One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner

One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe - Quick and Easy

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

History

This recipe was created for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a homemade Thanksgiving meal without the time-consuming preparation. By using pre-cooked ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this recipe allows you to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in just one hour.

Ingredients

1 x 5–6 lb (2.72 kg) fully pre-cooked smoked turkey breast. Certain brands are readily available in almost every U.S. supermarket. However, they must be fully-cooked frozen turkey breast, as they only require 1 hour of heating. Avoid processed turkey breast loaf. Average price: $10–$12
2 cans of desired vegetables. Average price: $1.50
1–2 box packages of instant potatoes or stuffing. Average price: $1.50-$3.00
1 package of 12 instant frozen biscuits. The frozen home-baked butter variety works best. It is important that the biscuits in a can are not used. Average price: $2
1 package of turkey gravy mix. Average price: $1
1 small disposable aluminum turkey pan with built-in rack. Average price: $2
1 can of spray oil (can be substituted with regular vegetable oil). Average price: $1
1 pre-made pumpkin pie. Average price: $6. (Optional)
1–2 cans of cranberry sauce. Average price: $1. (Optional)

How to prepare

Thaw the turkey breast. A frozen 5–6 lb (2.72 kg) breast will thaw within one day in the refrigerator. Make sure to purchase a frozen fully pre-cooked breast. Look for the words "heat and serve" on the package.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Remove the turkey from the bag and place it in an aluminum roasting pan.
Spray the turkey with cooking oil. If using regular vegetable oil, rub the breast with it.
Place the turkey breast in the oven on the middle rack.
Cook for 15 minutes.
Prepare the gravy mix according to the package directions.
Place the vegetables on the stove set to low heat.
Prepare the instant potatoes or stuffing according to the package directions.
On a small pan, lay out your frozen biscuits allowing them to touch one another. By this point, the turkey breast should have been cooking for 30 minutes.
Place your biscuits on the lower rack. The biscuits will cook just fine with the turkey in the oven and will be ready in 25–30 minutes. Check them at 20 minutes to ensure they do not burn.
Finish preparing your instant potatoes or stuffing, instant gravy, and vegetables. Place them in serving dishes if desired. Place the cranberry sauce in a serving dish. If you are serving pie along with the dinner, you will also need to place the pie on a serving dish. If a frozen pie has been purchased, follow the microwave directions.
At the end of the hour, remove the turkey. It is recommended that you use a food thermometer to ensure it has reached a temperature of 160°F (71°C) — the minimum temperature necessary to kill any bacteria that may have survived the freezing process. Remove the turkey and serve.

Leftovers

There are many uses for leftover turkey. Sliced turkey leftovers can be used to make sandwiches or turkey biscuits.
The portion along the bone can be used to prepare turkey soup. Place it in a soup pot along with 4 cups of water, 1 chopped onion, 2 tbsp salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 2 hours. Add another cup of water, spices to taste, desired vegetables such as carrots or potatoes, and noodles. Simmer for an additional hour and a half.

Variations

Use different vegetables or side dishes based on personal preferences.
Add herbs and spices to the turkey breast for extra flavor.
Substitute the turkey breast with a whole turkey if desired.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thaw the turkey breast fully before cooking to ensure even cooking.

- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Keep an eye on the biscuits in the oven to prevent burning.

- Prepare all side dishes and gravy while the turkey is cooking to save time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner with cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and a side of green beans for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The main cooking techniques used in this recipe are roasting and stovetop cooking. The turkey breast is roasted in the oven while the vegetables and gravy are cooked on the stovetop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh vegetables instead of canned if preferred.

- Substitute the instant stuffing with homemade stuffing if desired.

- Use homemade gravy instead of a gravy mix.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and side dishes ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. The turkey breast can also be thawed in advance.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner on a large platter with all the side dishes arranged neatly. Garnish with fresh herbs or cranberries for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this meal with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner contains approximately 400-500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this meal mainly come from the instant stuffing, instant potatoes, and biscuits. Each serving contains approximately 40-50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this meal come from the turkey breast, gravy, and biscuits. Each serving contains approximately 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The main source of protein in this meal is the turkey breast. Each serving contains approximately 30-40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This meal is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially from the vegetables and turkey breast. It provides a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (in the biscuits and stuffing) and soy (in the gravy mix). It may also contain dairy if using butter in the recipe.

Summary

Overall, this One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner provides a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a quick and easy way to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Summary

This One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a cold and rainy day, perfect for staying indoors and trying out a new dish. I had heard about this One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner from a dear friend of mine who swore by its simplicity and deliciousness.

I remember the day vividly - the aroma of roasting turkey and savory herbs filled my kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. As I followed the recipe step by step, I couldn't help but think back to all the years I had spent perfecting my cooking skills, learning from my mother and grandmother who were both excellent cooks in their own right.

My mother had always told me that the secret to a good meal was love and attention to detail. As I seasoned the turkey with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika, I felt her presence in the kitchen, guiding me along the way.

The recipe called for a simple stuffing made of breadcrumbs, onions, celery, and sage. As I mixed the ingredients together, I couldn't help but smile at the memories of my childhood, watching my mother prepare the stuffing for our Thanksgiving feasts.

The timer beeped, signaling that it was time to take the turkey out of the oven. The skin was golden and crispy, the meat tender and juicy. I couldn't believe that I had managed to cook a Thanksgiving dinner in just one hour - a feat that would have seemed impossible to me years ago.

As I set the table with all the trimmings - mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin pie - I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had managed to create a delicious and hearty meal in such a short amount of time, thanks to this amazing recipe that had been passed down to me.

As my family gathered around the table, their faces lit up with joy and anticipation. They knew that a feast was in store for them, thanks to my newfound recipe. As we dug into the meal, the room filled with laughter and chatter, the sound of forks clinking against plates filling the air.

I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that had been passed down to me through the generations. My grandmother had always told me that food was a way to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime. And as I sat at the head of the table, watching my loved ones enjoy the meal that I had prepared with love and care, I knew that she was right.

So here I am, sharing this recipe with you, my dear grandchild, in the hopes that you will continue the tradition of cooking and sharing meals with those you love. Remember, the secret ingredient is always love - it's what makes every dish truly special. And who knows, maybe one day you'll create your own One-Hour Thanksgiving Dinner that will be passed down through the generations, just like this one.