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Grab those Thanksgiving leftovers and whip up something totally different and tasty. Instead of reheating dish by dish, toss them into one cozy bake. You'll get every bit of those holiday flavors again, only easier and with nothing going in the trash.
Reasons You'll Love This Casserole
Got leftovers? This is the easy way to fix them up and keep things yummy. Throw everything in one dish for a simple meal—no mess, no fuss. Use up whatever’s in your fridge, and you’ll have dinner on the table in half an hour. It’s easy on your wallet since you’re using what’s left, and everyone’s bound to dig in.
Stuff You'll Need
- Broth or Butter: ¼ cup keeps the stuffing soft as it bakes
- Stuffing: 2 cups for the crunchy golden finish. Breadcrumbs are fine too
- Milk: ¼ cup makes the gravy pourable, any kind will do
- Gravy: 1 cup leftover gravy from turkey or swap in chicken gravy
- Corn: 1 cup, sweet and bright. Other veggies work just as well
- Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups for a thick, smooth layer
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup—sweet and tangy. Jam or preserves will work if that's what you’ve got
- Turkey: 2 cups pulled or chunked-up leftover turkey—or any cooked chicken
Here's How to Do It
- Get Topping Ready
- Dump stuffing on the top layer, then drizzle broth on to keep it moist.
- Pour Gravy
- Stir milk and gravy together so there are no lumps, then spread it over your layers.
- Add the Layers
- Start with turkey, then a swipe of cranberry sauce, next goes mashed potatoes, and finish with corn up top.
- Preheat Oven
- Fire up your oven to 400°F and have an 8x8 dish handy while it heats.
- Bake It Up
- Cover with foil, then stick it in the oven for around 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling hot.
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How This All Started
This dish happened ‘cause I opened the fridge after Thanksgiving and saw a pile of containers. Instead of heating a bit of this and that, I tossed it all in one pan. Turns out your favorite holiday foods all baked together are awesome the next day.
Everybody’s Into It
Our gang almost gets more excited for this bake than the Thanksgiving meal itself. One pan, same tasty classics, and ready in no time. Kids love all the layers mixed together, parents get happy seeing nothing wasted, and it’s pretty darn good cold for lunch the next day.
Switch It Up
Toss in more of the stuff you love most. If mashed potatoes are your thing, pile them on thick. Got a mountain of stuffing? Go for a hearty topping. Leftover green bean casserole or sweet potatoes? Slide those in too. Everyone ends up with their own twist on this, which makes it even more fun.
Save Money and Waste
Leftovers save you a few bucks and help out the planet. You get extra meals without going to the store, and nothing gets tossed. That’s less trash and another day without cooking. Feels good all around.
Quick Answers
Don’t hang onto turkey longer than four days in the fridge. Stash leftovers in sealed containers until you’re set to bake. Got more turkey? Make salads or sandwiches instead. Stick dates on your stuff so you know what needs eating next. And if something looks or smells off, just play it safe and toss it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I replace turkey with chicken?
Of course! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great swap. The flavors will still work perfectly.
- → I’m out of cranberry sauce—what now?
You can use apple sauce (add a little lemon), orange marmalade, berry jam, or even diced apples with dried cranberries. Sweetness goes great here!
- → Can I make it without dairy?
Sure thing! Choose non-dairy milk for your potatoes, check your stuffing for hidden dairy, and swap butter for olive oil. Make your gravy broth-based too.
- → Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, pop it in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead, and bake it when ready (adding an extra 10-15 minutes). You can also save stuffing to add fresh before baking.
- → How can I get a crunchier topping?
Leave the dish uncovered for the final 10 minutes. Add buttered breadcrumbs, crushed chips, or French fried onions with melted butter for extra crispiness.
- → How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh 3-4 days, but the texture is best enjoyed within two days.
- → Can I freeze the leftovers later?
Yes! Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- → What can I do if it looks dry?
Mix in more gravy or broth to adjust the consistency. Leftovers can vary in moisture.
- → No stuffing for the topping—what to use?
Try mashed potatoes, herbed crackers, cornbread crumbs, or crunchy French fried onions instead.
Conclusion
Excited to try more ideas? Make Turkey Shepherd's Pie next! Layer your leftover turkey and veggies, add gravy, then spread mashed potatoes on top. Bake until the top is golden, and you've got another hearty feast from your leftovers.