The holidays are a time for gathering around the table and enjoying comforting, soul-warming meals. This Hearty Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate cozy dish that brings all the flavors of Thanksgiving into one epic, family-friendly casserole. Featuring juicy turkey, savory stuffing, and a creamy, melty topping, this dish is pure comfort on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Turkey and Stuffing Casserole for Comfort
This casserole is the perfect way to use up any leftover turkey from the holidays, and it’s also a great make-ahead option that can be prepared in advance for easy weeknight meals. The combination of tender turkey, fluffy stuffing, and a creamy, cheesy topping creates a lush, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, it’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as cozy leftovers.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a mix of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly craveable dish. You’ll need cooked turkey, cubed bread or stuffing mix, eggs, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and a blend of shredded cheese. Seasoned with sage, thyme, and a touch of garlic, the flavors in this casserole are both classic and elevated.
- 4 cups – Cooked turkey, cubed or shredded
- 6 cups – Cubed bread or stuffing mix
- 3 – Eggs, beaten
- 1 (10.5 oz) can – Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup – Chicken broth
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp – Dried sage
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey: Cooked chicken or plant-based meat alternatives (similar texture and flavor)
- Bread/Stuffing: Gluten-free bread or stuffing mix (for dietary restrictions)
How to Make Hearty Turkey and Stuffing Casserole for Comfort
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cubed bread or stuffing mix, eggs, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and shredded cheese. Season the mixture with sage, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix until well incorporated. Transfer the turkey and stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or chopped vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Gravy Drizzle: If you have any leftover gravy, drizzle it over the top of the casserole for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking for a crispy, golden-brown topping.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad or roasted brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh green salad, roasted vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a comforting and nutritious option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Can I use leftover stuffing instead of bread?
Absolutely! If you have any leftover stuffing from Thanksgiving, you can use that in place of the cubed bread or stuffing mix. Just be sure to adjust the amount of broth or cream of mushroom soup as needed.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sautéed vegetables like onions, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also top the casserole with roasted brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free bread or stuffing mix, and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free or gluten-free version. You can also use gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs for the topping.
Try These Next
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- Creamy Turkey And Stuffing Casserole
Hearty Turkey and Stuffing Casserole for Comfort
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with flavorful turkey, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups prepared stuffing mix
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey, onion, garlic, and celery over medium heat until the turkey is no longer pink.
4.
5. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6.
7. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the prepared stuffing mix on the bottom.
8.
9. Pour the turkey mixture over the stuffing layer.
10.
11. Top with the remaining stuffing mix and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
12.
13. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
14.
15. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
Feel free to add vegetables such as peas or carrots for extra nutrition!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: turkey, stuffing, casserole, comfort food