Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole is a scrumptious dish loaded with all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors, from stuffing to green beans and gravy. It’s a delicious way to use up those leftovers.

Every year after Thanksgiving I face the same problem besides the extra inches around the waist—what to do with all the leftovers?

Turkey sandwiches and reheated plates are great, but there’s often still a container of stuffing, some green beans, gravy, and leftover turkey and ham in the fridge.

This year I decided to combine them into a single, hearty casserole. Think Chicken Cordon Bleu in spirit—creamy and comforting, but much simpler and built from what you already have on hand.

How To Make Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole

Start by gathering your leftovers. Spray a 9 x 13 pan and spread a layer of stuffing across the bottom. It doesn’t have to be neat—this dish is all about flavor.

Add a layer of vegetables next. I used green beans, but broccoli or mixed vegetables work well too—about a cup is fine. The goal is to use up leftovers, not to follow the recipe rigidly.

Top the vegetables with about 3 cups of diced meat—turkey, ham, or a combination. I had turkey and bought a slice of ham steak to add some variety.

How to make Creamy White Sauce

Now make the white sauce. In a medium skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add a pinch of flour and stir. Then add 1/4 cup of flour, whisking until a thick paste (roux) forms and starts to bubble.

Whisk in 1 cup of milk and continue stirring until a rich, thick white gravy forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach the consistency you like.

If you have leftover pan gravy, add about 3/4 cup to the white sauce for extra depth of flavor. Mix well until combined.

Adding White Sauce to Leftover Casserole

Pour the white sauce evenly over the layers in the casserole dish so everything is moistened and saucy.

Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese over the top. The Swiss gives the casserole a subtle Chicken Cordon Bleu twist, lifting it from plain leftovers to something bright and inviting.

In a microwave-safe cup, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and stir in 1/4 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture over the cheese for a crunchy, golden topping.

How to Bake Casserole

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30–40 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbling, and the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.

This casserole is pure comfort food—rich, cheesy, and comforting. Serve with a fork and enjoy.

My family uses a simple rating: thumbs up if a recipe is a keeper, thumbs down if it shouldn’t be repeated, and sideways thumbs for “meh.” I’m pleased to say this casserole earned two enthusiastic thumbs up.

It’s even better as leftovers—you’ll find yourself eating the leftover casserole the next day because it’s that good. Beyond great taste, this recipe helps reduce waste by turning extra holiday food into a new, satisfying meal.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this inspires you to make the most of your Thanksgiving bounty and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish your family will love.

Left Over Thanksgiving Casserole

A tasty way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers: layers of stuffing, vegetables, and diced turkey and/or ham covered in a creamy white sauce, topped with Swiss cheese and golden breadcrumbs.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Servings: 8

Calories: 602 kcal

Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing (or 1 package Stove Top, prepared)
• 1 cup leftover vegetables (about 1 cup green beans or mixed vegetables)
• 3 cups diced leftover meat (turkey, ham, or both)
• 2 cups grated Swiss cheese
• 1 Tablespoon butter (melted) + 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs

White Sauce

• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup leftover gravy or jarred gravy
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan.
2. Layer stuffing in the bottom of the pan, then the vegetables, then the diced meat.
3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add a pinch of flour and stir. Add 1/4 cup flour and cook into a thick paste, stirring continually.
4. Whisk in 1 cup milk and cook until a rich, thick gravy forms. Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, add more milk.
5. Stir in 3/4 cup gravy until incorporated.
6. Pour the sauce over the casserole layers, then sprinkle with 2 cups grated Swiss cheese.
7. In a microwave-safe cup melt 1 tablespoon butter and mix with 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the cheese.
8. Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and bubbling.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 602 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 17 g | Sodium: 948 mg