Turkey & Stuffing Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Leftover Bake
This Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is the perfect way to turn your holiday leftovers into a cozy, satisfying dinner. Layers of tender turkey, creamy sauce, savory stuffing, and melted cheese come together in one dish that feels just as festive and comforting as the holiday meal itself—without all the effort.
After a big holiday feast, the question is always the same: What do we do with all these leftovers?
Enter the Turkey & Stuffing Casserole, a brilliant way to repurpose Thanksgiving or Christmas extras into a new family favorite.
With juicy turkey, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy base that ties everything together, this bake delivers comfort food at its best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for leftovers: Puts turkey, stuffing, and even gravy to delicious use.
- One-dish wonder: Everything bakes together in a single pan for easy cleanup.
- Customizable: Works with chicken, different veggies, or even ham.
- Family-friendly: Classic holiday flavors everyone already loves.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
- Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded (or substitute cooked chicken or ham)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing use leftover or boxed mix
- 2 cups mixed vegetables green beans, peas, or carrots; fresh, frozen, or leftover roasted veggies
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (or use leftover gravy thinned with broth)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half for creamier texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella for milder flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare sauce base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom (or gravy) and milk until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Layer casserole:
- Spread shredded turkey evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Scatter mixed vegetables over the turkey.
- Pour sauce mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface.
- Add stuffing layer: Spread stuffing evenly on top, gently pressing down with a spoon to form a light crust.
- Optional topping: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle over stuffing for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place in the oven uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until stuffing is golden brown, cheese is melted, and casserole is bubbling.
- Rest & serve: Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. The aroma of toasted stuffing and melted cheese will make it irresistible!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Flavor boost: Add a layer of cranberry sauce between the turkey and stuffing for a sweet-tangy twist.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the turkey and use roasted mushrooms, squash, or lentils as the protein base.
- Protein swaps: Works beautifully with rotisserie chicken or diced ham.
- Cheese variety: Swap cheddar for Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Moisture check: If your stuffing is very dry, drizzle with a little broth before baking to prevent it from drying out further.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of gravy, or even a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Sides: Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or mashed sweet potatoes for a full meal.
- Drinks: Pair with a glass of white wine, sparkling apple cider, or hot tea for cozy vibes.
- Occasions: Perfect for post-holiday weeknight dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep after Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
Q: Can I freeze Turkey & Stuffing Casserole?
Definitely. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Q: What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?
You can use a quick stovetop boxed stuffing mix—it works perfectly as a substitute.
Q: Can I make it creamier without using canned soup?
Yes—replace the canned soup with 1 cup of homemade white sauce (butter, flour, milk, broth) for a fresher flavor.
