Imagine the aroma of savory herbs wafting through your kitchen, the warmth of melted cheese hugging tender turkey and stuffing in a cozy casserole. This Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish that’s perfect for those post-holiday blues or any time you need comfort food. overnight cinnamon apple casserole.
This dish brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter mingled with the delicious scent of Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s ideal for cozy weekends or spontaneous gatherings with friends, promising an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole makes use of holiday leftovers while delivering incredible flavor
- It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The visual appeal comes from layers of colorful ingredients topped with golden cheese, making it irresistible
- Versatile enough to adapt with whatever leftovers you have on hand
Last holiday season, my uncle couldn’t believe I transformed his dry turkey into a creamy delight, leaving him speechless and reaching for another helping.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cooked Turkey: Shredded or diced turkey works best; using leftover turkey adds incredible flavor and moisture.
- Stuffing: Use your favorite stuffing recipe or store-bought; it adds texture and depth to the casserole. twice baked potato bites.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic choice that adds creaminess; opt for low-fat if you’re watching calories.
- Shredded Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its rich taste; feel free to mix different cheeses for extra flavor.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: These add color and nutrition; choose a blend that includes corn, peas, and carrots.
- Milk: Helps to keep everything moist; use whole milk for richness or skim for a lighter option.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. pumpkin spice snickerdoodles.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and becomes beautifully golden.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed.
Add Layers to the Dish: Pour half of the turkey mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with half of the shredded cheese before adding the remaining mixture on top.
Add Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of your casserole layer. This will melt into gooey goodness as it bakes.
Bake Until Bubbly: Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen!
This Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and nostalgia that transports you back to cherished moments around the dinner table. creamy mashed potato casserole So go ahead—create new memories while savoring every bite!
You Must Know
- Leftover turkey and stuffing casserole is the ideal comfort food for post-holiday feasts
- It transforms holiday leftovers into a cozy, cheesy delight your whole family will love
- The savory aroma as it bakes will have everyone eagerly gathering around the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out turkey for chicken or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra creamy casserole, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream before baking
- Always season your layers well to enhance flavors thoroughly
- If you prefer a crispy top, broil it for a few minutes at the end
Sharing this dish with friends last Thanksgiving was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds, and I learned how much we all appreciate cozy comfort food together during the holidays.
FAQ
How can I make leftover turkey and stuffing casserole gluten-free?
For more inspiration, check out this unstuffed pepper casserole recipe.
Use gluten-free bread for stuffing and check labels on sauces and broth.
Can I freeze leftover turkey and stuffing casserole?
Yes, it freezes well; just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.
What sides pair best with leftover turkey and stuffing casserole?
Serve with green beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that turns holiday leftovers into a delicious meal. This casserole layers tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, and creamy ingredients under a blanket of melted cheese, creating an irresistible combination. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish not only brings back cherished memories but also invites everyone to the table for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 2 cups stuffing (prepared or store-bought)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded turkey, stuffing, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Spread half of the turkey mixture in the prepared baking dish and top with half of the shredded cheese. Add the remaining mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
