This Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy your holiday meal again! It brings together turkey, stuffing, and all the yummy sides in one cozy dish.
Who knew leftovers could be this fun? I love mixing everything together and the warm, cheesy goodness it brings. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😋
Making this casserole is super easy—just layer everything up and bake! It’s a delicious way to make sure no turkey goes to waste, and it tastes even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey. For a twist, you can substitute with cooked chicken or even canned turkey if you don’t have any leftovers available.
Stuffing: If you don’t have leftover stuffing, feel free to use store-bought stuffing mix. I sometimes add extra herbs to it for extra flavor. You can also make it gluten-free with suitable bread or mix.
Butternut Squash/Sweet Potatoes: These add a nice sweetness. If you want a quicker option, you can use frozen veggies or even skip them entirely if you prefer. Don’t like squash? Blend in some diced carrots or peas!
Dried Cranberries: For a different taste, you could swap in raisins, chopped apples, or even fresh cranberries. Just keep an eye on the sweetness level.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can mix it up! Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. Vegan cheese is also a perfect alternative.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based cream soup or coconut milk blended with mushrooms. For a healthier option, you can also use homemade white sauce.
How do you ensure a Perfectly Layered Casserole?
Building your casserole layer by layer makes a big difference in flavor. Here are some tips for layering properly:
- Start with the turkey and toss it with some seasoning for added flavor.
- Layer the stuffing next, making sure it’s evenly spread. Press it slightly to help it hold together.
- Add your veggies and then cover everything with the creamy mixture. This keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Finish with cheese on top – it gives a wonderful golden crust while baking!
Let it sit after baking; it helps everything set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your casserole! 😊
Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups stuffing (prepared or leftover)
- 1 cup butternut squash or sweet potatoes, diced and cooked
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked green beans or mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup turkey gravy
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 30-40 minutes for baking. Overall, plan for just under an hour to whip up this tasty casserole that makes the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, stuffing, diced and cooked butternut squash or sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked green beans if you’re using them. Give it a good stir to mix everything together!
3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, turkey gravy, milk, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. This creamy mixture will keep your casserole moist and flavorful.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the turkey and stuffing mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. You want to make sure the soup mixture is well incorporated with the turkey and stuffing!
5. Assemble and Garnish:
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some dried cranberries on top and tuck in a few sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish.
6. Bake It:
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and everything is hot and bubbling. The wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen!
7. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This will help it set up and make serving easier.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your delicious leftover Thanksgiving casserole and serve it warm. Enjoy this comforting meal that turns holiday leftovers into something special!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While turkey is traditional for this casserole, you can also use leftover chicken or even ham. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary a bit based on the type and amount of meat you use.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
No problem at all! You can substitute a variety of ingredients. For example, if you don’t have butternut squash, use any cooked vegetable on hand, like peas or carrots. If you’re out of cranberries, try raisins or even chopped apples for sweetness!
Can I Freeze Leftover Casserole?
Yes, you can! Leftover Thanksgiving casserole freezes well. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat it again and reheat thoroughly in the oven.
How Can I Make it Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, substitute the turkey with your choice of cooked vegetables or plant-based protein, such as lentils or mushrooms. Use a vegetable gravy and ensure your stuffing is meat-free to suit vegetarian preferences!