Layered Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with Mashed Potato Crust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A layered casserole combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, corn, and rich gravy for a satisfying, all-in-one leftover meal. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 45 minutes pairs leftover mashed potatoes, leftover stuffing, leftover turkey, shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey or chicken gravy and 1/2 cup whole milk until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter, then evenly press 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes into the bottom to form a crust layer.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1 cup frozen corn kernels evenly over the mashed potato crust, then layer 2 cups leftover stuffing over the corn.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups shredded leftover turkey on top of the stuffing layer, then pour the gravy and milk mixture evenly over all layers to moisten.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and drizzle 2 tbsp melted butter evenly.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  7. Step 7: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set for easier slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with Mashed Potato Crust take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Layered Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with Mashed Potato Crust?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep leftover mashed potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with Mashed Potato Crust?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Layered Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with Mashed Potato Crust for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Layered Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole with Mashed Potato Crust?

American thanksgiving like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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