The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food, and creating warm memories. But with the cost of everything rising, planning a holiday meal that satisfies both your family and your wallet can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry! We’ve got plenty of tips, recipes, and inspiration to help you whip up a festive feast that won’t break the bank.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Dollar Tree gift card.

@DollarTreeDinners

One standout resource is the wildly popular TikTok account @DollarTreeDinners, which proves you don’t need a big budget to make amazing meals. From casseroles packed with holiday flavors to simple, comforting desserts, their recipes are easy, affordable, and perfect for celebrating the season without financial stress.

@dollartreedinners
Part 1: Making a $25 @dollargeneral Christmas Dinner The final menu: Deviled Eggs Pineapple glazed ham Brown sugar carrots Green Bean casserole Mac & Cheese Scalloped potatoes Yeast rolls Pineapple Upside down cake The shopping list: Cooked ham slices $3.50 Brown sugar $2.00 Pineapple slices $2.00 White cake mix $1.75 Eggs $2.50 Dijon mustard $1.50 Mayonnaise $3.25 Evaporated milk $1.15 Margarine $1.50 Yeast rolls $3.00 2 cans of carrots $2.00 2 cans of french style green beans $1.34 Cream of mushroom soup $1.00 Funyuns $0.50 Scalloped potatoes $2.15 Mac and cheese $0.85 Total Cost $24.74 plus tax Pineapple upside down cake Preheat oven to 350 degrees, brush a 9×13 baking dish with oil or cooking spray. Melt 1/4 cup (half a stick) of margarine in the microwave and pour into baking dish. Add 1 cup of brown sugar and spread in an even layer. Drain pineapple (save juice) and cut slices in half. Layer slices on top of the brown sugar mixture, set aside. Mix cake mix with water, oil, and eggs as instructed. I used 1/2 a cup of pineapple juice in place of some of the water. Pour over pineapples and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and then flip onto a cookie sheet or serving tray. #dollargeneral #budgetchristmas #christmasdinner #christmasrecipes #holidaymeals #howtoeatforcheap #cheapchristmas #easychristmasdinner
♬ original sound – Dollar Tree Dinners – Dollar Tree Dinners

Christmas Dinner for $25

This video is part one of a two-part series that transforms $25 worth of dollar-store groceries into an assortment of Christmas dishes including pineapple-glazed ham, deviled eggs, brown sugar, carrots, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, yeast rolls, and pineapple-upside down cake. Part two can be found here.

“You have no idea how these have helped me! My husband’s lost his job and we use these recipes to just make it through the week! Thank you!” wrote one TikTok user.

@dollartreedinners
Let’s Make 5 Family Dinners on a $50 Budget! Dinner 4: Baked Ravioli #budgetmeals #stretchyourdollar #tendollardinner #budgetcooking #easydinner #frugalliving #familymeals #homecooking #comfortfood #dinnerforfour #lasagna
♬ original sound – Dollar Tree Dinners – Dollar Tree Dinners

Baked Ravioli With Sides

This hearty lasagna-style dish has very few ingredients and only costs about $7.50 to feed 4-5 people. It could easily be doubled if you are having a large holiday gathering.

“Was just thinking about how much I miss lasagna. Sooo expensive to make but this is such a good substitute,” a fan commented.

@dollartreedinners
One Pot Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Noodles #onepotmeals #dinnerideas #familyfriendlyrecipes #chickenpotpie #chickenpotpienoodles #budgetfriendlydinners #cookingthroughmyfreezer #easydinnerideas #onepanmeal #whatsfordinner
♬ original sound – Dollar Tree Dinners – Dollar Tree Dinners

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Noodles

For winter weather, there is this tasty twist on a comfort food classic. With all the flavors of a pot pie and the addition of tender egg noodles, it will keep bellies and hearts warm.

“I just made this for tonight and it’s DELICIOUS. Thank you as always for another great dinner suggestion,” wrote one DollarTreeDinners enthusiast.

@dollartreedinners
Thanksgiving Dinner you can make for under $12! Ingredients: 1 package Idahoan Original Mashed potatoes 1 can french style green beans (can also use frozen) 2 cans of turkey (drained, broth reserved) 1 packet Pionner roasted turkey gravy mix 1 box turkey stuffing mix Dried cranberries (soaked in water to rehydrate) Milk Margarine Chicken Broth Total cost $11.25 Prepare the mashed potaotes, follow the package instructions but substitute some or all of the water with chicken broth. Season well with salt & pepper and spread evenly into a baking dish as layer 1. Spread on a can of drained french style green beans (if desired, this layer can also be green bean casserole by mixing 2 cans of green beans with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and some french fried onions) Drain the canned turkey, saving the broth for the gravy, shred the turkey well with a fork and spread it over the green beans. Use the reserved turkey broth and water to prepare the roasted turkey gravy according to the package instructions. Pour the gravy evenly over the turkey. Follow the stuffing mix instructions substituting all or some of the water with chicken broth and fold in the soaked cranberries. Spread the stuffing layer evenly over the casserole as the final layer. Dot the top of the stuffing layer with small pats of margarin and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Enjoy! #thanksgivingonabudget #budgetfriendlymeals #dollartreerecipes #thanksgivingcasserole #budgetcooking #comfortfood #casserolerecipes #holidaycooking #3coursemeal
♬ original sound – Dollar Tree Dinners – Dollar Tree Dinners

Best of Thanksgiving Casserole

As mentioned, this video got a lot of praise around Thanksgiving. It combines mashed potatoes, green beans, canned turkey, gravy, stuffing and cranberries for a casserole that combines traditional flavors in a unique way.

“As someone who mixes everything on their plate at Thanksgiving, this is GENIUS!! Much more affordable and far less wasteful than making each separate dish!” one commenter noted.

@dollartreedinners
Budget Holiday Desserts – Tiger Stripe “Fudge” You will need: 2 jars of peanut butter $2.50 1 jar of vanilla or cream cheese frosting $1.25 1 jar of chocolate fudge frosting $1.25 Total Cost $5.00 Open and remove all foil seals from peanut butter and frosting. Microwave each container for 1 minute. Pour 1 jar of peanut butter and white frosting into a bowl and mix together, pour the other jar of peanut butter and chocolate frosting into another bowl and also mix togehter. Line a 9×13 baking dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper and pour in your two colors alternating between them. Swirl with a spoon or a knife and then refrigerate until set (2 hours) or freeze for 30 minutes to an hour. Cut into square and keep refrigerated until serving. I cut into 28 pieces. (or freeze them, we have been eating them frozen and they are so good) #dollartreedinners #easyfudge #easyfudgerecipe #2ingredientfudge #peanutbutterfudge #christmasdesserts #holidaydesserts #budgetpartyfood #easypotluckideas #nobakerecipe #nobakedessert
♬ original sound – Dollar Tree Dinners – Dollar Tree Dinners

Tiger Stripe Fudge

An easy $5 holiday dessert? Yes, please. This one only takes three ingredients and looks like a work of art.

“I did this recipe yesterday and we made 2 batches…one with added pretzels before going in the fridge. They’re both heavenly,” wrote one mom.

Image of holiday dinner items on a kitchen counter - rolls, pineapple upside-down cake, ham, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and deviled eggs.

Tips for Saving on Holiday Meal Shopping

Plan Ahead
- Write out your menu and shopping list early. Stick to it to avoid impulse buys.
Shop Sales and Use Coupons
- Check your local grocery ads and digital coupons for discounts on holiday staples like ham, turkey, and canned goods.
Buy Generic
- Store-brand products often taste just as good as name brands and are significantly cheaper.
Stretch Ingredients
- Look for recipes that use affordable, versatile ingredients like rice, pasta, or canned vegetables.
Make It a Potluck
- If hosting, ask guests to contribute a dish or dessert. It lightens your workload and saves money.
Repurpose Leftovers
- Transform leftover ingredients into new dishes like casseroles or soups for a second round of meals without extra cost.

Wrapping It All Up

Creating a special holiday meal on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. With some smart planning and inspiration from @DollarTreeDinners, you can delight your family and friends while keeping your finances in check. Enjoy the holidays without the stress and savor every moment around the table.