Creamy Leftover Turkey Casserole with Vegetables

This easy-to-assemble Leftover Turkey Casserole is a go-to recipe during the busy holiday season. It’s a perfect way to transform turkey leftovers and all the classic fixings into a cozy, comforting casserole. Many find this layered turkey and stuffing bake even more satisfying than the original holiday meal.

Turkey Stuffing Casserole

This festive casserole combines savory turkey and stuffing with creamy mashed potatoes, vegetables and a rich layer of gravy. A golden, cheesy topping finishes the dish, making it hearty and warming—the essence of a great holiday meal.

You don’t need leftovers to enjoy this casserole; it’s equally delicious any time of year and makes a simple, crowd-pleasing weeknight or weekend dinner.

Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes – leftover or freshly made
• Milk – use 2% or a plant-based milk such as almond or oat
• Frozen or leftover vegetables – peas and carrots, green beans, corn, or roasted vegetables
• Turkey – leftover turkey or sliced baked turkey
• Stuffing – leftover stuffing (dressing) or freshly prepared
• Gravy – homemade or store-bought, divided
• Cranberry sauce – leftover or freshly prepared
• Cheddar cheese – shredded; mozzarella or other melting cheeses also work

How To Make Leftover Turkey Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix mashed potatoes with milk until smooth.
3. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer the peas and carrots (or other vegetables) over the mashed potatoes.
5. Drizzle half of the gravy over the vegetable layer.
6. Spread the stuffing evenly over the vegetables and gravy.
7. Top the stuffing with shredded or chopped turkey.
8. Dot the turkey layer with small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce.
9. Drizzle the remaining gravy over the stuffing and turkey.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy.

What If We Ate Different Foods For Thanksgiving Dinner?

This recipe is very flexible. Use any leftover vegetables—green beans, corn, roasted Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables. If you prefer fresh vegetables, steam or sauté them first so they’re cooked before layering. The goal is to have everything warm and well-combined when baked.

What If I Do Not Have Enough Thanksgiving Leftovers?

If you don’t have enough leftovers to fill a 9×13 dish, use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and scale the ingredient amounts down. You can also layer what you have and omit missing items. Baking time will be similar; start checking for doneness slightly earlier.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, wrap well or place in a freezer-safe container; it will keep up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Author: Sandra Flegg
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings