Comforting Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about turning your Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new meal. Imagine layers of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes baked to bubbly perfection—a warm, cozy casserole that’s as comforting as your favorite holiday sweater. This recipe is my go-to for making sure not a single bit of our Thanksgiving feast goes to waste. And honestly, it’s so delicious that my family looks forward to it just as much as the big day itself!

I started making this casserole years ago when I realized how overwhelming the fridge looked after Thanksgiving. With bits of turkey, cranberry sauce, and random bowls of mashed potatoes staring back at me, I thought, “Why not make it into one dish?” The result was everything I hoped for: creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and packed with the flavors of Thanksgiving. Trust me, this recipe is worth gathering up every last leftover!

This comforting Thanksgiving leftover casserole isn’t just practical—it’s a celebration of everything we love about the holiday. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, easy to customize, and absolutely soul-soothing. Let’s dive into how you can make it your new post-holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Waste: This casserole uses up every bit of those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers, so nothing goes to waste. It’s sustainable and satisfying!
• Comes together in under 30 minutes of prep time with minimal effort—perfect for the day after Thanksgiving when you’re all about relaxing!
• One Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together for easy cleanup and a stress-free meal.
• Customizable: Swap in whatever leftovers you have—green beans, sweet potatoes, or gravy. This recipe is all about making it your own.
• Comforting & Delicious: The creamy mashed potatoes, juicy turkey, and savory stuffing combine to create a flavor-packed dish that’s like a warm hug in casserole form.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether it’s just your family or you’ve got guests staying over, this hearty casserole will satisfy everyone at the table.
• Holiday Nostalgia: Relive the best flavors of Thanksgiving without the stress of cooking an entire feast!

This isn’t just any leftover recipe—it’s the ultimate way to enjoy Thanksgiving all over again. The layers of flavor and texture make it a standout, and it’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this recipe will soon become a holiday tradition in your home.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Thanksgiving leftover casserole comes together with ingredients you likely already have from your holiday feast. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped: This is the star of the dish, bringing that juicy, savory flavor.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they form the top layer of the casserole.
• Stuffing: Adds texture and zesty seasoning to the dish.
• Green beans or other leftover veggies: Optional, but a great way to sneak in some greens.
• Gravy: The key to adding moisture and richness to the casserole.
• Cranberry sauce (optional): Adds a tangy-sweet contrast that works beautifully with the savory flavors.
• Shredded cheese (optional): For a golden, bubbly finish on top.
• Butter: A little drizzle over the top helps achieve that golden crust.

Feel free to swap out or add ingredients based on what you have leftover. Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even roasted carrots can all find a home in this casserole!

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly, but you can adjust based on the amount of leftovers.
• Mixing bowls: Helpful for combining ingredients like mashed potatoes and gravy.
• Spatula or spoon: For spreading layers evenly.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking for a softer texture or leave off for a crispy top.

If you don’t have a large baking dish, you can use individual ramekins for single-serving portions—it’s a fun way to make everyone feel special!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the turkey: Spread the shredded or chopped turkey evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
3. Add the stuffing: Spoon the stuffing over the turkey, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
4. Include vegetables: If you’re adding leftover veggies like green beans, sprinkle them evenly over the stuffing layer.
5. Pour the gravy: Drizzle the gravy evenly over the layers to keep everything moist and flavorful.
6. Top with mashed potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the gravy, spreading them out to cover the entire dish. Use a fork to create ridges on top for extra texture.
7. Add cranberry sauce and cheese (optional): Dot the top with cranberry sauce and sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving all over again!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip the gravy: It’s crucial for keeping the casserole moist. If you don’t have leftover gravy, consider making a quick batch or using store-bought.
• Layer evenly: Press each layer down gently for even cooking and a cohesive texture.
• Customize: Don’t hesitate to add or swap ingredients based on your leftovers—this recipe is super forgiving!
• Crispy or soft top: Cover with foil for a softer top or leave uncovered for a golden, crispy finish.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final baking stage to avoid drying out the layers.

Remember, this recipe is all about using what you have, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. It’s almost impossible to mess up!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing and gravy to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and use mashed sweet potatoes, roasted veggies, and a veggie-based gravy.
• Seasonal Twist: Add chopped roasted squash or leftover roasted chestnuts for a festive touch.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra creamy layer.
• Personal Spin: I once added caramelized onions to the stuffing layer, and it was a game-changer!

This casserole is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with whatever you have left in the fridge!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this casserole hot and fresh from the oven for maximum comfort. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a warm dinner roll for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine or cranberry spritzer complements the flavors beautifully.

For storage, let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month—just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen as the casserole sits, so leftovers of the leftover casserole (yes, really!) are even better the next day.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This casserole is packed with protein from the turkey and wholesome carbs from the potatoes and stuffing. Depending on the ingredients used, it can be a balanced meal perfect for refueling. If you’re watching your calories, you can lighten it up by using mashed cauliflower instead of traditional potatoes and a low-fat gravy.

Keep in mind that this dish may contain common allergens like gluten and dairy, so adapt it as needed for dietary restrictions. With all the nutrients from the turkey and vegetables, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing!

Conclusion

There’s no better way to keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive than with this comforting Thanksgiving leftover casserole. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and the perfect way to reduce food waste while creating something new and exciting. My family loves how nostalgic and satisfying it is, and I hope yours will too.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Share your variations or let me know how your family enjoyed it in the comments below. Don’t forget to save this recipe for next Thanksgiving—it’s one you’ll want to make year after year.

Happy cooking, and here’s to making the most of every holiday bite!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

What can I substitute for mashed potatoes?

If you’re out of mashed potatoes, try using mashed sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or even cooked rice as the top layer.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What if I don’t have enough leftovers?

No problem! You can supplement with store-bought rotisserie chicken, boxed stuffing mix, or instant mashed potatoes to bulk up the layers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free stuffing and gravy to make the casserole suitable for gluten-free diets.

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