There’s something about the weekend after Thanksgiving that feels just as cozy as the main event itself. The aroma of roasted turkey still lingers in the kitchen, the fridge is packed with containers of stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce—and there’s that familiar question every family faces: What do we do with all these leftovers?
For my family, the answer came one chilly Saturday afternoon. My mom pulled out the leftover turkey and stuffing, layered them in a casserole dish, and added a creamy sauce with a sprinkle of cheese on top. The oven’s warmth filled the kitchen, and soon we were scooping out spoonfuls of bubbling comfort. That first bite was pure nostalgia—rich, hearty, and somehow even better than Thanksgiving dinner itself.
From that moment on, our Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Casserole became a family tradition. It wasn’t just about using what was left; it was about reliving the holiday warmth in a new way. The flavors of turkey, herbs, and gravy mingled perfectly with the crispy stuffing top, creating something that felt both familiar and exciting. Each year, it brings back that same cozy, homey feeling—and a whole new appreciation for holiday leftovers.
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Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Casserole You’ll Love All Season
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty casserole transforms post-Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing into a creamy, cheesy bake perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a quick, comforting way to repurpose leftovers and enjoy holiday flavors all season.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
2. in a large bowl combine cream of chicken soup and milk or gravy
3. add turkey, vegetables, herbs, and half of the cheese then stir to coat
4. spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish
5. top with leftover stuffing and drizzle melted butter over the top
6. sprinkle remaining cheese over the stuffing layer
7. bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and topping is golden
8. let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: leftover turkey casserole, turkey stuffing casserole, holiday leftovers, turkey casserole recipe, thanksgiving leftovers, leftover casserole ideas, stuffing casserole, turkey dinner leftovers
Why We Love Turning Leftovers Into Something Special
Turning leftover dishes into a brand-new meal is one of the small joys of the holiday season. Instead of reheating last night’s dinner as-is, you get to reinvent it—transforming familiar flavors into something that feels fresh again. A Turkey Casserole With Stuffing does exactly that. It captures the heart of Thanksgiving in a simple, satisfying meal that’s ready in less time than it takes to set the holiday table.
There’s a real satisfaction in giving those extra bits of turkey and stuffing new life. These turkey and stuffing leftover recipes not only save time but also help reduce food waste—something every home cook can appreciate after a big feast. You’ll find that the flavor of roasted turkey deepens over a day or two, the herbs in the stuffing become richer, and the combination tastes even better when baked together in a creamy casserole.
Plus, this dish is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re crafting an easy holiday leftover casserole for a quick family dinner or experimenting with new twists like adding vegetables, cheese, or a drizzle of cranberry sauce, it’s a recipe that fits your mood and your ingredients. It’s comfort food that honors the holiday spirit while making weeknight cooking a little bit easier and a whole lot more delicious.
So let’s turn those leftovers into something truly worth gathering around again—the Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Casserole that keeps the warmth of Thanksgiving alive all season long.
How to Make the Best Turkey Casserole With Stuffing
Gathering the Ingredients for Your Turkey Dinner Leftover Idea
One of the best things about this Turkey Casserole With Stuffing is that you already have most of the ingredients ready to go. This recipe transforms what’s left from your holiday feast into an easy, hearty meal that warms everyone up. Whether you’re using leftover turkey breast or a mix of dark and white meat, this turkey breast casserole recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples and leftover sides.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked turkey (cubed or shredded) | 3 cups | Use white or dark meat, or a mix. |
| Leftover stuffing | 3 cups | Fresh or reheated; make sure it’s moist but not soggy. |
| Cream of chicken or mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Adds creaminess—homemade or canned. |
| Milk or turkey gravy | ½ cup | Adjust for preferred thickness. |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 2 cups | Peas, carrots, or green beans work well. |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Optional, for a gooey and golden topping. |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp | Helps crisp up the stuffing topping. |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning to preference. |
| Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) | 1 tbsp | Optional but adds fresh flavor. |
This ingredient list assumes you’re working with already-cooked items, making it the perfect quick holiday leftover recipe. You’ll only need a few tools: a large mixing bowl, a spatula or wooden spoon, and a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation – From Leftovers to Comfort Food
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine the creamy base. In a large bowl, mix together the cream soup and milk (or gravy). Add your chopped turkey, vegetables, herbs, and cheese if desired. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer it up. Spread the turkey mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Spoon the stuffing on top, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over for crispness.
- Bake to perfection. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden-brown on top.
- Cool slightly. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving to help layers set.
- Moist but not soggy: If the stuffing feels dry, drizzle turkey broth or gravy before baking.
- Crispy topping: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra crunch.
- Creamy, cozy center: Coat turkey evenly; don’t overdo the liquid.
- Let it rest: This prevents the casserole from falling apart when served.
This Turkey Casserole With Stuffing turns leftovers into comfort food worth repeating all season long.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Holiday Leftover Casserole
Flavor Twists and Add-Ins to Keep It Fresh
One of the best parts about making a Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is how easy it is to personalize. Once you’ve mastered the base, try adding extra flavor layers or quick swaps:
- Add extra creaminess: Blend in cream cheese or sour cream to enrich the sauce.
- Try a different cheese: Swiss, mozzarella, or Parmesan each bring their own twist.
- Incorporate fresh veggies: Mix in leftover green beans, broccoli, or sautéed onions for added color and nutrients.
- Sweet and savory touch: Add cranberry sauce between layers or mix apple chunks into stuffing for brightness.
- Go with ground turkey: Brown ground turkey as a quick substitute—a great Ground Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe.
- Switch the sauce: Use béchamel, cheese sauce, or gravy for a richer base.
Every variation keeps the comfort while giving you new flavors to enjoy throughout the season.
Serving and Storing Your Turkey and Stuffing Leftover Recipes
Once your Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is baked to golden perfection, serving and storing it right ensures delicious results every time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic and cozy: Serve warm from the dish with gravy drizzled on top.
- Light & fresh: Pair with a salad or green vegetables for balance.
- Brunch-style: Top a slice with a fried egg—simple and decadent.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Cool completely and cover; keeps fresh up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly or portion into containers; lasts up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover for crispness.
Refreshing the flavor: Add a splash of broth or gravy before reheating, sprinkle with cheese or herbs, and serve with cranberry sauce or veggies to brighten the dish.
With these storage and reheating tricks, your Turkey Dinner Leftover Ideas will taste fresh from the oven every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey & Stuffing Leftover Recipes
Can I use ground turkey instead of roasted turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey brings a lighter texture while keeping comforting flavors. Brown it with a touch of oil, salt, and herbs before adding to the casserole base for a quick Ground Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Moisture is key. Drizzle turkey broth or gravy over dry stuffing before baking and cover with foil while reheating to trap steam. Uncover at the end to crisp the topping.
Can I freeze turkey and stuffing casserole?
Yes. Cool, portion, and wrap tightly. It keeps up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F covered with foil for 20–25 minutes, removing the foil at the end for golden texture.
What are the best sides to serve with this holiday leftover casserole?
Pair it with fresh sides like salads, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli. For something richer, mashed sweet potatoes or cranberry sauce complement those Thanksgiving leftovers recipes ideas perfectly.
Bringing It All Together — The Comfort of a Leftover Turkey Casserole
A Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort and tradition. Each layer of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce brings back the joy of the holidays while keeping dinner simple and satisfying.
This Turkey Casserole With Stuffing extends the spirit of family gatherings beyond Thanksgiving Day, offering easy warmth for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. When the holiday feast is over and the fridge is full, this is the dish that brings everyone back together.
Turn your leftovers into something extraordinary—because sometimes, the best meals are the ones that come after the feast.
