When you’re in full holiday prep mode, time is limited. Before you resort to takeout or a frozen dinner, try these three quick, easy meals plus a simple breakfast/snack option that can also help you get ahead on Thanksgiving prep.

The title collage featuring quick and easy main dishes that can be made while prepping for a holiday.

The week before a holiday is always busy. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s tempting to grab something quick from the drive-thru or slide a frozen entree into the oven. Instead, consider these three simple menus designed for speed, flavor, and minimal cleanup.

This Week’s Secret to Success

With lists to make and errands to run, prioritize meals that free your time while still delivering great food. This week:

Let your crock pot do the work—shredded BBQ chicken cooks hands-off and makes easy sandwiches while you finish other tasks.
Choose a one-dish option like Hearty Chili Mac that gets you in and out of the kitchen in about 30 minutes.
Add beans to the chili mac as suggested to skip a separate side dish.
Cut down on side dishes overall—you’ll have plenty of Thanksgiving sides next week. Serve chips with BBQ chicken sandwiches or tortilla soup for a no-fuss finish.
Make Creole Sausage Balls to serve as both breakfast and snack. Double the batch and freeze extras to be ahead on holiday prep.

Menu 1- Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is quick to make and full of bright, lively flavors—like a little fiesta in a bowl. It’s classic Tex‑Mex comfort food and can be on the table in 30 minutes or less if you use shredded rotisserie chicken. Serve with tortilla chips for a simple, satisfying meal.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Menu 2- Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

This easy slow‑cooker shredded BBQ chicken yields tender, flavorful sandwiches. A Tennessee‑style sauce with molasses and a hint of coffee adds depth. Pair with a bagged coleslaw mix and sliced apples for quick slaw, and serve potato chips to finish the meal without extra effort.

A Shredded Chicken BBQ Sandwich with pickles and a crock pot in the background.

Shredded Chicken BBQ Sandwich (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Crisp Apple Coleslaw with Homemade Buttermilk Dressing

Menu 3- Hearty Chili Mac

A one‑pot Chili Mac that’s ready in about 30 minutes is ideal for a packed week. Check the recipe notes for bean suggestions that let this dish serve as both main and side. Add rolls and you’ve got a complete, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

This is the best Chili Mac recipe made on the stove top & finished under the broiler in less than 30 minutes.

Hearty Chili Mac Casserole

A close up of a shortcut pull apart roll with a plate full of buttery rolls behind it.

Shortcut Pull Apart Rolls

Making Breakfast & Snacking Easy

Easy Creole Sausage Balls turn a familiar party appetizer into a convenient breakfast or snack. Make a double batch and freeze extras so you have ready-to-bake bites for busy mornings or for the week ahead.

Creole sausage balls are cheesy, savory appetizers for every party

New To Monday Menu?

Southern Discourse subscribers receive Monday Menus directly to their inbox, along with a short weekly scripture encouragement included in the post. The aim is to bring connection and friendship back to the table, rooted in the faith and grace that inspire true hospitality.

Subscribe to join the community and receive a weekly Monday Menu plus uplifting food for the soul.