Reviving Holiday Leftovers: The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Transform dinner leftovers into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal with this Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe. This dish is the ultimate solution for making use of holiday turkey while offering creamy, comforting layers of savory goodness. It’s quick to assemble, bakes beautifully, and brings everyone to the table for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead weeknight dinner or want to breathe new life into post-holiday poultry, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite.

Why This Turkey Casserole Is a Kitchen Staple

What sets this casserole apart is its delicious medley of tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a cheesy, golden topping—all baked in one pan. The creamy sauce binds the layers together, infusing every bite with vibrant flavor and keeping the turkey succulent.

Best of all, it’s flexible enough to accommodate whatever leftovers or pantry staples you have on hand. A pinch of seasoning, mixed vegetables, and day-old bread come together faster than you’d expect—perfect for busy cooks.

Prepping Ingredients for the Best Results

Chopping veggies can be tedious, but the process is much easier and quicker when you use a quality tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. It ensures even, speedy prep—ideal for casserole recipes calling for celery, carrots, onions, or bell peppers.

For the turkey, easily shred chilled leftover poultry using the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, which gives you the perfect texture for mixing into the base of the casserole.

If you plan on including crunchy cooked potatoes or crisp bread cubes on top, slice them evenly with a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen that’s gentle on your knives.

Baking and Assembling the Casserole

Line your casserole dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to guarantee an easy release and super simple cleanup. Layer in the turkey, sautéed vegetables, and sauce, then top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.

Bake until the top turns beautifully golden brown and bubbly. Having a sturdy pair of KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set makes transferring the hot dish to your table safe and easy.

Serving and Storing Leftover Turkey Casserole

This casserole is best enjoyed straight from the oven, but it also reheats wonderfully for weekday lunches. Store individual leftover portions in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep things fresh and ready to grab.

Pair your serving with a crisp green salad (packed easily into a Bentgo Salad Container) and a refreshing drink to complete the meal. This comforting, one-dish wonder makes leftover turkey the star all over again.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each serving contains an estimated 400–450 calories, depending on cheese and sauce choices. Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.

Leftover Turkey Casserole Recap

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with balanced flavors, this turkey casserole transforms leftovers into an inviting, no-fuss meal. Ideal for family dinners and stress-free entertaining, it’s a practical recipe that never sacrifices flavor.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups cooked rice or pasta
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
½ cup milk or leftover turkey gravy
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
  2. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add mixed vegetables, season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes more and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey (use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen), cooked rice or pasta, sautéed vegetables, condensed soup, and milk or gravy. Stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Spread the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
  5. If using, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and spread over the top for a crunchy finish.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and the topping is golden brown. Safely remove the dish from the oven using the KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set.
  7. Let cool slightly. Serve warm. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

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