Turkey stuffing casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together familiar flavors of Thanksgiving in an easy baked dish. This satisfying meal combines leftover turkey, stuffing and veggies topped with a creamy sauce for a meal the whole family will love.
As popular as it is, there’s still some mystery around how to make turkey stuffing casserole correctly. Follow these tips and tricks to bake up the perfect turkey and stuffing casserole every time.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Turkey stuffing casserole allows for lots of flexibility and creativity in ingredients, but there are a few key components that make for the best results:
Turkey – This casserole is all about using up leftover cooked turkey, whether it’s roasted whole turkey or just cooked breasts or cutlets. White and dark meat work equally well.
- Amount: 1 1/2 – 2 cups, chopped or shredded into bite-size pieces
Stuffing – Use your favorite stuffing recipe, whether made from scratch or from a boxed mix. Stovetop or baked stuffing are both excellent options.
- Amount: 4-6 cups
Aromatics – Onions, celery and herbs like sage bring traditional stuffing flavor. Saute them first for extra depth.
- Amount: 1/2 cup each onions and celery, 2 tsp dried sage
Creamy Binder – A sauce brings everything together. Condensed soups like cream of chicken cream of celery or cream of mushroom work perfectly.
- Amount: 1 10-oz can cream soup
Cheese – Grated cheddar, parmesan or swiss add a delicious cheesy note on top.
- Amount: 1/2 – 1 cup
Veggies – Fresh or frozen vegetables add nutrition, color and texture. Good options are peas, carrots, green beans, broccoli, spinach.
- Amount: 1 – 1 1/2 cups
Prep the Components
Before assembling the casserole, prep the ingredients:
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Chop turkey into bite-size pieces if using a whole roasted bird. For cooked turkey parts like breasts or cutlets, shred or cube the meat.
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Reheat stuffing if using leftovers until warmed through. If making from scratch, prepare according to package or recipe directions.
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Saute aromatics like onion and celery in butter or oil until softened and translucent.
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Thaw frozen vegetables if using and drain any excess liquid. Blanch fresh veggies in boiling water if they will cook through in the casserole time.
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Grate cheese so it’s ready to sprinkle on top.
Assemble the Casserole
The basic assembly method for turkey stuffing casserole is:
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Coat baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. A 2-quart casserole dish or 9×13 baking pan works well.
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Spread 1/3 of stuffing evenly across bottom of dish.
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Layer half the turkey evenly over stuffing.
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Sprinkle vegetables evenly over turkey.
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Spread cream soup evenly on top.
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Spread another 1/3 stuffing over soup.
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Layer remaining turkey.
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Top with remaining stuffing.
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Sprinkle cheese over top.
If baking right away, let assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. Otherwise refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day before baking.
Bake to Perfection
Follow these tips for flawless baking:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a center rack position.
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Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
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Bake uncovered for 25-35 more minutes until heated through and lightly browned on top.
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Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. It should come out hot with steaming juices.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets up.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Turkey Stuffing Casserole Tips
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Use up any other leftover side dishes by layering in ingredients like mashed potatoes, creamed corn or butternut squash.
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For extra flavor, drizzle the turkey with poultry seasoning before layering into the casserole.
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Cook fresh bread cubes in chicken or turkey broth for extra moist stuffing.
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To lighten up, use reduced-fat cream soup and swap in whole wheat stuffing.
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For variety, use cornbread, wild rice or sourdough stuffing mixes.
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Add diced cooked apples, cranberries, dried fruit or nuts to the stuffing for bursts of flavor.
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Top with crispy fried onions or oyster crackers for crunch.
FAQs
What can I use instead of cream soup?
- Turkey or chicken gravy or broth thickened with a roux
- Alfredo sauce
- Canned nacho cheese sauce
Can I prepare turkey stuffing casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole 1 day in advance and refrigerate covered until ready to bake. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
What goes well with turkey stuffing casserole?
- A fresh green salad or slaw
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works great in place of turkey.
Can I freeze turkey stuffing casserole?
Yes, cover baked casserole tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently until hot in the oven or microwave.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Turkey stuffing casserole brings together classic Thanksgiving flavors in one hearty, satisfying baked dish. Follow these simple tips for assembling the ultimate turkey and stuffing bake. With so many possible ingredient combinations, you can customize it to please any palate. This reliable, budget-friendly crowd pleaser will become your new favorite way to use up leftover holiday turkey.