Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole Ideas and Recipes

A leftover Thanksgiving casserole is more than just convenient. It’s a creative way to reduce food waste and keep your meals exciting. When you combine turkey, vegetables, and whole grains in one dish, you end up with a balanced meal that’s filling and nutritious. Casseroles also freeze well, which means you can prep extra portions for busy nights down the road. Instead of staring at containers of turkey and mashed potatoes in the fridge, you’ll have a ready-to-go dinner that everyone will look forward to eating.

The best casseroles come from mixing and matching flavors you already love. Here are some Thanksgiving leftover casserole ideas that make the most of your holiday spread (check out our healthy recipes below!):

• Turkey and Veggie Bake – Shredded turkey, leftover vegetables, and a crunchy topping create a light dish filled with holiday goodness. A sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess without being heavy.
• Sweet Potato and Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Use a roasted sweet potato puree instead of mashed white potatoes for extra vitamins and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Turkey Pot Pie – Leftover turkey is the perfect excuse to make a pot pie that’s loaded with veggies and herbs under a flaky crust.
• Cranberry-Turkey Wild Rice Casserole – Wild rice, turkey, and cranberry sauce make for a dish that’s hearty, high in fiber, and just the right mix of savory and sweet.
• Stuffing-Topped Turkey Casserole – Layer turkey and green beans, then add a thin topping of leftover stuffing. It delivers the classic Thanksgiving flavor in a more balanced way.

These combinations feel festive but new, giving you variety while still capturing that cozy post-holiday feeling.

Even though casseroles can sometimes be heavy, making a healthy Thanksgiving leftover casserole is easier than you might think. A few small swaps make a big difference:

• Choose lean turkey breast instead of dark meat to keep fat lower.
• Add extra vegetables for fiber, color, and nutrients.
• Use whole grains like brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice or pasta.
• Swap heavy cream or condensed soups for broth and Greek yogurt.
• Use a smaller amount of sharper cheese for more flavor with less fat and calories.

These tweaks keep your casserole balanced, satisfying, and nourishing without losing the comfort factor.

No matter which recipe you choose, turning your holiday feast into a Thanksgiving leftover casserole is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to keep the celebration going. With so many creative combinations—from turkey pot pie to sweet potato shepherd’s pie—you can enjoy comfort food that’s satisfying and nourishing. These Thanksgiving leftover casserole ideas help cut down on waste, save time in the kitchen, and give your family flavorful meals they’ll love all week long.

For more ideas on what to do with leftover turkey and all the trimmings, check out this blog about Thanksgiving leftover recipes. In addition to offering information on how to make a casserole from Thanksgiving leftovers, it includes recipes for soup, sandwiches, and more to make the most of the extra food left from the holiday.