The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole Recipe

The day after Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to get creative in the kitchen, and this Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is the absolute best way to reinvent everything still in your fridge.

Instead of reheating each dish separately, I layer turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and cranberry sauce into one warm, cozy, bubbling casserole.

It turns your entire Thanksgiving feast into a single comforting dish that tastes even better the next day.

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Recipe Highlights

This casserole is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and tangy, with every bite offering the best parts of Thanksgiving.

It’s incredibly easy to assemble, customizable depending on your leftovers, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It also freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream — especially for busy holiday weekends.

• Uses a variety of Thanksgiving leftovers in one delicious dish
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• Customizable based on what’s in your fridge
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• Easy layered, no-fuss casserole perfect for family meals
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• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
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• Comforting, warm, and full of holiday flavor

Ingredient Notes

• Leftover Turkey (3 cups shredded): Moist roasted turkey works best — white, dark, or mixed.
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• Leftover Stuffing (3 cups): Adds savory flavor and forms the perfect base layer.
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• Mashed Potatoes (3 cups): Creamy, fluffy potatoes create a rich, satisfying top layer.
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• Gravy (1½ cups): Helps bind the casserole and keeps it moist.
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• Green Beans or Mixed Veggies (2 cups): Adds freshness, color, and balance.
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• Cranberry Sauce (½ cup): Adds pockets of tangy sweetness throughout.
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• Cheddar or Gruyère Cheese (1 cup shredded): Optional but delicious for a golden, melty top.
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• Butter (2 tablespoons): Lightly dotted on top to help with browning.

How to Make My Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2. Layer the Stuffing: Press stuffing into an even layer on the bottom of the dish. This forms your flavorful base.
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3. Add the Turkey: Spread shredded turkey evenly over the stuffing.
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4. Add Veggies: Sprinkle green beans or any leftover vegetables evenly across the turkey.
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5. Drizzle with Gravy: Pour gravy evenly over the top to bind the layers and add moisture.
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6. Add Cranberry Sauce: Drop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce throughout the casserole.
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7. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes across the surface like a thick, creamy icing.
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8. Optional Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Gruyère for a melty, bubbly finish.
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9. Dot with Butter & Bake: Add small butter pieces on top and bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and heated through.
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10. Rest & Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so the layers set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with:

• A fresh green salad for balance
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• Warm dinner rolls
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• Extra gravy on the side
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• A simple vegetable soup or turkey broth
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• A leftover pumpkin pie slice for dessert

Tips for the Best Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Make sure your mashed potatoes are spread in an even layer so they brown nicely in the oven.

If your stuffing or potatoes are very firm from being refrigerated, warm them slightly before layering so they spread easily.

Add any leftover vegetables — corn, Brussels sprouts, carrots — to create a more flavorful and colorful dish.

A cheese topping is optional, but it gives the casserole a beautiful golden crust and adds richness.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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• Freeze: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
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• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.