If you’ve got extra turkey and stuffing hanging out in the fridge, this casserole turns them into a cozy, satisfying meal with very little effort. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with comforting flavors that taste like the best parts of a holiday dinner. Even better, you can make it any time of year with rotisserie chicken and boxed stuffing.
It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing bake that feels special without being fussy. Pull it together in minutes, pop it in the oven, and dinner’s done.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- It uses leftovers smartly. Turkey, stuffing, and gravy get a second life in a way that tastes fresh and intentional.
- Simple, familiar flavors. Creamy gravy, tender turkey, savory stuffing, and veggies—it’s comfort on a plate.
- Flexible and forgiving. Swap in chicken, use boxed stuffing, or add whatever vegetables you have.
- One pan, easy cleanup. Everything bakes in a single casserole dish for minimal work.
- Make-ahead friendly. Assemble it earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Shopping List
- Cooked turkey, shredded or diced (about 3 cups)
- Prepared stuffing (4–5 cups), leftover or boxed
- Gravy (2 cups), homemade, jarred, or leftover
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
- Yellow onion (1 small), finely chopped
- Celery (2 ribs), chopped
- Carrots (2 medium), chopped
- Garlic (2 cloves), minced
- Frozen peas or mixed vegetables (1 cup), thawed
- Chicken or turkey broth (1/2–3/4 cup), as needed
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup)
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons), chopped
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
- Poultry seasoning (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Sauté the aromatics. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Build the creamy base. Add the sautéed vegetables to a large bowl.
Stir in turkey, peas, gravy, sour cream, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems very thick, stir in 1/4–1/2 cup broth to loosen.
- Layer the casserole. Spread the turkey mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Top with the stuffing in an even layer. If the stuffing is dry, drizzle with a few tablespoons of warm broth to moisten.
- Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the stuffing is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and serve. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so it sets slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Keeping It Fresh
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then cover tightly. Store up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions. Add a spoonful of broth before reheating if it looks dry.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the fridge. Add a splash of broth before baking if needed.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Reduces waste: Uses leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy in a genuinely tasty way.
- Budget-friendly: Relies on pantry staples and inexpensive add-ins like frozen veggies.
- Balanced and filling: Protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one dish.
- Kid-friendly flavors: Familiar, mild seasonings and creamy texture win over picky eaters.
- Scales easily: Halve for a small household or double for a crowd.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Dry stuffing: If your stuffing is stale or dry, drizzle with warm broth before baking so it crisps without turning hard.
- Overly thick filling: The mixture should be creamy but scoopable.
Add a bit of broth if it clumps or looks pasty.
- Underseasoning: Leftovers can lose brightness. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning before baking.
- Soggy bottom: Don’t overload with liquid. If using very thin gravy, reduce the broth or simmer the gravy to thicken first.
- Uneven heating: Bake covered first to warm the center, then uncover to crisp the topping.
Alternatives
- Protein swaps: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or shredded pork all work well.
- Stuffing options: Cornbread stuffing adds sweetness; sourdough stuffing adds tang.
Boxed mixes are great for non-holiday batches.
- Sauce variations: Replace gravy with a can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup mixed with 1/2 cup broth. For a lighter sauce, use a simple velouté made with broth and a roux.
- Veggie add-ins: Green beans, mushrooms, or chopped kale sautéed with the aromatics add texture and nutrition.
- Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free yogurt or skip the sour cream. Ensure the gravy fits your needs.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free gravy.
Check your broth and seasonings.
- Cranberry twist: Dot a few tablespoons of cranberry sauce under the stuffing for sweet-tart pops.
FAQ
Can I make this without gravy?
Yes. Use a can of cream soup thinned with broth, or make a quick sauce by whisking 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons flour into a roux, then slowly adding 1.5 cups broth and simmering until thickened. Season to taste.
What if my stuffing is already very moist?
Skip the extra broth and bake uncovered for most of the time so the top crisps up nicely.
If it starts browning too fast, tent with foil.
How can I add more flavor without making it salty?
Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a splash of dry white wine to the veggie sauté. Black pepper and a pinch of smoked paprika also help.
Can I assemble and freeze before baking?
Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed.
What size pan should I use?
A 9×13-inch dish is standard. For a thicker casserole, use a 9×9-inch pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
How do I prevent it from turning mushy?
Keep the filling creamy but not soupy, and don’t overdo the broth on top. Bake uncovered at the end to crisp the stuffing.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely.
It reheats well and keeps up to 4 days. Portion into containers for easy lunches and add a side salad or roasted veggie.
What sides go well with it?
A simple green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans, or a tangy coleslaw balance the richness.
Can I add cheese?
You can, though it’s optional. A light sprinkle of shredded Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar between the filling and stuffing adds extra creaminess.
How do I brighten the flavor after baking?
Finish with chopped parsley and a quick squeeze of lemon over the servings.
It wakes everything up without adding heaviness.
Wrapping Up
Turkey stuffing casserole is the easiest way to turn leftovers into a brand-new meal that feels special. It’s flexible, comforting, and ready with minimal effort. Keep it simple with what you have, or dress it up with fresh herbs and veggie add-ins.
Either way, it’s a warm, satisfying bake that makes holiday flavors last just a little longer.