Easy Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole : The Best Use for Thanksgiving Leftovers

After the big Thanksgiving meal, you’re often left with a fridge full of delicious leftovers—but no energy to cook again. This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole is the ultimate answer to that problem. It’s warm, hearty, easy to throw together, and a genius way to repurpose leftover turkey and mashed potatoes into a whole new comfort food dish.

Whether you’re winding down from a festive family gathering or just looking for a smart way to minimize waste, this easy turkey casserole with mashed potatoes is the satisfying solution you’ll want on repeat. You’ll love how quickly it comes together—and how much your family will ask for seconds.

Pair this cozy dish with something light like a Cucumber Dill Salad or a fun dessert like Apple Crisp with Oatmeal to complete the meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

There are countless reasons to keep this recipe handy post-holidays:

• Zero food waste – Use up multiple Thanksgiving leftovers at once
• One-dish meal – Everything cooks together for less cleanup
• Family-friendly – A comfort food classic that everyone loves
• Freezer-friendly – Make it ahead and freeze for later
• Quick and convenient – No need to reinvent the wheel

If you’re always searching for Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes, this one deserves a permanent spot in your recipe binder.

Perfect For: Who This Casserole Is Made To Serve

This recipe is ideal for:

• Busy families needing a no-fuss post-holiday dinner
• Hosts with leftover mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing
• Anyone craving comfort food without extra work
• People cooking on a budget
• New cooks learning to make creative use of leftovers

Even picky eaters tend to love this dish, especially when topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese or served alongside Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese.

Ingredients for Turkey and Mashed Potato Casserole

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings and can easily be doubled for a crowd or freezer stash.

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup turkey gravy (plus more for serving, optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Feel free to use leftover Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini instead of frozen veggies for a more rustic twist.

How to Make Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.

Step 2: Layer the Filling
Spread the chopped turkey evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with mixed vegetables, then drizzle with turkey gravy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add the Mashed Potatoes
Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling and spread into an even layer with the back of a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

Step 4: Optional Breadcrumb Topping
If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and the top is lightly golden. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Want to add a festive twist? Serve with a side of Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for tangy contrast.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy—just a few essentials:

• Medium casserole dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Oven mitts

For storage, have some glass meal prep containers ready if you plan to freeze leftovers.

Time-Saving Tips for Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

• Use pre-shredded cheese for faster prep
• Microwave leftovers before assembling the casserole to reduce bake time
• Combine in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
• Freeze turkey in pre-measured amounts after Thanksgiving to use in recipes like this

Need more make-ahead ideas? Try Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for the days following Thanksgiving.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions for Creative Casseroles

This dish is endlessly customizable! Try these swaps:

• Mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular
• Add stuffing as a middle or top layer
• Use cream of mushroom soup instead of gravy
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda
• Add chopped green onions or parsley for freshness

Or transform it into a “shepherd’s pie” style bake with a layer of lentils or beans beneath the mashed potatoes.

What to Serve with Turkey and Mashed Potato Casserole

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but here are some side ideas:

• A crisp Cucumber Shrimp Salad
• Honey-Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
• A slice of Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Finish with a treat like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

This casserole also pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Fluff Dip as a pre-dinner snack!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Want to make extra? Bake in individual ramekins and freeze for quick single servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Leftover Casseroles

• Using dry turkey – Add extra gravy or broth if needed
• Not seasoning enough – Taste each layer before baking
• Overbaking – Just bake until heated through and cheese is melted
• Skipping the veggie layer – Adds texture and balance

Avoiding these helps you make a leftover casserole that feels like a whole new dish.

Presentation Tips for Turning Leftovers into a Comfort Food Classic

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving
• Serve in small ramekins for individual portions
• Drizzle with warm gravy just before serving
• Use a deep white casserole dish to make the colors pop

Want more presentation-friendly meals? Try Stuffed Acorn Squash for a show-stopping leftover idea.

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FAQ: Recipes Using Leftover Turkey and Mashed Potatoes

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! It works great and gives a similar flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have gravy?
Use cream of mushroom soup or a mix of veggie broth and plant-based cream.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free mashed potatoes, plant-based cheese, and vegan butter.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch dish for a larger crowd.

Final Thoughts + Share This Comforting Recipe & Subscribe

This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole is proof that leftovers don’t have to be boring. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and creativity. Whether you’re feeding the family again post-holiday or just want to simplify your weeknight dinner routine, this cozy casserole is the answer.

Tried this recipe? Share it with your friends, bookmark it for Thanksgiving week, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more leftover transformations, comfort food classics, and smart seasonal ideas like Pumpkin Chicken Chili or Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.

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