How To Host a Walmart Thanksgiving for Less Than $50
A Thanksgiving dinner for 10 could cost less than $50 at Walmart and still include holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and casseroles.
Grocery prices rose 1.8% over the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' September 2026 inflation report. But a family Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to stretch your wallet.
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We put together a budget-friendly Walmart shopping list totaling approximately $48.46 or $4.85 per person, based on prices listed on Walmart.com. Here's how to host a Walmart Thanksgiving for less than $50 and everything that goes into that meal.
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Butterball Frozen Whole Turkey
Price: $13.14
The turkey is the star of Thanksgiving dinner, but it doesn't have to take up much of your budget. Walmart lists its Butterball frozen whole turkey at 97 cents per pound, with an average listed price of $13.14.
According to Walmart, these 10- to 16-pound turkeys can serve seven to 11 people. For a gathering of 10, a larger bird could give your guests more generous portions and leftovers, although it would cost more.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Price: $3.28
A 5-pound bag of fresh russet potatoes costs approximately $2.47 at Walmart, providing enough for a large bowl of mashed potatoes.
Add three packets of Great Value brown gravy mix for 81 cents. The same gravy can go over the turkey and mashed potatoes.
Milk and butter are included later in our shopping list.
Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole
Price: $6.46
Two 6-ounce boxes of Great Value turkey-flavored stuffing mix cost approximately $1.96 combined. The boxed mix saves you from buying bread and seasonings separately.
For green bean casserole, you'll need the following.
Three 14.5-ounce cans of Great Value cut green beans: $1.50
Two 10.5-ounce cans of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup: $2
One 6-ounce bag of Great Value French fried onions: $1
The casserole ingredients total $4.50, which brings the cost of both dishes to $6.46.
Mac and Cheese, Dinner Rolls and Cranberry Sauce
Price: $7.36
Mac and cheese deserves a spot on the Thanksgiving table, especially when three boxes of Great Value original macaroni and cheese cost just $1.92 before milk and butter.
For bread, two 12-count packages of Great Value brown-and-serve dinner rolls cost $2 at their regular price. Warm them in the oven just before dinner and there's enough for everyone to grab a couple.
A little cranberry sauce helps balance out all those rich sides. Two 14-ounce cans of Great Value jellied cranberry sauce cost $3.44 combined and all you have to do is slice them up and serve.
Pumpkin Pie and Apple Cider
Price: $8.90
Walmart's 8-inch Freshness Guaranteed pumpkin pies cost $4.94 each at their regular price. Pick up two and you've got dessert covered without having to bake from scratch.
For drinks, two 64-ounce bottles of Great Value spiced apple cider cost $3.96 combined. Serve it chilled or warm it up for a cozy Thanksgiving drink.
Cooking Essentials
Price: $9.32
You'll also need milk, butter, salt and pepper for the sides. Below is what they cost at Walmart.
Great Value whole milk, half-gallon: $1.84
Great Value salted butter, four sticks: $2.96
Great Value iodized salt, 26 ounces: 94 cents
Great Value ground black pepper, 3 ounces: $3.58
These ingredients can be used across several dishes, like your mashed potatoes, stuffing and macaroni and cheese.
The Final Thanksgiving Dinner Total
Based on the listed prices, our estimated Walmart Thanksgiving dinner comes to $48.46 for approximately 10 people or about $4.85 per person.
That leaves $1.54 under the $50 budget, although prices may vary by store.
The turkey's final cost depends on its weight and the estimate excludes applicable taxes, delivery fees and serving supplies.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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