Turkey and Stuffing Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year? Or perhaps you’re looking for a delicious way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after the big feast? Look no further than the Turkey and Stuffing Casserole! This comforting dish is the perfect combination of savory flavors, creamy textures, and simple preparation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic weeknight meal option.

This recipe takes all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner and layers them into a single, easy-to-bake casserole. Imagine tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, creamy gravy, and maybe even a hint of cranberry sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking with different types of stuffing, vegetables, and toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

* **Comforting and Familiar:** This casserole evokes the warm, cozy feelings associated with Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by using different types of stuffing, adding vegetables, or experimenting with toppings.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone will love the combination of savory flavors and creamy textures in this comforting casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Turkey and Stuffing Casserole. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts based on your preferences and the amount of leftovers you have.

* **Cooked Turkey:** 4 cups, shredded or diced. Leftover turkey is ideal, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey breast.
* **Stuffing:** 6 cups, prepared according to package directions or your favorite recipe. Leftover stuffing is also perfect here.
* **Gravy:** 2 cups, your favorite kind. You can use leftover gravy, store-bought gravy, or make your own.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This adds a creamy, savory element to the casserole.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. To thin out the cream of mushroom soup and create a smoother sauce.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds flavor and texture to the casserole.
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Another classic flavor element that complements the turkey and stuffing.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the onion and celery.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** (Optional) 1/2 cup, whole berry or jellied. Adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to the casserole.
* **Shredded Cheese:** (Optional) 1 cup, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. Adds a cheesy topping to the casserole.
* **Dried Herbs:** (Optional) 1 teaspoon, such as thyme, sage, or rosemary. Enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. To season the casserole to your liking.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Large skillet:** For sautéing the onion and celery.
* **Mixing bowls:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping the onion and celery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the ultimate Turkey and Stuffing Casserole:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

**Step 3: Prepare the Sauce**

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and any desired dried herbs (such as thyme, sage, or rosemary). Stir well to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

Spread half of the stuffing evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the sautéed onion and celery mixture.

Next, layer the shredded or diced cooked turkey over the stuffing and vegetable mixture. If using cranberry sauce, spread it evenly over the turkey.

Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the turkey and cranberry sauce (if using). Top with the remaining stuffing.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Types of Stuffing:** Experiment with different types of stuffing, such as cornbread stuffing, sausage stuffing, or wild rice stuffing. Each type of stuffing will add a unique flavor and texture to the casserole.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as green beans, carrots, peas, or mushrooms. You can sauté these vegetables along with the onion and celery.
* **Use Different Types of Meat:** If you don’t have turkey, you can use chicken, ham, or even ground beef in this casserole. Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding it to the casserole.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the turkey and add more vegetables to make a vegetarian version of this casserole. You can also add vegetarian sausage or tofu for extra protein.
* **Add Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere. You can add the cheese to the top of the casserole or layer it in between the other ingredients.
* **Use Different Types of Soup:** If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a can of condensed cheese soup.
* **Add Cranberry Sauce:** Cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to the casserole. You can use whole berry cranberry sauce or jellied cranberry sauce.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the casserole for added texture and flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a spicy kick.
* **Top with Breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green bean casserole.

Here are some specific serving suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich and savory casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, add a touch of sweetness and color to the meal.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** A classic green bean casserole is a perfect complement to the Turkey and Stuffing Casserole.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes provide another comforting element to the meal.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Turkey and Stuffing Casserole can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining or meal prepping. Here’s how:

* **Assemble the Casserole:** Prepare the casserole according to the instructions, but do not bake it.
* **Cover and Refrigerate:** Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake:** When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate Leftovers:** Store leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-600 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

**Note:** This is an approximate nutritional estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Conclusion

The Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for using up leftovers or enjoying a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year. With simple ingredients and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!