If you love the comforting flavors of a classic holiday meal but want a simpler way to enjoy them any time, this Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender turkey layered with savory gravy, vibrant cranberry sauce, fresh green beans, and a perfectly buttery stuffing all baked into one irresistible dish. It’s cozy, hearty, and full of textures and tastes that instantly make you feel at home, whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to building the rich and layered flavor of this casserole. Each one plays its part—from the juicy turkey to the crisp green beans and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a harmony you’ll want to savor every bite of.
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or roughly chopped): Provides the hearty, meaty base of the casserole, offering tender protein in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups turkey gravy: Adds moistness and savory richness that ties all the layers together beautifully.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Offers a tangy, sweet contrast that brightens up the savory flavors.
- 2 cups cut green beans (cooked or canned, drained): Brings a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and a pop of green color to the dish.
- 4 cups prepared stuffing: Creates a crispy, buttery topping that’s the perfect finishing touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors seamlessly without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 Tablespoons butter (divided into small pieces): Gives the stuffing its golden, melt-in-your-mouth finish when baked.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly warm and bubbly. Don’t forget to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Step 2: Layer the Turkey
Spread the shredded or chopped cooked turkey evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This generous layer serves as the flavorful foundation of your casserole, making sure every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 3: Add the Gravy
Pour the turkey gravy over the turkey, spreading it out so it covers all the meat. This step is crucial because the gravy infuses moisture and deep flavor throughout the casserole, helping every layer meld together.
Step 4: Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce
Next, spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the gravy. This tart and sweet layer adds a beautiful color contrast and a bit of zing that perfectly complements the richness of the turkey and gravy.
Step 5: Spread the Green Beans and Season
Add the green beans on top of the cranberry sauce and evenly spread them out. Sprinkle with the salt and black pepper to season the vegetables gently, enhancing their fresh flavor without overwhelming the dish’s balance.
Step 6: Add the Stuffing and Butter
Spread the prepared stuffing over the green beans, gently pressing down to create an even layer. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter—these bits will melt into golden pockets that keep the stuffing moist while adding rich buttery flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes so the stuffing becomes golden and crisp on top, giving you that irresistible crunch that contrasts with the soft turkey and gravy layers.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let your Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short wait allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing or scooping easier, ensuring that every plate looks as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a burst of color and an herbaceous note that beautifully brightens the rich casserole. You can also add a few fresh cranberries on top to echo the cranberry sauce’s sweet tang.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables to balance the meal. Mashed potatoes or a light soup also pair wonderfully, keeping the focus on the hearty centerpiece without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You can also layer the casserole ingredients inside a hollowed-out pumpkin or large acorn squash for a show-stopping fall presentation that doubles as a pretty serving dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any remaining Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe container to keep it protected. Frozen leftovers can last up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through—about 20 to 25 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe with leftover turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is one of the best ways to use leftover turkey, turning it into a fresh, exciting dish that’s just as satisfying as the original meal.
What type of stuffing works best?
Any prepared stuffing you like will work, whether it’s traditional herb stuffing, cornbread-based, or even a wild rice version. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before layering it in the casserole.
Can I substitute the green beans for another vegetable?
Yes! While green beans provide nice texture and color, feel free to swap them for other cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms depending on your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the turkey and gravy with plant-based alternatives like mushroom gravy and cooked vegetables, and use vegetarian stuffing. That way, you can enjoy the layering and flavor without meat.
How far ahead can I assemble the casserole before baking?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that brings all your favorite holiday flavors into one simple, delicious meal, you absolutely must try this Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make it, it will become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want that feel-good, home-cooked magic.
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Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Turkey Stuffing Casserole is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and transform it into a hearty, flavorful dish. Layers of shredded turkey, rich turkey gravy, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, tender green beans, and savory prepared stuffing are baked together to create a warm, satisfying meal that’s ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or roughly chopped)
- 2 cups cut green beans (cooked or canned, drained)
Sauces and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups turkey gravy
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Base and Fats
- 4 cups prepared stuffing
- 2 Tablespoons butter (divided into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Turkey: Spread the shredded or chopped turkey evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the first layer of the casserole.
- Add Gravy: Pour the turkey gravy over the turkey layer, distributing it evenly to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the gravy, smoothing it out to create a tangy, sweet layer that complements the savory ingredients.
- Add Green Beans and Season: Spread the cooked and drained green beans evenly over the cranberry sauce layer and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Top with Stuffing and Butter: Spread the prepared stuffing evenly on top of the green beans, pressing gently to form a compact layer. Dot the surface with the 2 tablespoons of butter divided into small pieces to add richness and help the top brown.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat the casserole thoroughly and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered for Browning: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is hot throughout.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving, which helps the layers hold together and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey or freshly cooked turkey for this recipe.
- If you don’t have prepared stuffing, you can use stuffing mix prepared according to package instructions.
- Frozen green beans can be substituted for canned if preferred; just thaw and drain before using.
- For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking uncovered—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to add herbs like sage or thyme to the gravy for enhanced flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in two dishes or a larger casserole dish for bigger gatherings.
