Transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting, hearty meal with this Leftover Turkey Casserole. This dish is made with cooked turkey, cheesy gravy, vegetables, and cornbread, creating a delicious and easy casserole that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s quick to prepare and ready in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal way to use up your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any holiday feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and full of savory turkey and vegetables. The combination of turkey, cornbread, and gravy gives it a wonderfully satisfying texture, while the mozzarella adds a creamy, melty finish. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal effort and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy, this dish will hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/4 cup flour
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
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1 cup turkey gravy
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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3 cups cornbread, cut into 1-inch chunks
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3 cups chopped turkey meat (cooked)
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1/2 cup frozen peas
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1 cup chopped carrots
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1 cup chopped frozen green beans
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Make the Gravy: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
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Add the Gravy Mixture: Gradually whisk in the turkey gravy, milk, and mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook and whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
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Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the cubed cornbread, chopped turkey, peas, carrots, and green beans. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the top, ensuring everything is coated well.
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Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the turkey and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Add More Cheese: Feel free to add extra cheese on top, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a more cheesy casserole.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to cover it with foil while reheating to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover stuffing instead of cornbread?
Yes, you can replace the cornbread with leftover stuffing if you prefer that flavor. It’ll work just as well!
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
3. Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans, based on what you have available.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Can I make this casserole with chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can easily swap the turkey for cooked chicken if you have it on hand.
6. What kind of gravy should I use?
You can use homemade turkey gravy, store-bought turkey gravy, or any kind of gravy you prefer. Chicken or vegetable gravy will also work if you don’t have turkey gravy.
7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy and gluten-free cornbread to make this dish gluten-free.
8. What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness.
9. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the center is hot. You can check with a fork or knife to ensure it’s heated through.
10. Can I make this casserole with store-bought cornbread?
Yes, store-bought cornbread will work just as well as homemade cornbread. Just cut it into chunks to add to the casserole.
Conclusion
This Leftover Turkey Casserole is the perfect way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a delicious, comforting meal. With tender turkey, vegetables, cheesy gravy, and soft cornbread, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together quickly. Whether you’re using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or making a hearty dinner for any night, this casserole will become a family favorite.
Print
Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Transform your leftover turkey into a delicious and comforting casserole! This easy recipe combines turkey, cheesy gravy, vegetables, and cornbread into a hearty dish that’s ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for using up leftovers and a great family dinner option.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 cup turkey gravy
1 cup whole milk
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 cups cornbread, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 cups chopped cooked turkey
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped frozen green beans
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and add the butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Make the Gravy:
Melt the butter in the saucepan, then add the flour. Whisk well for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually add the turkey gravy, milk, and mozzarella cheese, whisking until smooth.
Prepare the Casserole:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cornbread, turkey, peas, carrots, and green beans. Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the top and toss to combine.
Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Veggie Options: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like corn or green peas to suit your preferences.
Cheese: While mozzarella works best for a smooth, melty texture, you can use cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
