Leftover Turkey Casserole
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leftover Turkey Casserole is made with leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner and takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Just when you think you can't eat another bite of turkey, this easy meal with only 4 ingredients will change your mind!
Need more ideas on how to use holiday leftovers? Try my popular Cranberry Turkey Sliders that are perfect for game day, parties, and a casual meal.
Why You'll Love This Casserole
- Easy to Make: simply layer ingredients together to make an irresistible dinner
- Full of Flavor: all the flavors of Thanksgiving blend together in one easy dish
- Budget Friendly: this simple recipe will save you money on groceries
After you've made a dutch oven turkey breast and served it alongside cornbread biscuit dressing, you're bound to have some leftovers. What's a cook to do?
Layer them with leftover cranberry sauce and garlic mashed potatoes in a baking dish, and you've got a delicious turkey and dressing casserole!
This meal is so popular at our house, we like it more than the traditional turkey dinner! You'll love the blended flavors...and how easy it is to make dinner in a flash.
Ingredient Notes
Here's what you'll need to make Leftover Turkey Casserole. (Quantities are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.)
- Roasted Turkey - use deli sliced turkey in a pinch
- Cranberry Sauce - use what you have leftover, or purchase a can of whole cranberry sauce
- Mashed Potatoes - you can use any type of mashed potatoes in this recipe
- Thanksgiving Dressing - dressing or stuffing will both work, just make sure it has been previously cooked
Gravy is optional, but adds a savory touch.
Instructions
STEP 1 - Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, spread shredded or sliced turkey evenly on the bottom of the dish.
STEP 2 - Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading it evenly.
STEP 3 - Spoon mashed potatoes on top of the cranberry sauce, smoothing it out to cover the entire layer.
STEP 4- Top with leftover dressing, spreading it evenly over the mashed potatoes.
STEP 5 - Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in at 350ºF oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden and all ingredients are heated through.
Variations
- Top with leftover gravy if desired.
- Add any additional veggies you have, such as a layer of green beans or corn between the turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken makes a great substitution for turkey if needed.
What to Serve with Leftover Turkey Casserole
This turkey and dressing casserole is so creamy and flavorful, you'll fall in love at first bite. It's the ultimate comfort food (and perfect for the cook who needs a break)!
I like to serve this one pan meal with leftover gravy, Cranberry Jello Salad and a side of Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. But, you can eat it right out of the baking dish if you want.
Try it with a glass of Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch and a big slice of Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars for dessert.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute cranberry sauce with other sauces like apple sauce or even a savory gravy, depending on your preference.
You can use any type of dressing or stuffing you like—homemade, store-bought, bread-based, or cornbread dressing works well.
Feel free to mix in other meats like honey ham or brisket. Smoked chuck roast and beer can chicken also work great in this casserole.
Storing and Freezing
- You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Store casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until hot and bubbly (about 30 minutes).
More Thanksgiving Recipes
If you're looking for more recipes for Thanksgiving dinner, you've come to the right place! Try these tasty dishes your whole family will love...
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Vidalia Onion Casserole
- The Best Squash Casserole
- Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
- Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs
Tried this Recipe and Loved It? ❤️ Please scroll down and leave a *STAR* review for others to read!
Recipe Card
Leftover Turkey Casserole
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover turkey (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (leftover)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 4 cups leftover dressing (or stuffing)
Instructions
- STEP 1 - Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, spread shredded or sliced turkey evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- STEP 2 - Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading it evenly.
- STEP 3 - Spoon mashed potatoes on top of the cranberry sauce, smoothing it out to cover the entire layer.
- STEP 4- Top with leftover dressing, spreading it evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- STEP 5 - Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in at 350ºF oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden and all ingredients are heated through.
Notes
- Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Add any additional leftovers you have, such as a layer of green beans or corn, between the turkey and cranberry sauce layers.
- You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Top with leftover gravy if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
Ditto for what Anecia said. And Yummy!! Perfect comfort food for this rainy, cold day.
Wow, thanks Jo! So glad I could help warm you up! 🙂
Delicious!!!
Thanks Anecia!