Pin The holidays always mean a fridge stocked with leftovers and this turkey and stuffing casserole is my favorite way to reinvent them. Cozy cheesy and irresistibly golden on top it brings everyone back to the table for a second round of comfort food. In under an hour your extra turkey and stuffing turn into a crowd-pleaser even the pickiest eater will love.
I first made this after one too many plain leftover sandwiches. My whole family raved and now they ask for this casserole by name even before the holidays are over. It is pure cozy joy to watch the pan disappear.
Ingredients
- Cooked turkey: Picked from the holiday bird and either shredded or chopped. Fresher leftovers are always juicier but even drier meat comes out tender with this bake.
- Leftover stuffing: The bready base soaks up all the flavors. Use any kind herby with sausage or vegetarian both work.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Choose a good variety with peas carrots corn for color and a boost of nutrition. Try to pick a bag without freezer burn for best taste.
- Onion: Adds sweet earthy depth as it softens at the start. Look for a firm white or yellow onion with no green sprouts.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for punchy aroma always better than jarred.
- Gravy: Homemade or store bought both work. Go for turkey or chicken gravy not too salty if you have the option.
- Sour cream: The secret to creamy richness. Pick full fat for best texture and tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp cheese gives the best melt and flavor. Grate your own if possible for smoother melting.
- Dried thyme: Brings that classic holiday herby note. Rub between your fingers to release its aroma.
- Salt: Enhances the turkey and brings all the flavors together. Taste your leftovers first as some gravies can be salty.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little warmth.
- Oil: For sautéing the vegetables use something neutral like canola or light olive oil.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a rack in the center to ensure even browning. Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and scatter in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Gently stir for about three minutes or until the onion is translucent and smells sweet. This step frames the whole dish with savory flavor.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the hot skillet. Cook while stirring for three more minutes until the veggies are just thawed and the skillet looks colorful. Do not overcook so they keep some bite.
- Mix the Filling:
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded turkey gravy sour cream dried thyme salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pieces. The mixture should be thickly creamy with flecks of veggies and turkey.
- Build the Base Layer:
- Evenly spread half the leftover stuffing into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to roughly press it into a flat layer so the filling sits nicely on top.
- Add the Turkey Mixture:
- Spoon the creamy turkey and vegetable filling over the stuffing base. Spread out so every bite will have that rich goodness.
- First Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese across the turkey layer. Try to cover as much surface as you can for melty coverage.
- Top and Finish with Cheese:
- Scatter the rest of the stuffing over the cheese for a rustic topping. Finish by covering with the remaining cheddar so the crust turns beautifully golden when baked.
- Bake Covered Then Uncovered:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake for twenty minutes so the cheese melts and the filling heats through. Uncover and bake for fifteen more minutes or until the top is bubbly and deep golden brown.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for about five minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Spoon onto plates and ladle extra warm gravy over the top if you have it.
Pin My favorite part is that first cheesy scoop out of the oven nobody can resist a bubbling crust. My oldest always sneaks a corner piece and says it tastes even better than the holiday meal itself.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a low oven until hot in the middle. If you expect to have extra beyond that consider freezing single serving squares for future quick dinners. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of turkey cooked chicken makes a seamless swap. Cream of mushroom soup works instead of gravy and sour cream for a retro creamy twist. Use Swiss mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese if cheddar is not on hand each gives a slightly different flavor profile. Feel free to toss in leftover green beans roasted carrots or even cooked broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts are also great sides. If you are serving for brunch add a dish of cranberry sauce for a pop of tangy color. For wine try an unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir.
Cultural and Historical Context
Dishes like this casserole are born straight from American ingenuity and a desire not to waste a single bite. For decades home cooks have been repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers not only for thriftiness but for that unbeatable comfort food flavor. Each family’s version tells its own story and often uses whatever is left over in their own holiday tradition.
Pin When short on time sauté the onions garlic and vegetables together in one go to save a pan.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, cooked chicken works well and delivers similar hearty results.
- → Which vegetables can I add?
You can mix in peas, carrots, corn, or add roasted vegetables and mushrooms for variety.
- → What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- → Is this casserole freezer friendly?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking for easy make-ahead meals; thaw before reheating.
- → How do I keep the casserole moist?
Extra gravy or a splash of broth helps prevent dryness while baking.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free stuffing and gravy to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
