This Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole is a great way to enjoy all those tasty holiday bits! Layer turkey, stuffing, and veggies with creamy sauce for a cozy dish.
You know, it feels a bit like giving Thanksgiving leftovers a second chance at fame. I love how easy it is—just mix everything in one dish and let the oven do the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leftover Turkey: Shredded turkey is the star here! If you’re short on turkey, cooked chicken can work well too.
Stuffing or Cornbread Stuffing: Use what you have! You can also substitute with store-bought stuffing mix—just prepare it as instructed and then use it in the recipe.
Sweet Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness. If you prefer, regular mashed potatoes work just as well. You can also use canned pumpkin as an alternative.
Cranberry Sauce: Use any leftover cranberry sauce, or make a quick one by cooking fresh berries with sugar and a splash of water. You can even skip it for a different flavor profile!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great taste, but feel free to use mozzarella or a cheese blend for a milder flavor.
Turkey Gravy or Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you don’t have these, a bit of broth or chicken stock mixed with a tablespoon of flour can add moisture. You can also use a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Stays Moist?
Keeping your casserole moist is key for a tasty dish. Remember to properly incorporate your gravy or soup, as it helps bind the ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Start with leftover ingredients that aren’t too dry. If using older stuffing, adding a bit extra gravy helps.
- When combining your turkey and other ingredients, don’t skip mixing in the settling moisture from the gravy or soup.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on your casserole in the oven—once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s ready!
Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups leftover stuffing or cornbread stuffing, roughly crumbled
- 1 ½ cups leftover mashed sweet potatoes or mashed squash (e.g., butternut squash)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup leftover cooked vegetables (optional; green beans, carrots, or peas)
- 1/2 cup turkey gravy or cream of mushroom soup (for moisture)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes to bake. It’s a quick way to use leftovers, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious dish in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your delicious casserole.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, crumbled stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, and any leftover cooked vegetables you have on hand (such as green beans, carrots, or peas). Add in the dried sage and thyme along with some salt and pepper for flavor. Stir everything together gently until mixed.
3. Add Moisture:
Pour in the turkey gravy or cream of mushroom soup. This will help keep your casserole moist. Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and moistened, but be careful not to make it too soggy!
4. Transfer to the Casserole Dish:
Grab a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and transfer the turkey mixture into it. Press it down evenly to create a nice layer.
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon dollops of cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the mixture. This adds a lovely burst of flavor with each bite.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole. This will melt beautifully and create a gooey top layer.
7. Bake It Up:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If you like a crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close watch!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the casserole out and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for that extra touch. Serve it warm and enjoy your cozy, comforting leftover Thanksgiving casserole!
This casserole combines all those wonderful Thanksgiving flavors into one delicious dish, making it the perfect way to use up leftovers in a fun and easy way!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While turkey is traditional, you can use leftover chicken or even ham. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded or chopped to fit well in the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Stuffing?
No worries! If you don’t have leftover stuffing, you can use a mixture of bread cubes and dried seasonings. You can also make a quick stuffing mix by combining bread crumbs with broth and herbs.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.