients (like eggs or dairy) to prevent unnecessary purchases
- Easily adjust servings for family gatherings or changing plans
- Streamline cleanup and reduce food waste by efficiently planning use of leftovers
Pro tip: Scheduling your Thanksgiving menu and weeknight recipes together means shopping lists are always complete and only what you’ll actually need. Try CookifyAI to save time and ensure nothing is forgotten during the busiest culinary week of the year.
Cook and Prep Times
Total Prep Time: 1–2 hours for early meal prep, 30–60 minutes for most weeknight dinners, and 2–4 hours for Thanksgiving Day
Total Cook Times: Varies by day; Thanksgiving dinner requires the most time, with casseroles and soups fitting into busy weekdays
Recap: Stress-Free November Menu Plan for Thanksgiving Week
A smart menu plan brings order, flavor, and fun to Thanksgiving week. By using the November Menu Plan inspired by Jamie Cooks It Up and leveraging powerful meal-planning tools, you’ll ensure nourishing meals, happy guests, and a smooth holiday—so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying time with family and celebrating together.