Budget-friendly turkey cuts for small families

My family loves a traditional Thanksgiving meal, so much so that we buy an extra turkey when they’re on sale and freeze it to enjoy later in the winter.

But not all of us have the freezer space or the patience to thaw and cook a whole frozen turkey. And if your family is small, like mine, there can be a lot of leftovers to manage.

When you want the taste of the holidays without the hassle, try the many budget-friendly, quick-cooking Thanksgiving turkey alternatives available at most grocery stores.

Here are three easy options that deliver classic holiday flavors with less fuss and cost.

Easy Thanksgiving turkey alternatives that save money

Boneless turkey breast roast. This lean, quick-cooking alternative to a whole turkey is also a bargain, says Gretta Irwin, executive director of the Iowa Turkey Federation.

For example, you can find a 48-ounce boneless turkey breast roast (about 16 servings) for about $12 during the holidays at stores like Aldi. “Great for leftovers!” Irwin says.

Set it in the slow cooker on low for 3.5 to 4.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll enjoy juicy turkey and free up your oven. Turkey breast roasts are also great on the grill.

Recipe: Slow-cooker boneless turkey breast roast

Preseasoned turkey tenderloins. Find preseasoned turkey tenderloins in the meat case. Look for them at Hy-Vee, Walmart, Target or your local grocery store. “Toss into an air fryer, and it’s dinner for about eight,” Irwin says.

Recipe: Air-fryer turkey tenderloin for quick weeknights

Ground turkey. Perfect for recipes kids love, ground turkey is lower in price, calories and fat, and it’s versatile for meal planning all year-round, Irwin says. Try it in pasta dishes, tacos, burgers and more.

Recipe: Gobbleritto

Iowa farmers raise safe, high-quality turkey for your family

No matter which cut you choose, Iowa farmers are behind every safe, high-quality turkey.

Iowa is one of the top states in the nation for turkey production, and Iowa turkey farmers have generations of experience caring for their flocks and the land.

Turkey farmers follow strict biosecurity and third-party-audited animal care standards so the turkey on your table is safe, nutritious and responsibly raised.

Iowa farmers are committed to animal care, food safety and being good stewards of their farms and communities.

See how Iowa farmers care for turkeys and ensure food safety at RealFarmersRealFoodRealMeat.com. 

Learn more about author Teresa Bjork here.