How to Make the Perfect Turkey Stuffing Casserole

A turkey stuffing casserole is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after the holidays. This comforting casserole is creamy, flavorful, and full of tender turkey, vegetables, and stuffing. It’s an easy and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients Needed

To make a turkey stuffing casserole you’ll need

• Turkey – Shredded or diced cooked turkey About 3 cups

• Stuffing – Leftover stuffing or stuffing mix. You’ll need 3-4 cups.

• Vegetables – Frozen mixed veggies like peas, carrots, corn, green beans. Or use leftover veggies.

• Creamy sauce – Make a homemade sauce with broth, milk, flour and butter. Or use condensed soup.

• Herbs & seasonings – Poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.

• Toppings – Butter, parsley, fried onions.

Steps to Make Turkey Casserole

Follow these simple steps:

1. Make the Creamy Sauce

You can make a creamy sauce from scratch by cooking flour and butter together as a roux, then adding chicken broth and milk. Season with onion, garlic, and herbs.

For shortcut, use 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup plus 2/3 cup milk instead.

2. Mix the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the shredded turkey, thawed frozen vegetables, seasonings, and a bit of the creamy sauce.

Stir well so everything is evenly coated.

3. Layer in Baking Dish

Spoon the turkey mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the stuffing, breaking it up with your fingers to cover the dish evenly.

4. Bake

Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbling. For a crispy top, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.

5. Finish and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and fried onions. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Turkey Stuffing Casserole Tips

• For more flavor, saute onions and garlic before making the sauce.

• Add dried herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme or a poultry seasoning blend.

• Use chicken broth and milk or cream for the sauce.

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt helps make the sauce extra creamy.

• Substitute egg noodles or mashed potatoes for the stuffing if needed.

• Cooked ground turkey or chicken can sub for shredded turkey.

• Frozen mixed vegetables are quick, or use leftover veggies.

• Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes 6 months.

• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Alternative Ideas and Variations

There are lots of ways to customize this comforting casserole:

• Use chicken instead of turkey for a chicken stuffing casserole.

• Add chopped spinach, kale or other greens to the filling.

• Stir in grated cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or pepper jack.

• Mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for extra savory flavor.

• Add chopped apples, cranberries, raisins or other dried fruit.

• Top with crunchy fried onions, French’s onions, or crumbled potato chips.

• Drizzle with gravy or serve extra gravy on the side.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey casserole makes a complete meal, but here are some tasty sides to serve it with:

• Dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread

• Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli or asparagus

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Cranberry sauce

• Salad or slaw

• Extra gravy

Storage and Freezing

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow to cool completely before storing.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

A turkey stuffing casserole is a delicious and comforting way to use up leftover holiday turkey and stuffing. With a creamy sauce, tender turkey, sautéed vegetables, and crispy stuffing topping, it makes a fabulous family meal. Follow the simple steps above for casserole success. Customize it with your favorite flavors and enjoy the tasty results!