Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole Recipe

After Thanksgiving, my fridge turns into a treasure chest. It’s filled with leftovers from our big feast. I always wonder how to make these leftovers special again.

I found a recipe that makes leftovers shine. It’s a casserole that uses all the best parts of our Thanksgiving meal. It’s easy to make and brings back the joy of the holiday.

Did you know leftovers last three to four days in the fridge? That leftover turkey isn’t meant to stay forever! This casserole turns all your leftovers into one tasty dish in just 30 minutes.

Imagine eating layers of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It’s all topped with a rich gravy. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday again with little effort and lots of flavor.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole Recipe

Recipe by andy_mathieson2002@yahoo.comCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 cups of cooked Turkey

• 3 cups of stuffing

• 2 cups of mashed potatoes

• 1 cup of gravy

• 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce (optional)

• 2 cups of green bean casserole (or any leftover vegetables)

• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tablespoons of melted butter

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Preheat and Prepare
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
• Assemble the Layers
• Base Layer: Spread the leftover stuffing evenly on the bottom of the dish to create the first layer.
• Protein Layer: Scatter the shredded turkey over the stuffing layer.
• Vegetable Layer: Add the green bean casserole or leftover vegetables evenly over the turkey.
• Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes over the vegetables as the next layer, smoothing it with a spatula.
• Enhance the Flavors
• Drizzle the gravy evenly over the mashed potato layer.
• Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the top for extra seasoning.
• Cheese Topping
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the gravy layer.
• Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top.
• Bake
• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
• Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Cool and Serve
• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve with optional cranberry sauce on the side for a tangy contrast.

Notes

• Feel free to customize the recipe based on your available leftovers; sweet potato casserole or roasted vegetables can be used in place of green bean casserole.
• Add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions to the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra crunch.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooked from chilled.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Introduction

Thank you for joining me in this Thanksgiving casserole recipe. It’s great for making leftover turkey into tasty holiday meals. Everyone will love it.

Course

This casserole is a main course. It’s perfect for family gatherings or any big meal. It’s comforting and hearty.

Cuisine

Our casserole recipe is all about American cuisine. It’s a favorite during the holidays. It’s a yummy way to use leftover turkey and other holiday foods.

Difficulty

This dish is very easy to make. It’s perfect for beginners. The steps are simple, making cooking stress-free.

Servings

The recipe serves about 10 people. It’s great for big gatherings. Each serving is balanced, so everyone gets a good meal.

Ingredients and Quantities

Getting your Thanksgiving leftovers ingredients is fun and tasty. This casserole recipe lets you use leftover turkey and stuffing in new ways. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes (you can also use mashed sweet potatoes or mashed winter squash).
• 4 cups of chopped roasted turkey – perfect for those wondering what to do with leftover turkey.
• 3 cups of leftover stuffing.
• 2 cups of cooked vegetables, like peas and carrots (1 1/2 cups frozen or thawed peas and carrots work great).
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• 1 1/2 cups of gravy, divided in half.
• 3/4 cup of cranberry sauce.
• 1/2 cup of milk.

This recipe is flexible and fun. You can swap out cheese types or choose low-fat options. These ingredients mix to make a warm, tasty dish. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey and stuffing.

Detailed Directions

First, heat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Follow a simple guide to make a delicious leftovers casserole.

Layering the Casserole

Start by putting 4 cups of stuffing at the bottom of the dish. Then, add 3 cups of shredded turkey meat on top. Remember, use a 3:1:1 ratio of turkey to gravy to cranberry sauce.

Spread 1 cup of gravy and 1 cup of cranberry sauce over the turkey. This will make every bite full of Thanksgiving taste.

Next, put 2 cups of cooked green beans on top. Then, mix 2 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and onion powder for flavor. Add a bit of paprika for color and smoky taste. Cover with foil.

Baking the Casserole

Put the casserole in the oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.

Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes. This will make the top golden and delicious.

Notes

You can change the gravy to cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery soup. Use instant mashed potatoes and boxed stuffing if you don’t have fresh ones. Try using rotisserie chicken or pork chops instead of turkey.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This way, you can enjoy Thanksgiving flavors anytime. This guide will help you make a tasty meal from leftovers.