Leftover Turkey Casserole

Leftover Turkey Casserole is a delicious way to turn holiday extras into a completely new family dinner. Ready in under 45 minutes, this hearty dish combines leftover turkey, green beans, and savory gravy in a creamy, satisfying bake. It’s an easy solution when the refrigerator is still full after Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Rather than reheating the same plates of food, you can bring those familiar holiday ingredients together in one comforting casserole. The gravy adds plenty of flavor and moisture, while the turkey and vegetables make the dish filling enough for a complete meal. It’s a nice way to give leftovers a fresh start without letting good food go to waste.

Preparing the casserole ahead of time is another convenient option. Assemble everything according to the recipe, stopping just before baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the assembled casserole. Thaw it in the refrigerator the day before you plan to bake it, then follow the regular baking instructions.

A few small details help achieve the best results. Always preheat the oven before putting the casserole inside so the cooking time stays consistent. During the final 10 minutes, remove the cover to let the top develop a golden finish. If you want extra browning, use the broiler for two to three minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

There are several ways to adapt this casserole depending on what you have available. Leftover chicken works just as well as turkey, making this a useful recipe throughout the year. The gravy is an important part of the dish, so if you don’t have homemade leftovers, a good-quality ready-made gravy or powdered gravy mix can fill in. Gluten-free options are also available.

Cornbread is a convenient choice for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, but it isn’t the only option. Dried bread can provide a texture similar to traditional stuffing. For a different version, use cooked noodles instead. Prepare them until just al dente, then mix them into the casserole before baking.

Cooked rice is another simple alternative when cornbread isn’t available. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it, since uncooked rice absorbs too much moisture during baking. Keeping a starch in the mixture helps create a hearty, well-balanced casserole.

With its flexible ingredients and make-ahead convenience, this Leftover Turkey Casserole is more than just a way to use up holiday food. It’s a comforting meal that transforms familiar leftovers into something the whole family can look forward to enjoying again.

Leftover Turkey Casserole

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Leftover Turkey Casserole is a delicious way to turn holiday extras into a completely new family dinner. Ready in under 45 minutes, this hearty dish combines leftover turkey, green beans, and savory gravy in a creamy, satisfying bake. It's an easy solution when the refrigerator is still full after Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 cup turkey gravy
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups cornbread, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 3 cups cooked turkey meat, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup frozen green beans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the butter in a medium saucepan and melt it over medium heat.
2. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the salt, pepper, gravy, milk, and mozzarella. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Arrange the cornbread, turkey, peas, carrots, and green beans in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the top, making sure everything is well covered.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until heated through.

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