Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Chef Josie
If there’s one thing better than Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the day after, when you can transform your leftovers into something just as satisfying. This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole takes everything you love about the holiday feast and layers it into a creamy, cheesy, golden bake that tastes like Thanksgiving all over again.
I remember making this the first year I hosted Thanksgiving. After days of cooking, I wanted something simple but hearty the next day. A few scoops of leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing went into a baking dish, and what came out was comfort food perfection. The crispy cheese top, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory filling made it a post-holiday staple ever since.
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Table of Contents
Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy bake made with leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing; the perfect next-day comfort meal after Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
-
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
-
2 cups leftover stuffing
-
2 cups mashed potatoes
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1 cup gravy or cream of chicken soup
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Layer stuffing, then turkey, and pour gravy or soup on top.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly and top with cheese.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use chicken if you’re out of turkey.
Add leftover veggies for extra flavor.
Can be made ahead and baked the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
- Easy and Fast: Perfect for using up leftovers in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- Customizable: Works with whatever you have in the fridge.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it early and bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: A cozy meal ready whenever you need it.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Leftover Turkey: The star of the show, shredded or diced.
- Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy and creamy, forming the top layer.
- Stuffing: Adds texture and flavor to the base.
- Gravy or Cream of Chicken Soup: Binds everything together with a luscious sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top for that irresistible golden finish.
- Optional Add-ins: Leftover green beans, corn, or peas for extra color and flavor.
Substitutions:
No gravy? Mix a little milk or sour cream with the mashed potatoes for moisture. No turkey? Use cooked chicken instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Layer the Stuffing: Spread stuffing evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Add Turkey and Sauce: Top with shredded turkey and drizzle with gravy or cream of chicken soup.
- Spread the Potatoes: Gently layer mashed potatoes over the turkey.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar generously over the potatoes.
- Bake: Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with golden cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Let rest 5 minutes, then top with fresh parsley or thyme.
Notes and Top Tips
- Use warm mashed potatoes to make spreading easier.
- Don’t skip the cheese; it creates that perfect baked crust.
- Add a little gravy on the side when serving for extra comfort.
- This recipe doubles beautifully for feeding a crowd after the holidays.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Serve with a simple green salad or cranberry sauce to balance the richness.
- Add layers of leftover vegetables like roasted carrots or corn.
- Try mixing in crispy fried onions for crunch.
- For a smoky twist, use gouda or smoked cheddar instead of plain cheddar.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole is everything you love about Thanksgiving in one comforting dish. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the perfect way to enjoy your leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice.
Make it once, and you’ll look forward to leftovers every year. Try it this season, and share your version in the comments; did you add veggies, extra cheese, or maybe even cranberry sauce on top? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly with foil before freezing. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
3. What if I don’t have stuffing?
You can use cooked rice, quinoa, or even buttered noodles as a base instead.
4. How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream to your mashed potatoes before layering.
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