Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole: A Delicious Way to Reinvent Your Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. But what happens after the feast? Often, we’re left with a mountain of leftovers. While reheating is always an option, why not transform those leftovers into something new and exciting? Enter the Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole – a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish that breathes new life into your holiday bounty.

This casserole is not only a fantastic way to reduce food waste but also a creative outlet to experiment with different flavor combinations. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to adapt it to your own preferences and the specific leftovers you have on hand. Whether you have leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or even green bean casserole, this recipe can accommodate it all.

## Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

* **Reduces Food Waste:** This is the most obvious benefit. Instead of letting those delicious leftovers go to waste, you’re turning them into a brand-new meal.
* **Easy and Convenient:** This casserole is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and time. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
* **Customizable:** The recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste and the leftovers you have available.
* **Delicious and Comforting:** The combination of flavors and textures in this casserole is incredibly satisfying. It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly autumn evening.
* **Family-Friendly:** This casserole is generally a hit with both adults and children. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a Thanksgiving leftovers casserole is that the ingredients are primarily dictated by what you have left over. However, here’s a general list of ingredients to get you started:

* **Leftover Turkey:** Shredded or diced turkey is the star of this casserole. Aim for about 3-4 cups.
* **Leftover Stuffing:** This provides a hearty and flavorful base for the casserole. You’ll need about 4-6 cups.
* **Leftover Mashed Potatoes:** These add creaminess and richness to the casserole. Use about 2-3 cups.
* **Leftover Gravy:** Gravy is essential for binding the casserole together and adding moisture. You’ll need about 1-2 cups. You can also use cream of mushroom soup if you do not have leftover gravy.
* **Leftover Cranberry Sauce:** This adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to balance the savory flavors. Use about 1/2 – 1 cup.
* **Leftover Vegetables:** Green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, or any other leftover vegetables can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Use about 1-2 cups.
* **Cheese:** Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses adds a delicious cheesy topping. Use about 1-2 cups.
* **Butter:** For greasing the baking dish and adding richness to the topping (optional).
* **Bread Crumbs:** For a crispy topping (optional).
* **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage add freshness and flavor (optional).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This is the standard size for a casserole.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring and spreading the ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables (if necessary).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the casserole! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Thanksgiving leftovers masterpiece.

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.

**Step 2: Combine the Leftover Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and any other leftover vegetables you’re using. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole dense.

**Step 3: Add the Gravy**

Pour the leftover gravy over the mixture in the bowl. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with gravy. The gravy will help bind the casserole together and keep it moist.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Make sure the surface is relatively smooth.

**Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping**

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden-brown crust.

**Step 6: Add the Bread Crumb Topping (Optional)**

If you want a crispy topping, combine bread crumbs with melted butter (about 2 tablespoons of melted butter for 1/2 cup of bread crumbs) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the cheese.

**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve**

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Quantities:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on what you have available. If you have more stuffing than turkey, use more stuffing. If you don’t have any cranberry sauce, simply omit it.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as corn, peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the mixture to ensure they are cooked through.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a little bit of heat.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of gravy to make a vegetarian version of the casserole. Add more vegetables and beans for protein.
* **Add a Layer of Gravy on Top:** For an extra-moist casserole, pour a thin layer of gravy over the top of the cheese before baking.
* **Use Different Bread Crumbs:** Try using panko bread crumbs for an extra-crispy topping.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese topping just before baking.
* **Freeze the Casserole:** You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Simple Green Salad:** A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich and savory casserole.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the gravy.
* **Additional Cranberry Sauce:** Offer extra cranberry sauce on the side for those who want a little more sweetness.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** A side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, adds extra flavor and nutrients.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make Ahead:**

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cheese topping just before baking.

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Reheating Instructions:**

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the topping.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15g
* **Cholesterol:** 80-100mg
* **Sodium:** 500-700mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40g
* **Fiber:** 2-4g
* **Sugar:** 5-10g
* **Protein:** 20-25g

## Conclusion

The Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole is a delicious, easy, and customizable way to transform your holiday leftovers into a brand-new meal. It’s a perfect way to reduce food waste, enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish, and get creative in the kitchen. So, this year, don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and create a Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole that your family will love.

Enjoy your revamped Thanksgiving feast!