Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe: A Must-Try Delight for Your Post-Holiday Table

If your fridge is packed with holiday turkey and you’re unsure what to do with it, you’re not alone. Every year, millions find themselves staring down containers of leftovers, searching for ways to reinvent them. But instead of reheating dry slices or settling for a boring sandwich, why not transform that leftover turkey into something warm, comforting, and absolutely satisfying?

This Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe isn’t just a clever way to reduce food waste—it’s a deliciously simple solution for anyone craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy dinner for two, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.

It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and so tasty that you may find yourself making it year-round—not just after the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Casserole

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this dish, and most of them have to do with convenience, flavor, and versatility.

First off, this casserole is a time-saver. After the stress and bustle of holiday hosting, the last thing you need is another complex recipe. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

Then there’s the flavor. The creamy base, savory turkey, and golden breadcrumb topping create a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.

And finally, it’s flexible. Don’t have green beans? Use corn or peas. Prefer mozzarella over cheddar? Go for it. Need to make it gluten-free? Just swap out the breadcrumbs. You’re in control, and this dish adapts to whatever you have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to clear space in your fridge, this casserole makes things easy and enjoyable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to make this dish work. In fact, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge.

Base Ingredients:

• Cooked turkey – 2 cups, shredded or diced. It brings the flavor and protein.
• Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g). Adds creaminess and binds everything together.
• Green beans – 1 cup, trimmed and chopped. Use fresh or frozen for convenience.
• Salt and pepper – to taste. Season just right to bring everything to life.

For the Topping:

• Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded. Melts into a gooey, savory layer.
• Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (preferably seasoned). Provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon. Helps the topping brown and crisp up beautifully.

Don’t hesitate to adjust quantities based on your needs. This recipe is forgiving and built for creativity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, you’ll prepare the rest of the ingredients. Preheating ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked turkey, cream of mushroom soup, and green beans. Make sure your turkey is in bite-sized pieces so it mixes well and distributes evenly in each bite. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your turkey mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to make sure every layer cooks uniformly. This step sets the foundation for that rich, creamy texture that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire dish. Then, cover with seasoned breadcrumbs. Finally, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil across the top to help the breadcrumbs crisp and brown during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sides are bubbling. That’s your cue that the dish is ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and plate. Now’s the time to sit down and enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy season.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Casserole

A few small changes can turn this simple casserole into something truly special:

• Use leftover gravy instead of soup for added flavor depth.
• Swap green beans for corn, peas, or broccoli.
• Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a different taste profile.
• Add a dash of paprika, thyme, or garlic powder for extra seasoning.
• Use crushed crackers or potato chips instead of breadcrumbs for a fun texture change.
• Want a richer taste? Mix in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese.

This recipe is your canvas. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

This dish isn’t just good for now—it’s great for later too.

Refrigerate

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Freeze

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

Reheat

To reheat, simply bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. The texture holds up well, and the flavors stay intact.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup)

Understanding what’s in your food is key to balanced eating. Here’s what you’re getting with each serving:

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

This casserole provides a filling and satisfying meal that balances protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

Conclusion

The Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe is more than just a smart way to use up leftovers—it’s a chance to relive the joy of your holiday meals in a brand-new way. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish brings comfort and warmth back to your table when you need it most.

It’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best meals come from what’s already in your kitchen. So take that leftover turkey, get creative, and enjoy every last bite of the celebration you worked so hard to create.

Give this casserole a try tonight—you might just start a new tradition of looking forward to the leftovers even more than the main event.

More Tasty Ideas

• Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: This comforting dish brings together tender broccoli florets, rich cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping—making it a perfect match for anyone who enjoys hearty, oven-baked meals like the Leftover Turkey Casserole. It’s also a great vegetarian option with similar creamy textures.
• Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole: If you love layered, oven-baked casseroles, this breakfast-style recipe is a savory treat. Packed with sausage, cheese, and crispy tater tots, it delivers a similar balance of comfort and convenience—perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner alternative.
• Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies: These flaky hand pies offer the creamy filling and poultry goodness reminiscent of a turkey casserole, but in a portable, hand-held version. They’re ideal if you’re looking to repurpose leftovers into something just as satisfying but a bit more fun and creative.

Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

A creamy and comforting casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a satisfying dish, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy seasoned breadcrumbs. This recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy way to enjoy holiday leftovers.

• Author: Benchi
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cream of mushroom soup, and green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Substitute green beans with peas, corn, or broccoli based on preference.
• Use crushed crackers or potato chips instead of breadcrumbs for a different texture.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.