Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
