Oh, the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers! After a feast filled with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings, I’m always left with a mountain of delicious food just waiting to be transformed. That’s where my Thanksgiving leftovers casserole comes into play! It’s a warm, comforting dish that combines shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes, making it the perfect way to minimize food waste while enjoying a hearty meal. Trust me, this casserole is not only a fantastic way to use up those leftovers, but it also fills your home with the most mouthwatering aromas. It’s all about keeping those holiday flavors alive and creating something new and delightful!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Thanksgiving leftovers casserole truly shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded turkey: Use your leftover turkey for that delicious, savory flavor.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy kick that balances the dish perfectly.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these will act as a delicious topping.
- 1 cup cooked green beans: For a pop of color and crunch, make sure they’re cooked and ready to go.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey topping!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For that extra savory touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season it just right!
These simple ingredients come together to create a comforting casserole that’s bursting with flavors and nostalgia. Enjoy the mix of textures, from the creamy potatoes to the tender turkey, and let your leftovers shine!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Making this Thanksgiving leftovers casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy this comforting dish in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly. Trust me, the anticipation of that warm, bubbly goodness is half the fun!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. The sweet and savory blend is simply delightful, and you’ll want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble your casserole! Start by layering the turkey mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Next, spread the cooked green beans over the turkey layer—this adds a lovely crunch! Then, take those creamy mashed potatoes and spread them over the green beans, smoothing it out as best you can. Finally, don’t forget to top it all off with a generous layer of shredded cheese. The key here is to create even layers so every bite is a perfect mix!
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even broil it for a minute or two to get that extra crispy finish—just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps everything set up nicely. When you’re ready to serve, scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors! I love serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread for the perfect meal!
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving leftovers casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix it up—feel free to swap out the turkey for chicken or even use a mix of leftover vegetables like corn or peas for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the turkey mixture can work wonders!
Also, if you have extra herbs like thyme or rosemary, sprinkle them in for an aromatic boost. And remember, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s a fantastic way to save time and enjoy a cozy meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this comforting Thanksgiving leftovers casserole. Each cup contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also has around 5g of sugar and 600mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this Thanksgiving leftovers casserole? I’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries I hear, along with helpful tips to make the most of your dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!
What if I don’t have green beans? No worries! You can easily swap them out for other veggies like corn, peas, or even sautéed spinach. It’s all about using what you have on hand!
Can I use a different meat? Yes! If turkey isn’t your thing, feel free to use shredded chicken or even ham. This casserole is so versatile, and you can get creative with whatever leftovers you have!
How should I store leftovers? Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole? Definitely! If you want to save some for later, wrap it tightly and freeze it before baking. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this casserole and get it in the oven before you know it!
- Minimize Food Waste: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Comforting and Hearty: There’s nothing quite like diving into a warm casserole filled with all your favorite holiday flavors.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this delicious mix of turkey, potatoes, and cheese—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it with whatever leftovers you have, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion!
This Thanksgiving leftovers casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, bringing all those cozy holiday vibes right back to your table!
Print
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious way to use your Thanksgiving leftovers in a comforting casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup green beans, cooked
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the turkey mixture in a baking dish.
- Add the cooked green beans on top of the turkey layer.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the green beans.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken for turkey if desired.
- Add more veggies like corn or peas for variety.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving leftovers, turkey casserole, leftover turkey recipe
