Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with a mashed potato topping is an easy, delicious way to transform holiday leftovers into a comforting new meal. Think of it as a cross between a turkey pot pie (with a stuffing crust) and shepherd’s pie.
This casserole gives your turkey, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, and mashed potatoes a second life—crispy, savory, and satisfying in every bite.
What is Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole and why it tastes so good
This casserole combines the best parts of your Thanksgiving spread into one dish: a stuffing crust that crisps up, a juicy turkey-and-gravy filling, a layer of vegetables for balance, and a creamy mashed potato topping. The contrast of textures—crispy stuffing, tender turkey, and silky potatoes—makes every forkful satisfying.
Gather your ingredients
Use leftover components from your holiday meal. Each ingredient contributes to flavor and texture:
- Leftover stuffing: Forms a flavorful crust that holds the casserole together.
- Egg (optional): Helps bind the stuffing crust if needed.
- Leftover turkey: Shredded or diced, it provides the main protein.
- Leftover gravy: Keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
- Leftover vegetables: Cooked carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or any preferred sides add color and nutrients.
- Leftover mashed potatoes: Make the creamy top layer everyone loves.
- Butter: Dotted on the potatoes for extra richness.
Variations and substitutions
Adapt the casserole to what you have on hand:
- Cranberry layer: A thin spread of cranberry sauce adds a bright, tart note.
- Sweet potato topping: Swap mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Add shredded cheese between layers or on top for extra richness.
- Frozen vegetables: Thawed mixed vegetables, peas, or corn work well if you lack leftovers.
How to make Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole: step-by-step
Follow these straightforward steps to assemble and bake the casserole.
For the stuffing crust
- Moisten the stuffing: If the stuffing seems dry, add a splash of broth or water. If desired, mix in a beaten egg to help it bind.
- Form the crust: Press the moistened stuffing into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish to create a crust.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake briefly to firm it up so it will hold the filling without falling apart.
Assembly and baking
- Combine turkey and gravy: Mix shredded or diced turkey with gravy so the filling stays moist.
- Add filling to crust: Spoon the turkey mixture into the pre-baked stuffing crust and gently press to distribute evenly.
- Layer vegetables: Add a layer of leftover vegetables over the turkey to introduce color and texture.
- Top with mashed potatoes: Spoon warmed mashed potatoes over the vegetables and dot with butter.
- Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake until heated through (use a thermometer to reach 165°F / 74°C). Tent with foil if the potatoes brown too quickly.
Make ahead and storage
Keep your casserole fresh and safe with practical storage tips:
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it uncovered (or lightly covered) until ready to bake.
- Refrigerate: After baking, cool and refrigerate the casserole for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked or fully baked casserole for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until the center reaches 165°F, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Other turkey dinner leftovers recipes to try
Try other easy ways to use leftovers, such as turkey poutine, turkey stew with mashed potato dumplings, or a classic turkey pot pie. You can also repurpose mashed potatoes into numerous side dishes or toppings.
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Ingredients
For the stuffing crust:
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 1 egg optional, helps bind the crust
For the filling:
- 2 cups leftover turkey shredded or diced
- 1 cup leftover gravy
- 2 cups leftover vegetables cooked carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, etc.
For the mashed potato topping:
- 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 tsp butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare crust: If the stuffing is dry, moisten with a little broth or water. Optionally mix in a beaten egg. Press the stuffing into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish.
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Pre-bake crust for about 10 minutes to firm it up.
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Assemble filling: In a bowl, combine turkey and gravy.
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Add turkey mixture and vegetables to the crust, pressing down to distribute evenly.
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Top with mashed potatoes and dot with butter.
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Bake 30–40 minutes, or until heated through to 165ºF. Tent with foil if the potatoes brown too quickly.
Notes
If the stuffing is especially dry, moisten it with broth or an egg so it adheres when forming the crust.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.
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