Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole Recipe

The day after Thanksgiving, many of us open the fridge and wonder what to do with the mountain of leftover turkey staring back at us. While a sandwich or two is nice, it doesn’t take long before the same reheated plate starts to feel repetitive. That’s where this Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole comes in.

This recipe is the ultimate solution for using up heaps of turkey meat in a way that feels fresh, cozy, and completely different from your holiday spread. Packed with tender shredded turkey, creamy sauce, fluffy rice, broccoli, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, it transforms your leftovers into a bubbling, golden casserole the whole family will devour. Best of all, it’s quick, budget-friendly, and makes enough to feed everyone still hanging around for the holiday weekend.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Casserole

Perfect Use of Leftovers: Turkey, rice, and even Thanksgiving vegetables like broccoli get a second life.
Easy Ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
One-Pan Meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Melty cheese, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping — it’s impossible not to love.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in the morning and bake later when you’re ready for dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the ingredient lineup for this cheesy turkey casserole:

3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
2 cups steamed broccoli florets
1 cup cooked white long-grain rice
1 cup condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup cold water
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup French fried onions (or another crunchy topping)

Cooking Instructions

Make the Sauce

Whisk together condensed soup and cold water. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine

In a large bowl, mix rice, broccoli, turkey, half of the cheddar, and the soup mixture.

Assemble

Pour everything into a greased casserole dish.

Top

Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and finish with French fried onions (or your chosen crunchy topping).

Bake

Cook at 350 °F (175 °C) for 20–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Serve

Enjoy warm — perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers!

Tips for the Best Turkey Casserole

Shred Instead of Dice

Shredded turkey blends better into the creamy base than large chunks.

Don’t Skip the Veggies

Broccoli adds freshness and color. If you don’t love broccoli, substitute peas, carrots, or green beans.

Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from melting as smoothly.

Add Extra Flavor

A sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can take the flavor up a notch.

Make It Creamier

Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy boost.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about casseroles is how versatile they are. Here are a few fun spins:

Turkey & Stuffing Casserole: Replace the rice with leftover stuffing for extra Thanksgiving flavor.
Turkey Pasta Bake: Swap rice for pasta (like penne or rotini) for a heartier twist.
Low-Carb Option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter dish.
Extra Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Tex-Mex Twist: Stir in a can of diced green chiles and swap cheddar for Monterey Jack. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of onions.

What to Serve with Leftover Turkey Casserole

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides:

Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart flavor balances the creamy richness.
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness.
Dinner Rolls: Perfect for scooping up any extra cheesy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: If you still have Thanksgiving roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or squash, serve them alongside for extra color.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 15–20 extra minutes.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Why This Recipe Works with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving often leaves us with plenty of turkey, vegetables, and even extra rice or stuffing. Instead of reheating the same plate of leftovers, this casserole:

Maximizes leftovers by combining them into one dish.
Reduces food waste while giving you a new flavor experience.
Feeds a crowd — great if family is still visiting for the weekend.
Offers comfort food during the cozy post-holiday season.

Nutrition Benefits

This casserole isn’t just comfort food — it’s also balanced:

Protein: Turkey provides lean protein to keep you full.
Vegetables: Broccoli adds fiber, vitamins C & K, and antioxidants.
Calcium: Cheddar cheese delivers calcium and a satisfying cheesy texture.
Balanced Carbs: Rice adds energy, while you can swap in whole-grain rice for extra fiber.

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Weekend Meal Plan

Here’s how you can incorporate this dish into your Thanksgiving leftover strategy:

Day 1 (Thanksgiving): Enjoy the big feast!
Day 2 (Black Friday): Use leftover turkey in sandwiches or turkey soup.
Day 3 (Saturday): Bake this casserole for a filling family dinner.
Day 4 (Sunday): Freeze any extra casserole portions for easy weeknight meals later.

This way, nothing goes to waste, and you don’t feel like you’re eating the exact same meal every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this casserole without canned soup?

Yes. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce: whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup milk, and 2 tablespoons flour until thickened.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap French fried onions for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles well. Just bake it in a larger dish or two smaller ones.

Leftover Turkey Casserole: A Family Tradition in the Making

Thanksgiving casseroles like this one aren’t just about saving leftovers — they’re about creating new traditions. After all, the weekend after Thanksgiving is a time for relaxing, watching movies, and sharing cozy meals with family. This recipe keeps the holiday spirit going without the stress of a complicated meal.

Every bite of this casserole is warm, cheesy, and comforting. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel grateful for the leftovers and for the extra time spent around the table with loved ones.

Conclusion

This Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole is more than just a recipe — it’s a solution. It helps you reduce waste, feed your family with minimal effort, and keep the holiday joy alive for days after Thanksgiving. With its creamy base, tender turkey, cheesy topping, and irresistible crunch, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for years to come.

So, the next time you open your fridge after Thanksgiving and wonder what to do with all that turkey, remember: one casserole dish and a handful of simple ingredients can turn those leftovers into something magical.