Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Servings

6-8

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Calories

337

Cuisine

American

Category

Main Dish

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is the ultimate solution for using up holiday extras. Each layer brings together the flavours of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, drizzled with savoury gravy and topped with melty cheese and crispy onions. It’s an all-in-one comfort dish that reinvents your leftovers into something extraordinary.


Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy weekend brunch, and watch your family fall in love with the holiday meal all over again.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

  • 2 cups stuffing or dressing

  • 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes

  • 1 cup green bean (or any leftover vegetables)

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce

  • 1/2 cup gravy

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

  • 1/4 cup crispy fried onions

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. Spread stuffing evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

  3. Add shredded turkey over the stuffing.

  4. Spread mashed potatoes as the next layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

  5. Add green bean casserole or any leftover vegetables on top of the mashed potatoes.

  6. Drizzle gravy over the entire dish to keep it moist.

  7. Dollop cranberry sauce on top for a sweet and tangy kick.

  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese and crispy fried onions for extra flavour and crunch.

  9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

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Cooking Tips

  1. Customizable Layers: Use whatever leftovers you have—swap green beans for roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
  2. Moisture Tip: Ensure the casserole stays moist by adding enough gravy or broth.
  3. Cheese Alternatives: For a richer flavor, try gruyere or parmesan instead of cheddar.
  4. Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
  5. Freezing Leftovers: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

 

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a fresh green salad or rolls for a complete meal.
  • Serve with a dollop of extra cranberry sauce on the side.
  • Add hot gravy over individual servings for a comforting touch.

 

FAQ’s

Q: Can I use different leftovers in the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Any combination of Thanksgiving sides and turkey works. Just layer them to your liking.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q: Do I have to use cheese?
A: No, cheese is optional. You can omit it or replace it with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Q: How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: Substitute mashed potatoes with a non-dairy version, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q: How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Chef's Recommendation

"A sharp knife is your best friend in the kitchen. For recipes like this, I always reach for my Chikashi chef knife - it gives me the control and precision I need for perfect results every time."
Chef's Note: A sharp knife not only makes prep work faster but also safer - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.

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