Your Best Ever Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Recipe

Does anyone else’s fridge look like a Thanksgiving jigsaw puzzle the day after the big meal? You’ve got a Tupperware of stuffing here, a container of turkey there, and a half-eaten dish of green bean casserole hiding in the back. I used to stare at it all, completely stumped. But then I learned the ultimate secret: the best meal of the weekend might just be the one you throw together. This Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole is my go-to solution. It’s the cozy, all-in-one dinner that gives every last bit of your hard work a delicious second act.

Why You’ll Love This

This isn’t just about cleaning out the fridge—it’s about creating something new and so, so comforting. You get that amazing Thanksgiving flavor in every single bite without any of the day-of stress. Seriously, the hardest part is preheating your oven. It’s the perfect busy weekend meal that feels indulgent but is practically effortless. And the best part? It’s completely customizable based on what you’ve got. No two casseroles are exactly alike, and that’s part of the fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped (the star of the show!)
• 3 cups leftover stuffing (holds everything together)
• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (for that creamy, dreamy layer)
• 1 1/2 cups leftover vegetables (green bean casserole, corn, or roasted carrots work great)
• 1 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth (keeps it moist and flavorful)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (for a sweet and tangy surprise)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (because everything’s better with a cheesy top)
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (to amp up the cozy flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Give it a light coating of cooking spray or a quick butter rub.
2. Now, let’s build our base. Take your leftover stuffing and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. This is going to be our delicious crust.
3. Next, evenly sprinkle your shredded turkey over the stuffing layer. Follow that with your leftover vegetables. If you’re using green bean casserole, just scoop it right on top!
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed potatoes, broth, poultry seasoning, and black pepper until it’s relatively smooth. You’re making a fantastic, creamy sauce. Pour this evenly over the turkey and veggie layers.
5. Here’s the fun part: dollop little spoonfuls of cranberry sauce all over the top. You don’t need to spread it—just little pockets of flavor.
6. Finally, shower the top with all that glorious shredded cheese.
7. Pop it in the oven, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes. You’re waiting for the whole thing to be hot and bubbly all the way through and for the cheese to be beautifully melted and maybe even a little golden in spots.
8. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before you serve. I know it’s tough to wait, but this helps it set so you get nice clean slices. So good.

Delicious Thanksgiving Casserole Ideas

The beauty of this method is that it’s a fantastic template. If you’re staring at different leftovers, don’t panic! You can easily mix and match. Got sweet potato casserole instead of mashed? Use it! That creamy texture is perfect. Did your family go for roasted Brussels sprouts instead of green beans? Toss them in. Honestly, if you have a little leftover gravy, you can even swap that in for the broth in the sauce for an extra-rich flavor. The goal is to use what you have and what your family loves.

Layered Stuffing Casserole Instructions

This recipe is the ultimate layered stuffing casserole. The stuffing does double duty as a savory base that soaks up all the wonderful juices from the other ingredients, preventing a soggy bottom and giving you something sturdy to scoop into. Building it in distinct layers means you get a perfect bite every time—a little bit of the crunchy topping, the creamy sauce, the savory turkey, and the sweet pop of cranberry. It’s the best way to turn your leftover stuffing into a whole new meal that feels special.

Variations & Substitutions

This casserole is your canvas! Here are a few easy twists:

• Dairy-Free? Skip the cheese topping or use your favorite dairy-free shreds. The mashed potato and broth sauce is already creamy enough without butter or milk.
• Want More Veggies? Sauté some fresh spinach or kale and layer it in, or add a cup of frozen peas for a bright pop of color and sweetness.
• Flavor Twist: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the turkey layer or mix a tablespoon of whole grain mustard into the potato sauce for a little zing.
• No Cranberry Sauce? A few spoonfuls of apple butter or even a diced apple scattered over the turkey layer is a wonderful substitute.

Storage & Reheating

This casserole stores like a dream. Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, the oven is your best friend for keeping that texture perfect. Pop a portion in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave single servings for a quick lunch, but the topping will lose a bit of its crispness. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the potato and stuffing layers can get a bit grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this Thanksgiving leftover casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going in cold.
• What if I don’t have quite enough of one ingredient? No worries at all! That’s the spirit of this recipe. Short on turkey? Add some white beans for protein. Low on stuffing? Use cooked rice or even leftover diced biscuits as your base layer. It’s very forgiving.
• What are other great Thanksgiving casserole dishes to try? If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving casserole ideas, a pot pie filling topped with biscuit dough is fantastic, or you can turn your leftovers into a hearty strata with cubed bread and eggs. But this layered casserole is always my first choice for using up everything in one go.