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Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is having plenty of leftovers the next day! This Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole turns all of those containers of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into one warm and comforting meal.

Instead of reheating every Thanksgiving side dish separately, you can layer everything together in a casserole dish and bake it until hot and bubbly. It has all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner in every bite, and it couldn’t be easier.

This is a great recipe for the day after Thanksgiving when everyone is still hungry, but nobody wants to cook another big meal.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

This recipe is incredibly flexible because you’re using what you already have in the refrigerator. You don’t need exact amounts, and you can easily change the layers depending on which Thanksgiving leftovers you have.

Turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, gravy, and stuffing make up the casserole, while cranberry sauce is added on top when serving for the perfect sweet and savory finish.

Best of all, you’re turning leftovers into a completely new meal instead of simply reheating the same Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups leftover green beans
• 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked carrots
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups leftover turkey gravy
• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth, if needed
• Leftover cranberry sauce, for serving

The measurements don’t have to be exact. Use more or less of each ingredient depending on what you have left from Thanksgiving dinner.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

Spread the leftover turkey evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Spoon the mashed potatoes over the turkey and gently spread them into an even layer.

Add the leftover green beans over the mashed potatoes, followed by a layer of cooked carrots.

Pour the leftover gravy evenly over the vegetables. The gravy will work its way through the casserole as it heats, helping keep the turkey and vegetables moist.

Finish with a generous layer of leftover stuffing.

If your stuffing has become a little dry in the refrigerator, slowly pour 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth over the top. You want to moisten the stuffing without completely soaking it.

Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the stuffing is lightly crisp on top.

Spoon the casserole onto plates and top each serving with leftover cranberry sauce.

The Perfect Way to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

The nice thing about this casserole is that nearly everything is already cooked. You’re really just layering your leftovers and reheating them together.

It also gives you a little bit of everything in each serving. You get turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and stuffing together instead of reheating six different containers.

And don’t skip the cranberry sauce! A spoonful on top adds that familiar sweet and tart flavor that works so well with turkey and stuffing.

What Other Thanksgiving Leftovers Can I Add?

Use this recipe as a starting point and customize it with whatever is in your refrigerator.

You could also add leftover:

• Corn
• Sweet potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Peas
• Roasted vegetables
• Creamed corn
• Green bean casserole

If you have leftover sweet potato casserole with marshmallows or a very sweet topping, I’d serve that separately rather than adding it to the casserole.

What If My Stuffing Is Dry?

Refrigerated stuffing can dry out quickly, which is why adding a little chicken broth before baking works so well.

Start with about 1/2 cup of broth and add a little more if necessary. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy.

If your stuffing is already very moist, you may not need chicken broth at all.

Can I Make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Because the casserole will be completely cold when it goes into the oven, it may need a little extra baking time. Make sure the center is thoroughly heated before serving; USDA guidance for reheating leftovers is 165°F.

How to Store Leftovers

Since this casserole is made from leftovers, keep food safety in mind. Refrigerate Thanksgiving foods within two hours of serving, and use refrigerated cooked leftovers within 3–4 days of when they were originally prepared.

Making the casserole doesn’t restart that storage window.

Store the casserole covered in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions until steaming hot.

Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 8