Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

Transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a comforting and satisfying meal with these Turkey Stuffed Shells. Easy to prepare and full of familiar flavors, this dish is perfect for enjoying a cozy night after the holiday feast.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup turkey, chopped
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 1/4 cups gravy
• 1 cup bread stuffing
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: Boil the jumbo pasta shells for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, warm the mashed potatoes until just heated through. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped turkey, warm mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, fill each pasta shell with the turkey mixture and place them in the baking dish. Scatter the bread stuffing over the stuffed shells, then drizzle with the remaining gravy. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover gravy from your Thanksgiving meal or substitute with store-bought for convenience.
• Add a pinch of dried thyme or sage to the filling for extra holiday flavor.
• For a creamy texture, mix a little sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before filling.
• If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?

Yes, fresh cooked turkey can be used as well. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and ensure it is fully cooked before mixing into the filling.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from chilled.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

This comforting recipe transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing into deliciously cheesy stuffed pasta shells. Baked to perfection with a blend of savory ingredients, these leftover turkey stuffed shells offer a creative and hearty way to enjoy post-holiday flavors in a simple casserole dish.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

Filling

• 1 cup turkey, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup mashed potatoes, warmed
• 1 tablespoon celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 oz cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Assembly

• 1 1/4 cups gravy
• 1 cup bread stuffing
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
3. Prepare Filling: While the pasta cooks, chop the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Warm the mashed potatoes until just heated through. In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Assemble Stuffed Shells: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and mashed potato mixture. Arrange the filled shells neatly in the baking dish.
5. Add Toppings and Bake: Once all shells are filled and placed, top them with the leftover bread stuffing, pour the remaining gravy over the shells, and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the stuffing is heated through.
6. Serve: Optional – garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the stuffed shells warm and enjoy using your Thanksgiving leftovers in a savory pasta casserole.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
• Use homemade or store-bought gravy depending on preference.
• Make sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
• Leftover mashed potatoes can be replaced with fresh mashed potatoes if desired.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: leftover turkey, stuffed shells, Thanksgiving leftovers, cheesy pasta casserole, baked stuffed pasta, holiday leftovers recipe