If you’re looking for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the best flavors of a holiday feast, this Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly layers savory turkey, rich gravy, sweet cranberry sauce, tender green beans, and fluffy, buttery stuffing into one irresistible casserole. Whether you have leftover turkey to use up or simply want a hearty meal full of cozy textures and vibrant flavors, this recipe makes the whole process straightforward, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that pack a big punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the savory turkey and gravy creating a moist base, to the cranberry sauce adding a tangy sweetness, all balanced by the fresh green beans and classic stuffing topping.
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or roughly chopped): Use leftover roast turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups turkey gravy: This adds moisture and rich, savory notes that tie everything together.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: For a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 2 cups cut green beans (cooked or canned, drained): Adds a fresh, slightly crisp vegetable layer to balance the dish.
- 4 cups prepared stuffing: Whether homemade or store-bought, it forms a comforting, crunchy topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided into small pieces): Dotting the casserole with butter creates a golden, crispy crust on top.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes serving much easier later on.
Step 2: Layer the Turkey
Spread the shredded or chopped turkey evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This creates the savory foundation of your casserole, giving every bite some hearty protein.
Step 3: Add the Turkey Gravy
Pour the turkey gravy over the turkey, spreading it out to coat the meat evenly. This step adds moisture and depth, keeping your casserole juicy as it bakes.
Step 4: Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the cranberry sauce on top of the gravy in an even layer. This tangy-sweet element brightens the flavors and offers a delightful contrast to the savory layers below.
Step 5: Top with Green Beans and Seasoning
Evenly distribute the cooked green beans over the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to season the vegetables and balance the dish.
Step 6: Add the Stuffing and Butter
Spread the prepared stuffing over the green beans, pressing down gently to create a firm, even layer. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter. The butter is key for achieving a luscious, golden crust that’s so inviting.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the stuffing to crisp up beautifully while the casserole heats through evenly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This little pause helps the layers set, so every serving stays together perfectly on the plate.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of green and an extra layer of fresh flavor. You can also add a few fresh cranberries for dramatic color and a hint of tartness that pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple sides like mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp garden salad work wonderfully to add variety and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. It’s also fantastic layered in clear glass dishes for a pretty presentation showcasing each colorful layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, perfect for quick lunches or reheated comforts later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through to revive the crispy topping and keep the layers deliciously moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture may become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of stuffing for this Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer cornbread, herb, or sausage stuffing, any variety will work and bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Is it necessary to use whole berry cranberry sauce?
Whole berry cranberry sauce adds lovely texture and vibrant color, but you can use jellied cranberry sauce if that’s what you have; the taste will still be fantastic.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the dish by substituting the turkey and gravy for savory mushrooms and vegetable gravy, making it a comforting vegetarian casserole option.
How long can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Does the casserole freeze well after baking?
While it freezes best before baking, you can freeze leftovers after baking. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven to preserve texture.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Casserole Recipe is a true labor-saving treasure that brings the spirit of a holiday feast to your table any day of the year. It’s easy to make, full of nostalgic flavors, and endlessly satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it may just become your new go-to comfort meal that warms your hearts and bellies alike.
Print
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 Turkey Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for using up leftover turkey and stuffing. Layers of savory turkey, rich gravy, tangy cranberry sauce, and green beans are topped with buttery stuffing that bakes to a golden perfection, making it an easy and delicious casserole for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or roughly chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups turkey gravy
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Vegetables
- 2 cups cut green beans (cooked or canned, drained)
Base and Seasoning
- 4 cups prepared stuffing
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fat
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Turkey: Spread the shredded or chopped turkey evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add Gravy: Pour the turkey gravy over the turkey, spreading it out evenly to coat the meat and keep it moist.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the gravy, adding a hint of sweetness and tartness.
- Add Green Beans and Season: Spread the cooked or canned and drained green beans over the cranberry layer. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Top with Stuffing and Butter: Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the green beans, pressing down gently to form a compact layer. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons of butter divided into small pieces to help the stuffing brown.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving. Enjoy your delicious turkey stuffing casserole!
Notes
- Use leftover turkey and stuffing for a quick, easy meal.
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms between layers.
- You can substitute green beans with other vegetables like peas or corn if preferred.
- Make sure the stuffing is well-buttered on top for a crispy finish.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the stuffing from drying out.
- This casserole reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
