Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole: The Ultimate Cozy Dinner

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole is the cozy, comforting dish your post-holiday soul craves. After the whirlwind of Thanksgiving—gravy spills, mashed potato mountains, and turkey leftovers galore—this recipe swoops in like your kitchen’s hero. It’s easy, hearty, and uses up all those tasty bits sitting in your fridge without making you feel like you’re eating the same meal twice.

Imagine layers of creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, savory stuffing, sweet cranberry sauce, and melty cheddar cheese all baked together into one bubbling dish of pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding the family again or just want something that feels like a warm hug after a long day of holiday cleanup, this Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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What is Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole?

A Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole is essentially Thanksgiving dinner reinvented in one dish. It’s a layered casserole made with leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, and gravy—all baked together with cheese until golden and bubbly. The beauty of it? Every forkful has a little bit of everything you loved from Thanksgiving, but in a fresh, new form. No need for fancy prep or complicated cooking steps—it’s the definition of easy comfort food. You can even toss in whatever leftovers you’ve got on hand, making this casserole as flexible as your fridge allows. It’s an American holiday staple turned weeknight dinner hero.

Reasons to Try Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole

If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge the day after Thanksgiving wondering what to do with a mountain of leftovers, this dish is your answer. Here’s why it’s worth making: it’s fast, it’s frugal, and it saves you from eating yet another turkey sandwich. Plus, it transforms the same old holiday ingredients into something new and exciting—melty, creamy, and perfectly balanced with sweet cranberry notes. It’s also family-approved; even the picky eaters who claimed to be “too full” on Thanksgiving night will dive in. It’s a clever way to clear out the fridge and still serve up a delicious, home-cooked meal that feels like a reward, not a chore.

Ingredients Needed to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups frozen or thawed peas and carrots (or any leftover vegetables)
• 1½ cups leftover turkey, roughly chopped or shredded
• 1½ cups leftover stuffing
• 1½ cups leftover gravy, divided in half
• ¾ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole

This Step-by-Step Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole guide walks you through every part of creating the ultimate comfort dish — from layering your leftovers to achieving that perfect golden cheese crust. Each stage is easy, practical, and meant to make the process stress-free, even if you’re still recovering from Thanksgiving cleanup.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Start this Step-by-Step Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole recipe by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish — glass or ceramic works best for even baking. Lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray so that none of your delicious layers stick to the bottom. This is also a great time to gather your ingredients (see the full list above) and warm up any cold mashed potatoes or gravy. For an extra creamy texture, check out my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes — they make a perfect base layer for this casserole.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Potato Base

In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with ½ cup of milk. Stir until smooth and creamy — you’re looking for a spreadable consistency, not too stiff but not soupy either. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creamy potato layer acts as the foundation of your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole Step by Step masterpiece, giving every bite that signature cozy texture. If your mashed potatoes feel too dry, add a splash more milk or even a tablespoon of butter to loosen them up.

Step 3: Add the Veggie Layer

Next, sprinkle 1½ cups of frozen or thawed peas and carrots evenly over the mashed potatoes. You can swap in any leftover vegetables you have — green beans, roasted corn, or even sautéed mushrooms work wonderfully. The vegetables bring pops of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the potatoes and turkey. If you love vegetable-packed casseroles, you might enjoy my Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, which pairs beautifully with this meal.

Step 4: Drizzle with Gravy

Here’s where the flavor magic begins. Pour half of your leftover gravy evenly over the vegetables. This step keeps everything moist and flavorful as it bakes, ensuring your casserole doesn’t dry out. The gravy seeps down into the mashed potatoes, infusing them with savory goodness. If you’re short on gravy, a quick substitute is a mixture of cream of chicken soup and a splash of broth — a trick I also use in my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole.

Step 5: Layer the Stuffing and Turkey

Now it’s time for texture! Spread 1½ cups of leftover stuffing evenly across the veggie layer. This adds that signature herby crunch and depth of flavor. On top of the stuffing, layer 1½ cups of chopped or shredded leftover turkey. White meat, dark meat, or a mix — all work perfectly. If your turkey is dry, toss it with a tablespoon of gravy before adding it. For a fun twist, try using turkey from my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast — it brings a sweet and citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the cranberry layer to come.

Step 6: Add Cranberry Sauce for a Flavor Pop

Using a spoon, drop small dollops of cranberry sauce across the top of your turkey layer. You don’t need to cover the entire surface — just enough to add bright, tangy bursts of flavor throughout the casserole. This touch makes the Step-by-Step Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole stand out, turning ordinary leftovers into something restaurant-worthy.

Step 7: Finish with Gravy and Cheese

Drizzle the remaining gravy evenly over the top, making sure it seeps between layers for that rich, cohesive bite. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish. The cheese will melt into the gravy, creating a golden, bubbly topping that’s pure comfort. You can use mozzarella for extra stretchiness or a sharp white cheddar for a stronger bite.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps all the layers heat through evenly. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden on top. Your kitchen will start to smell like Thanksgiving all over again — only better.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve perfect squares. Pair it with a light side like Harvest Cranberry Deviled Eggs or a simple salad. For dessert, my Delicious Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple recipe adds the perfect sweet ending to this cozy meal.

Step 10: Enjoy and Share

The final Step-by-Step Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole moment — dig in! Each bite has layers of creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing all held together with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect post-holiday comfort dish that proves leftovers can be anything but boring.

If you loved this Step-by-Step Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole, you’ll also enjoy my Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew — another cozy, creative way to make the most of your holiday feast.

What to Serve with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted sweet potatoes. A warm roll or some garlic bread doesn’t hurt either (because carbs deserve love too). For something light and refreshing, try my Italian Pastina Soup or Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. And if you’re still in the holiday spirit, pair it with a cozy cup of mulled cider or leftover cranberry spritzers.

Key Tips for Making Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole

1. Warm your mashed potatoes slightly before layering—they spread easier.
2. Use any leftover veggies: green beans, corn, even roasted Brussels sprouts work great.
3. For extra flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or herbs into the potato layer.
4. If you’re out of gravy, use a little cream of chicken soup mixed with milk.
5. Don’t skip the cheese—it gives that irresistible golden top that ties all the flavors together.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe dish. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes. If it looks a bit dry, drizzle on extra gravy or a splash of broth before reheating. Honestly, this dish reheats like a dream—some might say it tastes even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
What cheese works best? Cheddar’s classic, but you can use mozzarella or even Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Can I skip the cranberry sauce? Sure—but that sweet-tart touch adds a lovely contrast to the savory layers.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole is proof that the day after Thanksgiving can be just as delicious as the big feast itself. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with nostalgic flavors in every bite. Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers or just craving a cozy, low-effort meal, this recipe hits the spot. For another comforting way to use leftovers, check out my Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew or Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring.

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