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Give those Thanksgiving extras a second life with this simple casserole. Instead of warming everything up one by one, throw all your holiday goodies into a single heartwarming meal. It's a fantastic way to enjoy those traditional tastes again without letting anything go to waste.
Benefits of This Dish
This dish makes leftover management effortless and delicious. Rather than dealing with multiple containers, everything cooks together in one dish for a quick dinner. You can toss in whatever remains you've got, and dinner's on the table in just half an hour. You'll save cash too, since you're transforming food you already have into a brand new meal your family will gobble up.
Ingredients List
- Turkey: 2 cups pulled leftover turkey. Other cooked chicken works when turkey's gone
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup to add sweet zesty flavor. Jam works in a pinch
- Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups for that velvety middle layer
- Corn: 1 cup brings brightness and natural sweetness. Swap with any leftover veggies
- Gravy: 1 cup remaining turkey gravy. Chicken gravy makes a good substitute
- Milk: ¼ cup to loosen up the gravy. Whatever type you have works fine
- Stuffing: 2 cups creates a crunchy topping. Try crushed crackers if needed
- Broth or Butter: ¼ cup helps keep the stuffing from drying out
Preparation Steps
- Prepare Your Oven
- Get it going at 400°F. While it heats up, find your 8x8 baking dish.
- Build Your Layers
- Start with turkey on the bottom, then smooth cranberry sauce over top. Next goes the mashed potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of corn.
- Mix Your Sauce
- Stir milk into gravy until it's nice and smooth. Drizzle this mixture all over everything.
- Finish and Cook
- Scatter stuffing across the top. Drizzle with broth. Cover with foil and pop in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until everything's hot and bubbling.
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The Story Behind
This dish was born from staring at a refrigerator crammed with Thanksgiving leftover boxes and wanting a simpler solution. Instead of reheating tiny portions of everything, why not combine it all? Turns out those festive foods actually taste even better when they're baked together into one scrumptious creation.
Family Favorite
Our folks now look forward to this casserole almost as much as the main Thanksgiving meal. You'll get all those beloved flavors but only need a single dish and about half an hour. The kids really dig how everything mingles together, and parents appreciate that nothing gets thrown away. And guess what? It tastes even better when you reheat it for lunch tomorrow.
Custom Options
Throw in whatever leftovers you have most of. Got tons of mashed potatoes? Stack that layer higher. Stuffing overload? Make an extra thick topping. Try sliding in some leftover green bean casserole or candied yams between the layers. Each household eventually creates their own signature version, which is what makes it truly special.
Practical Cooking
Getting creative with leftovers helps your budget and cuts down waste. You'll squeeze more meals from food you've already paid for, and nothing ends up in the trash. Plus, you won't need to cook again or go shopping for another day or two. It's good for your wallet and kinder to the environment too.
FAQs
Don't keep turkey more than 4 days in your fridge. Put everything in sealed containers until you're ready to make your casserole. If you've got extra turkey, try making some sandwiches or whip up a turkey salad. Put dates on your containers so you know what needs using first. Remember, if you're unsure about whether something's still fresh, it's always better to play it safe.
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Wrap-Up
If you love this idea, why not try Turkey Shepherd's Pie next? It's just as simple! Layer turkey and gravy first, spread mashed potatoes over the top, and bake until the surface is golden brown. Make the most of all those holiday extras!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Shredded rotisserie chicken will do the trick. Swap it for turkey, and the combo of flavors still works great!
- → What if there's no cranberry sauce left?
Try apple sauce with a squeeze of lemon, berry jam, diced apples and dried cranberries, or even orange marmalade for similar sweet notes.
- → How can I make it dairy-free?
Opt for plant-based milk in the potatoes, use stock for gravy, and double-check stuffing labels. Olive oil works in place of butter too!
- → Can it be prepped in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the layers, refrigerate for up to a day, then bake while adding 10-15 extra minutes. Skip the stuffing on top until right before baking for best results.
- → How do I make it crunchier on top?
Leave it uncovered in the last 10 minutes, or sprinkle breadcrumbs, crushed chips, or buttery stuffing crumbles. Add a bit of melted butter for extra crunch.
- → How long does it last in the fridge?
It's best eaten within two days but can keep up to four. Just know the texture might change slightly over time.
- → Can I freeze individual portions?
Yes! Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight before reheating.
- → Why does my casserole seem too dry?
Stir in a bit of extra broth or gravy to add moisture. Leftover ingredients can vary in how they hold onto liquid.
- → What can I use if I'm out of stuffing?
Crushed crackers with herbs, mashed potatoes, cornbread crumbs, or crispy fried onions are all great choices for a topping.