This Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, turning holiday remnants into a creamy, savory masterpiece. Layers of tender turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and sweet cranberry sauce meld together under a golden, cheesy crust. In just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll create a dish that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia, perfect for cozy nights or next-day feasts.
Baked to perfection in 40 minutes, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures—crispy edges, gooey cheese, and hearty fillings. The medley of herbs, gravy, and roasted veggies adds depth, while the cranberry sauce brings a tangy sweetness. It’s a satisfying, one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour.
What You’ll Need for Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole
- 3 celery stalks, diced (use the inner stalks for tenderness)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white onion works best)
- 2 apples, seeded and diced (use a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ⅓ cup butter (unsalted preferred, or reduce added salt if using salted butter)
- 6 cups cubed seasoned stuffing (leftover stuffing works perfectly!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium or homemade for better flavor control)
- 4 cups cooked turkey, diced (use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie chicken as a substitute)
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of chicken soup (or substitute with cream of mushroom for a different flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute)
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (leftover mashed potatoes are ideal)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter or broth)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but any meltable cheese works)
How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, and apples and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing cubes, chicken broth, and sautéed celery mixture. Mix well to ensure the stuffing is evenly moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In another large bowl, combine the diced turkey, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and sour cream. Stir until well combined.
- Spoon the turkey mixture over the stuffing layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the turkey layer, creating a smooth top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Thanksgiving leftovers casserole!
Creative Toppings and Sauces to Elevate Your Casserole
Add a flavorful twist to your Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole by experimenting with toppings and sauces. Try sprinkling crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch. For a tangy kick, drizzle cranberry sauce or a gravy reduction over the finished dish. A dollop of herb-infused sour cream or a side of spicy aioli can also complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides. Serve it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. For a cozy touch, pair it with warm dinner rolls or cornbread. Don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complete the feast!
Storing and Reheating for Maximum Freshness
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-diced veggies or store-bought mashed potatoes to cut down on prep. If you’re using leftover stuffing, skip the sautéing step and mix it directly with the broth. For an even faster assembly, layer the ingredients in a disposable aluminum pan for easy cleanup. This recipe is all about convenience, so don’t hesitate to simplify!
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Customize this casserole to suit your tastes or use what’s in your pantry. Swap turkey for chicken or ham, or use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with roasted butternut squash or lentils. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gruyere for a unique flavor profile.
Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 apples, seeded and diced
- ⅓ cup butter
- 6 cups cubed seasoned stuffing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups turkey, cooked and diced
- 2 10.75 ounce cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, saute celery, onion, and apples in butter until tender.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing cubes, broth, and celery mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish (9″ x 13″) that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, spread stuffing mixture around in the baking dish.
- In another large bowl, combine the turkey, soup, garlic powder and ¼ cup sour cream.
- Spoon turkey mixture over stuffing mixture.
- Spread mashed potatoes over turkey mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350℉ for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.