For too many people, Thanksgiving Day is spent slaving over a hot stove, going out of your mind with grocery lists, and juggling so many dishes that something inevitably comes out inedible or explodes in the oven or some other kind of kitchen disaster occurs. Well, folks, peta2 is here to help (like always, duh) save you from these holiday woes with our guide to an “instant Thanksgiving.” These quick vegan Thanksgiving meal ideas and tips will suit all you lazy (or as I like to say, “super-efficient”), microwave-loving, awesome vegans out there. So this year, say goodbye to the stress and the worry (because ain’t nobody got time for that!) and check out our super-nifty Instant Vegan Thanksgiving Guide:

1. Gardein Savory Stuffed Turk’y

View this post on Instagram

Have YOU gotten your favorite Tofurkey Day roast yet? We did, and thank goodness— the store I got these at had sold out by the next time I went! Probably because I bought so many of them…? But that’s because I now have FIVE vegan eaters at my family’s Thanksgiving!??? And to think, only a few years ago, it was was just lil ol’ me, hunched in the corner of the kitchen, making my own vegan version of everything and getting teased at every turn…. now I have so much help and support, I only really have to bring the Tofurkeys!☺️?? Oh and I’ll be make a Caramel Sweet Potato Pie that I can’t wait to share with you guys too!???? Don’t give up on your families, people!! Your example alone can create so much change! It may not happen this year or next year, but just try to stay positive because you never know whose brain you may be implanting a vegan seed into!?☀️??? #planttheseed #watchitgrow #veganthanksgiving #tofurkeyday #veganfamily

A post shared by ♥ ??? ?????? ?? ?????♥ (@thefutureisvegan) on

This is SO cool: Gardein has essentially made an entire vegan Thanksgiving meal for two that’s microwavable and tasty as heck! It comes with two individual “turk’ys” and two packs of vegan gravy. Find it in a freezer section near you, and share it with a friend or enjoy (more than you’ve enjoyed anything else, ever) on the solo!

2. Gardein Turk’y Cutlet

 

It’s vegan, it’s frozen, and it comes with gravy. If that’s not perfection, then I don’t know what is. This delish turkey substitute will be the star of ANY instant vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Use Gardein’s store locator to find out where they’re sold, and make sure that you stock up before the holidays!

3. Frozen Veggies

SFW Frozen Veggies

OK, frozen veggies may not sound very exciting, but they’re literally the quickest and easiest side dish ever. Frozen Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas, broccoli, and cauliflower are all great options. Throw ’em in the microwave or in a skillet with some olive oil and seasoning and you’ll be stylin’!

4. Canned Cranberry Sauce

SFW Whole Cranberry Sauce Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray 

Try Ocean Spray brand—you can find it at almost ANY grocery store or market (and even at some dollar stores!). If you’re trying to get all fancy with your instant meal–loving self, I suggest using the Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce style. Otherwise, the Jellied Cranberry Sauce is a classic Thanksgiving staple!

5. Instant Mashed Potatoes

 

Go for Classic Idaho Spuds or Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes—just make sure that you use soy or almond milk or vegan butter in the recipe!

6. Stuffing Mix

SFW Whole Foods Vegan Stuffing

A Thanksgiving meal just isn’t complete without some deliciously carb-y stuffing. The key here is to find a pre-made vegan stuffing mix—that way you’ll be keeping your meal instant AND cruelty-free (YAAAAS). Try Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value Organic Stuffing (Vegan): Use the store locator to track down this gem!

7. Store-bought Vegan Pies

Now that you’ve succeeded in having the easiest, quickest, and tastiest totally vegan Thanksgiving dinner experience, make sure that you celebrate properly with some freakin’ PIE. In the true spirit of instant Thanksgiving, you’re obvi not going to be wasting your precious time and energy making dessert from scratch! The good news is that there are a ton of accidentally vegan pies out there—try Kirkland Signature Lattice Apple Pie, which is available at Costco, various pies from Marie Calkenders, Claim Jumper, and a huge selection of pies at Whole Foods!

frozen vegan apple pie

So cheers to the most painless (for both you and animals) Thanksgiving EVER! I hope it’s full of friends, family, and a TON of free time.

Download peta2’s free IPhone app to help even more animals this holiday season right from your phone!

peta2-banner-iPhone-app-610x250-v02