Thanksgiving Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Dish for the Holidays
Thanksgiving is a time for warmth, family, and delicious food. While traditional dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing often take center stage, a Thanksgiving Casserole is a perfect way to bring all those comforting flavors together in one hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. This easy-to-make casserole combines leftover Thanksgiving ingredients or can be prepared fresh as a main or side dish.
What Is a Thanksgiving Casserole?
A Thanksgiving Casserole is a layered baked dish that captures the essence of a full holiday meal in one pan. It typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy — all baked together for a rich, savory experience. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers, minimize waste, and still enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the feast.
Ingredients for a Classic Thanksgiving Casserole
To make a traditional Thanksgiving Casserole, you’ll need:
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2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
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2 cups stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
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2 cups mashed potatoes
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1 cup turkey gravy
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1 cup mixed vegetables (like green beans, peas, or corn)
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1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for a creamy topping)
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½ cup fried onions or breadcrumbs (for added crunch)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Thanksgiving Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Start by spreading the turkey evenly across the bottom of the dish. Add the vegetables next, followed by the stuffing. Pour the gravy evenly over the layers to keep them moist.
Step 3: Add Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
Spread the mashed potatoes over the top layer and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes if desired for a creamy, golden topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. For an extra crunch, add fried onions or breadcrumbs during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair it with cranberry sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Casserole
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Perfect for leftovers: Combines all your favorite Thanksgiving foods in one dish.
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Quick and easy: Minimal prep time, maximum flavor.
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Comforting and hearty: Warm, creamy, and full of traditional holiday taste.
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Family favorite: Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Casserole
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Add a layer of cranberry sauce between the stuffing and mashed potatoes for a sweet-tart surprise.
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For a creamier version, mix the turkey with a little sour cream or cream of mushroom soup.
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Make it vegetarian by skipping the turkey and using roasted vegetables and vegetarian gravy instead.
Conclusion
A Thanksgiving Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and creativity. Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftovers or create a unique side dish for your holiday table, this recipe delivers all the classic Thanksgiving flavors in one convenient and delicious bake. Serve it fresh out of the oven and watch it become a new holiday favorite.