5 Simple Stovetop Thanksgiving Recipes for Busy Cooks

Thanksgiving is a holiday that often brings with it the joy of gathering with family and friends, but the preparation for such a feast can be daunting, especially for those with busy schedules. If you're looking to enjoy the festivities without spending hours in the kitchen, stovetop recipes are your best friends. These dishes are not only quick to prepare but also offer delicious, comforting flavors that encapsulate the spirit of Thanksgiving.

1. Savory Thanksgiving Stuffing Skillet

Start your Thanksgiving feast with a Savory Thanksgiving Stuffing Skillet. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed (day-old is best)
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add onions, celery, and garlic, sautéing until they soften, about 7-8 minutes.
• Mix in thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
• Add the bread cubes, tossing to coat with the butter and vegetables.
• Pour the stock over the bread mixture, ensuring even distribution.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread absorbs the flavors.

📝 Note: For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken stock for vegetable stock.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin isn’t just for pies! Enjoy this Creamy Pumpkin Risotto, perfect as a side or a star dish:

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash, roasted and puréed (about 1 cup)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warm
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup dry white wine
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and nutmeg to taste
• Directions:
• In a large skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.
• Add Arborio rice, stirring until the grains are coated and begin to toast.
• Pour in the wine, cooking until it’s mostly absorbed.
• Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. After each addition, let the rice absorb the liquid before adding more.
• When the rice is nearly done, stir in the pumpkin purée.
• Finish with Parmesan, salt, and a hint of nutmeg.

3. Harvest Apple Cider Glazed Carrots

These Harvest Apple Cider Glazed Carrots offer a sweet, tangy twist to the traditional side:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cinnamon
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
• Directions:
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes.
• Add apple cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then simmer until the cider reduces to a syrupy glaze and carrots are tender.
• Garnish with thyme or parsley before serving.

4. Skillet Mashed Potato Pancakes

Utilize leftover mashed potatoes with these Skillet Mashed Potato Pancakes:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
• Oil for frying
• Sour cream for serving (optional)
• Directions:
• Combine mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, flour, and scallions in a bowl.
• Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Scoop tablespoons of the mixture into the skillet, flattening them into pancakes.
• Cook until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

5. Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Stew

To round off your meal, prepare this Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Stew:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups shredded or cubed leftover turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Directions:
• In a skillet, heat oil, then sauté onions and garlic until aromatic.
• Add the turkey, broth, cream, and seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the vegetables, cooking until they are just tender.
• Thicken the stew with the cornstarch mixture, then serve hot.

📝 Note: This stew can easily be adjusted for different diets by using plant-based cream or additional vegetables.

To wrap up your festive Thanksgiving, these stovetop recipes offer an efficient way to bring delicious and traditional flavors to the table without overwhelming yourself in the kitchen. Each dish not only simplifies your cooking experience but also retains the essence of Thanksgiving, encouraging you to enjoy the holiday with those you love.

Can I make these dishes ahead of time?

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Yes, some recipes like the Stuffing Skillet and Potato Pancakes can be prepped in advance. The stuffing can be made the day before, stored in the fridge, and reheated. Potato Pancakes can be mixed and shaped ahead, refrigerated, and fried when needed.

What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes?

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If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can still make the Potato Pancakes by boiling and mashing fresh potatoes. Ensure they are well drained and cooled before mixing with other ingredients.

Can I use different vegetables for the Turkey Stew?

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Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate any Thanksgiving leftover vegetables you have, or use whatever is in your freezer or pantry. The stew is quite versatile.