Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

A close-up of a wooden spatula holding a slice of cheesy baked casserole with shredded meat, beans, and sauce, above a white baking dish.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is an easy way to turn all your holiday leftovers into one hearty baked dish. It layers stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, and cheese — everything you’d want in each bite. It’s simple to throw together and perfect for using up what’s left in the fridge after your big holiday meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Resting Time15

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: thanksgiving casserole, thanksgiving leftovers casserole

Servings: servings

Calories: 574kcal

Ingredients

3 cups leftover stuffing or 6 ounces box Turkey-flavored stuffing mix, prepared
1 ½ cups leftover gravy or 12-ounce jar turkey gravy divided
3 cups chopped or shredded leftover cooked turkey
14 ounces canned cranberry sauce whole or jellied
3 cups leftover mashed potatoes or 24 ounces refrigerated container
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Optional Garnish

Fresh sage chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375 °F and lightly coat 9×13-inch baking dish in nonstick cooking spray.
Layer Stuffing: Spread stuffing evenly across bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add Gravy: Pour about ½ cup of gravy over stuffing to moisten it.
Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread cranberry sauce in an even layer on top of stuffing.
Add Turkey: Evenly scatter chopped or shredded turkey over cranberry layer.
Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon mashed potatoes over turkey and, using a rubber spatula, gently spread them into an even layer.
Add Remaining Gravy and Cheese: Drizzle remaining gravy over potatoes, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
Bake Covered: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow casserole to cool for about 10-15 minutes so it can set a little. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed, then garnish with fresh chopped sage and serve.

Notes

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and use within 3 days, as long as you’re still within 3-4 days of when the Thanksgiving food was first cooked.

Freezer Storage: After baking, cool it completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until the center is hot and steamy (165°F on a food thermometer). Add a little extra gravy if it looks dry.

Nutrition