Ultimate Thanksgiving Casserole: One-Pan Holiday Dinner Recipe

This turkey and stuffing casserole brings all the best Thanksgiving flavors together in one simple, family-friendly dish. Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it an ideal solution for busy days or for using up holiday leftovers.

thanksgiving leftovers casserole on yellow plate.

Thanksgiving Casserole

This casserole is a great way to use leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy. It’s flexible — use fresh or leftover mashed potatoes, boxed or homemade stuffing, and jarred or homemade gravy. The result is an easy, comforting dish that tastes like Thanksgiving any time of year.

Easy Casserole Recipes

Casseroles are a go-to for busy families because they’re quick to assemble, often made with pantry staples, and can be prepared in advance. If you enjoy this recipe, other easy casserole ideas include skillet chicken Alfredo casserole, meatball casserole, crockpot ravioli casserole, and make-ahead broccoli rice casserole.

Ingredients For Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, for greasing the pan
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes (use leftovers or your favorite recipe)
  • 1 box stuffing mix, prepared according to package directions (or use leftover stuffing)
  • 10 oz cooked turkey breast, chopped
  • 1 cup turkey gravy (jarred or homemade)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (or substitute canned cranberry sauce if preferred)

How To Make Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish with butter or margarine.

potatoes in a sauce pan with butter.

Prepare the stuffing according to package directions and make the mashed potatoes if you’re not using leftovers.

a greased casserole dish.

Spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.

mashed potatoes in baking dish.

Spoon 1/3 cup of gravy over the mashed potatoes to add moisture and flavor.

mashed potatoes with gravy in a casserole dish.

Season the chopped turkey with a little salt and pepper, then add it on top of the potatoes. Spoon another 1/3 cup of gravy over the turkey.

turkey in a casserole dish.

Evenly press the prepared stuffing over the turkey layer to form the next layer.

stuffing in baking dish

Top with the remaining 1/3 cup of gravy and sprinkle the dried cranberries over the top. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F, until heated through and the top is set.

thanksgiving dinner casserole with craisins

The finished casserole is warm, comforting, and full of classic Thanksgiving flavors—perfect for using leftovers without fuss.

thanksgiving dinner casserole.

Tips For Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

  • Use leftover mashed potatoes when possible to save time; otherwise make them fresh using your favorite method.
  • Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or warm dinner rolls to complete the meal.
  • If you don’t have dried cranberries, canned cranberry sauce makes a tasty, sweet alternative.

FAQs For Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

How do I store this Thanksgiving leftover casserole?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this with mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes?

Yes. Substitute an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes if you prefer their sweeter flavor.

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Leftovers can be transformed into many new meals, saving money and reducing waste. With turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on hand you can create sliders, muffins, egg rolls, crescent roll pockets, and more — a great way to stretch holiday food into several meals.

Top Casserole Essentials

A reliable 9×13-inch casserole dish and basic kitchen tools will make assembling and transporting casseroles easier. Insulated carriers are helpful for bringing a hot casserole to potlucks or family gatherings.

Turkey Recipes

  • Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin and Potatoes
  • Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll Recipe
  • Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce Sandwich
  • Turkey Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffins

Recipe

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Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

Author: Vicky

This turkey and stuffing casserole combines Thanksgiving flavors into an easy, make-ahead dish.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 200 kcal (approximate)

Equipment

  • 9×13 casserole dish

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 box stuffing mix (prepared)
  • 10 oz cooked turkey breast, chopped
  • 1 cup turkey gravy
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish.
  2. Prepare the stuffing according to package directions.
  3. Make mashed potatoes or use leftovers.
  4. Spread mashed potatoes evenly in the casserole dish.
  5. Spoon 1/3 cup of gravy over the potatoes.
  6. Add chopped turkey, season with salt and pepper, and spoon another 1/3 cup gravy over the turkey.
  7. Top with the prepared stuffing and press to form an even layer.
  8. Finish with the remaining 1/3 cup gravy and sprinkle ½ cup dried cranberries on top.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, until heated through.

Notes

  • If using Thanksgiving leftovers, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Otherwise use your preferred mashed potato recipe.
  • Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.

Enjoy this easy, cozy casserole as a convenient way to savor Thanksgiving flavors any day of the year.