Turn Thanksgiving Leftovers into a Delicious Turkey Casserole!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving behind memories of family, friends, and, of course, mountains of delicious food. While those initial Thanksgiving feasts are amazing, the allure of reheated turkey and stuffing can quickly fade. But don’t despair! Transform those leftovers into something new and exciting with a comforting and flavorful turkey casserole. This recipe is not only a great way to use up leftover turkey, but also a fantastic way to create a whole new meal that your family will love.

## Why Turkey Casserole is the Perfect Leftover Solution

Turkey casserole is the ultimate leftover makeover. It’s:

* **Versatile:** You can customize it with whatever leftover ingredients you have on hand. From different vegetables to various sauces, the possibilities are endless.
* **Comforting:** A warm, cheesy casserole is the perfect comfort food, especially during the cooler months.
* **Easy to Make:** With most of the ingredients already cooked, assembly is a breeze.
* **Budget-Friendly:** It helps you reduce food waste and save money by repurposing leftovers.
* **Delicious:** When done right, a turkey casserole is a flavor explosion that surpasses the original Thanksgiving meal (dare we say!).

## The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

This recipe provides a base for a fantastic turkey casserole. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preferences and what you have available.

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

### Ingredients:

* **Turkey:** 4 cups cooked, shredded or cubed turkey
* **Vegetables:** 2 cups mixed leftover vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, carrots, Brussels sprouts – any combination works!) If using canned or frozen, drain well.
* **Stuffing:** 2 cups leftover stuffing, crumbled
* **Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* **Milk/Broth:** 1/2 cup milk, chicken broth, or turkey broth (adjust to desired consistency)
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend)
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional, but adds great flavor. Saute before adding if you prefer a milder flavor.)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves minced garlic (optional, for added flavor. Saute with onion if using.)
* **Butter/Oil:** 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for sauteing onion and garlic, if using)
* **Seasoning:** Salt and pepper to taste
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* Cranberry sauce (1/4 cup, stirred into the sauce mixture)
* Cooked mashed potatoes (1 cup, layered or mixed in)
* Chopped celery (1/2 cup, sauteed with onion and garlic)
* Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, sage)
* Bread crumbs (for topping, mixed with melted butter)
* Fried onion strings (for topping)

### Equipment:

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Skillet (if sauteing onion and garlic)

### Instructions:

**1. Preheat the Oven:**

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

**2. Sauté Onion and Garlic (Optional):**

If using onion and garlic, heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

**3. Prepare the Sauce:**

In the large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk/broth. Stir until smooth. Add the sauteed onion and garlic (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. If using cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes, stir them in at this stage.

**4. Combine Ingredients:**

Add the shredded turkey and mixed vegetables to the sauce mixture. Stir to combine everything well, ensuring the turkey and vegetables are coated in the sauce.

**5. Assemble the Casserole:**

Pour the turkey mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.

**6. Top with Stuffing and Cheese:**

Sprinkle the crumbled stuffing evenly over the turkey mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffing.

**7. Add Optional Topping:**

If using bread crumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese. Alternatively, sprinkle fried onion strings over the cheese.

**8. Bake:**

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

**9. Let Rest:**

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

**10. Serve and Enjoy:**

Serve the turkey casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad.

## Tips for the Perfect Turkey Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Turkey:** Leftover turkey can dry out easily, so avoid overcooking it in the casserole. The goal is to heat it through, not to cook it further.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the sauce mixture before baking.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The cheese is a key component of the casserole, so choose a good quality cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature turkey casserole.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze for Later:** Leftover turkey casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

## Variations on the Classic Turkey Casserole

* **Cranberry Turkey Casserole:** Stir in 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce into the sauce mixture for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Mashed Potato Topped Casserole:** Layer a layer of mashed potatoes on top of the turkey mixture before adding the stuffing and cheese. You can even pipe the mashed potatoes for a more elegant presentation.
* **Broccoli Cheddar Turkey Casserole:** Add cooked broccoli florets to the turkey mixture and use cheddar cheese for the topping.
* **Spicy Turkey Casserole:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a kick.
* **Mexican Turkey Casserole:** Use salsa instead of mushroom soup, add black beans and corn to the turkey mixture, and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
* **Stuffing Only Topping:** Omit the cheese and double up on the stuffing topping. Mix the stuffing with melted butter and herbs for an extra flavorful crust.

## Serving Suggestions

Turkey casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Even more cranberry sauce never hurts!
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** A side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli adds extra nutrients to the meal.
* **Mashed Sweet Potatoes:** Mashed sweet potatoes are a sweet and savory complement to the turkey casserole.

## Leftover Turkey Casserole: A Thanksgiving Tradition Reinvented

Don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! With this easy and versatile turkey casserole recipe, you can transform them into a comforting and delicious meal that your family will love. So, gather your leftover turkey, vegetables, and stuffing, and get ready to create a new Thanksgiving tradition!