This Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole is the best way to use up your holiday leftovers! Made with stuffing, turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes, this easy next-day dinner is so satisfying and ready to eat in less than an hour.
Thanksgiving leftover casserole
If you’re wondering what to do with all that Thanksgiving turkey, this leftover turkey casserole is your answer! It’s a cozy, all-in-one dish that transforms your holiday leftovers into a flavor-packed family dinner that everyone will love.
This recipe takes those extra servings of stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. and layers them into a delicious casserole that’s easy to bake and even easier to enjoy. Think of it as your classic holiday flavors—comfort food at its finest—in one simple dish.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to use up every last bit of your Thanksgiving turkey, this casserole is the perfect way to turn leftovers into something exciting.
How to make a Thanksgiving turkey casserole
There are plenty of meals you can create using leftover Thanksgiving turkey and sides, but this casserole is in a league of its own. Here’s how to put it together:
Make the gravy by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and flour, then mix until it’s combined.
Pour in the evaporated milk, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is creamy.
Spread the leftover stuffing on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then layer the turkey over top. Pour the gravy over the turkey and stuffing. Spread mashed potatoes over everything and finish with a layer of shredded cheese.
Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, then remove and serve!
Recipe Variations
- Add-ins: You can add other leftover veggie side dishes into this casserole, like corn, mushrooms, green beans and carrots. You can even add rice or quinoa to make it more hearty.
- Sauce: Swap gravy for cream of mushroom soup.
- Protein: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or ham instead of turkey.
- Stuffing: Any favorite stuffing works, but I’m usually using my Crockpot Stuffing or Amish Potato Stuffing.
- Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with herbs and melted butter for extra texture.
Can I freeze turkey casserole?
You can! To freeze, assemble the casserole fully before wrapping the dish in foil and freezing for up to 2 months.
Reheat the casserole from frozen and keep the foil on top until the last 15 minutes of baking. The casserole may need an extra 15 to 25 minutes in the oven. Serve with an extra batch of homemade gravy to make sure each bite is nice and moist.
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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole
PrintIngredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups stuffing
- 3 cups turkey meat (cooked) (shredded)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 11×8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter with garlic in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Add flour and mix until combined. Add evaporated milk, chicken broth, salt, pepper and onion powder and continue stirring until creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Spread stuffing on the bottom of the baking dish. Add turkey on top of the stuffing. Pour gravy sauce (in saucepan) on top of the turkey. Spread mashed potatoes over everything. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve. Enjoy!
Michelle B says
This recipe is so quick and easy to throw together. The flavors are very tasty. I add fried French Onions on top of the mashed potatoes and in between the cheese!! Delicious and loved by all!! Thank you for the recipe.