Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and delicious with this easy casserole. Instead of heating up everything separately, combine all those holiday favorites into one warm, comforting dish. It's the perfect way to enjoy those classic flavors again without any waste.
Why Make This Casserole
This recipe makes dealing with leftovers simple and tasty. Instead of juggling different dishes, everything goes into one pan for an easy meal. You can use whatever leftovers you have, and it's ready in about 30 minutes. It saves money too, since you're using food you already have to make a whole new dinner everyone will love.
What You'll Need
- Turkey: 2 cups shredded leftover turkey. Any cooked poultry works if you run out
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup for sweet tangy flavor. Fruit preserves work too
- Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups to make a creamy layer
- Corn: 1 cup adds color and sweetness. Other leftover vegetables work too
- Gravy: 1 cup leftover turkey gravy. Chicken gravy works as backup
- Milk: ¼ cup to thin the gravy. Any type works
- Stuffing: 2 cups for a crispy top. Use breadcrumbs if needed
- Broth or Butter: ¼ cup to keep stuffing moist while baking
How to Make It
- Start Your Oven
- Heat to 400°F. While it warms up, grab your 8x8 baking dish.
- Layer the Base
- Put turkey in first, then spread cranberry sauce over it. Add mashed potatoes next, then sprinkle corn on top.
- Add the Gravy
- Mix milk with gravy until smooth. Pour over everything in the dish.
- Top and Bake
- Cover with stuffing. Pour broth over top. Cover with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
How This Recipe Started
This casserole came from looking at a fridge full of Thanksgiving containers and wanting an easier way to serve leftovers. Instead of heating up little bits of everything, why not put it all together? Turns out those holiday foods taste even better the next day when they're baked into one delicious dish.
Everyone Loves It
Our family looks forward to this casserole almost as much as Thanksgiving dinner itself. It has all the flavors you love, but you only need one pan and about 30 minutes. Kids especially like how everything mixes together, and parents love that nothing goes to waste. Plus, it's even better the next day for lunch.
Make It Your Way
Use whatever leftovers you have most of. Love mashed potatoes? Add an extra layer. Have lots of stuffing? Make the top extra thick. Try adding leftover green bean casserole or sweet potatoes between layers. Every family ends up with their own favorite version, and that's what makes it special.
Smart Cooking
Using leftovers smartly helps your budget and the environment. You get more meals from the food you already bought, and nothing goes to waste. Plus, you won't need to cook or shop again for a day or two. It's a win for your wallet and good for the planet too.
Common Questions
Keep turkey no longer than 4 days in the fridge. Store everything in airtight containers until you're ready to make the casserole. If you have extra turkey, try making sandwiches or turkey salad. Label containers with dates so you know what to use first. Remember, when in doubt about freshness, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I want to use chicken instead of turkey?
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly! Just shred it and use it the same way as turkey. The flavors still pair beautifully.
- No cranberry sauce left?
Swap it with apple sauce (add lemon), any berry jam, diced apples with dried cranberries, or orange marmalade. The sweetness balances the savory flavors.
- Need to make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk in potatoes, make gravy with stock, and check stuffing labels—many are dairy-free. Replace butter with olive oil where needed.
- Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble the casserole fully, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and add 10-15 minutes to the bake time. Or refrigerate layers without stuffing and add it before baking.
- Want a crunchier top?
Uncover for the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs, or mix crushed potato chips with stuffing. Drizzle melted butter for extra crispiness.
- How long will it keep?
It’s good for 3-4 days in the fridge, though the texture is best in the first two days.
- Can I freeze portions?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- What if my casserole seems dry?
Stir in extra gravy or broth to reach your desired consistency. Leftovers vary in moisture retention.
- No stuffing left—what else can I use on top?
Crushed crackers with herbs, mashed potatoes, cornbread crumbles, or French fried onions make excellent alternatives.
Some More Ideas
Love this? Try making Turkey Shepherd's Pie too! It uses the same leftovers - layer your turkey and gravy on the bottom, then top with those creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until golden for another cozy meal that makes the most of your holiday extras.