Name: Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 1 cup cooked turkey (chopped); 1 cup mashed potatoes; 1 tablespoon celery (diced); 2 tablespoons yellow onion (diced); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 1/4 cups gravy; 1 cup bread stuffing; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells combine all the cozy, comforting flavors of your Thanksgiving table in one crave-worthy casserole. Tender jumbo shells cradle a rich, savory filling of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, all blanketed in luscious gravy and golden cheddar. It’s a brilliant way to transform your holiday leftovers into a totally new, irresistible meal the whole family will gobble up. If you’re looking for a fresh spin on the classics that’s both easy and delicious, this dish is calling your name!

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of classic holiday leftovers and kitchen staples. Every ingredient plays a role—adding moisture, flavor, or crunch—to turn humble odds and ends into a knockout dinner.

Jumbo pasta shells: These are the perfect vehicles for holding all that hearty, creamy filling. Don’t skip the jumbo size!
Cooked turkey: The star of the show, chopped into bite-sized pieces for juicy, protein-packed shells.
Mashed potatoes: Add creaminess and help bind the filling together—plus, they’re pure comfort.
Celery (diced): Brings freshness and a slight crunch, balancing the richness.
Yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling as it bakes.
Garlic (minced): A small but mighty addition for that irresistible savory note.
Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided): Melty, sharp cheddar means every bite is oozy and satisfying—save some for topping!
Gravy: The magic sauce that ties everything together and keeps the shells luscious.
Bread stuffing: A nod to Thanksgiving tradition, it adds herby flavor and a bit of texture on top.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust to bring everything to life.

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and give a 1 1/2 quart baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or butter, so nothing sticks later. This helps your shells bake up golden with minimal mess and makes serving a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your jumbo shells for about 8–9 minutes—just until al dente. If they’re too soft, they’ll fall apart later, so keep a close eye! Drain them gently and set aside to cool while you mix up the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the shells are cooling, chop up your turkey into bite-size chunks. Warm your mashed potatoes just so they’re easier to stir, not piping hot. In a medium bowl, mix together the turkey, mashed potatoes, diced onion and celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar. Taste and sprinkle with salt and pepper to your liking. This is that classic, cozy flavor in every bite!

Step 4: Assemble Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Spread 3/4 cup of gravy across the bottom of your prepared baking dish—think of this as the “puddle” your shells will nestle into. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to fill each pasta shell generously with the turkey mixture and arrange them snuggly in the dish. Spoon leftover bread stuffing over the top, drizzle on the rest of the gravy, and finish by scattering over the remaining shredded cheddar. Already smelling incredible, right?

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, everything is heated through, and the tops are just beginning to caramelize. If you’d like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or sliced green onion for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm—preferably with hungry loved ones standing by!

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Finish your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells with a flurry of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, chives, or green onions. The touch of green gives your casserole that “just made” look and adds a little brightness to every bite. You can also sprinkle on some freshly cracked black pepper or even a light dusting of extra cheddar for serious cheese lovers!

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is practically a meal all in one, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or steamed green beans for freshness. If you want to double down on comfort, serve with a simple cranberry sauce on the side to echo those classic Thanksgiving flavors. Warm rolls or a basket of garlic bread make it even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can bake your shells in individual ramekins for a personal touch—perfect for holiday leftovers with friends or family. You could even plate two or three shells per person with a little extra gravy spooned over the top, and a few garnishes sprinkled artfully for restaurant-worthy style. Holiday meal, meet dinnertime elegance!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells, lucky you! Store any extra shells in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. Just be sure everything is well covered so it stays moist and doesn’t absorb stray fridge flavors.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? This recipe freezes like a dream. Assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and stash in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen (add an extra 10–15 minutes to baking time) or thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Perfect for those post-holiday busy nights!

Reheating

To reheat, place individual servings or the whole casserole in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For quicker heating, you can use the microwave—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs before serving to revive that just-baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works just as well in this recipe. Even ham or roasted pork can make a tasty filling—feel free to mix and match according to what’s in your fridge.

What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes?

No worries! You can swap in a scoop of ricotta cheese, a blend of cottage cheese and a beaten egg, or even roasted sweet potatoes. The idea is to have something creamy to bind the filling.

Do I have to use cheddar cheese?

Cheddar adds sharpness and that beautiful golden color, but you can substitute any good melting cheese—try mozzarella for extra stretch, Gruyere for nuttiness, or a mix of cheeses for fun.

Can I make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything a day ahead and keep covered in the fridge. When you’re almost ready to eat, just bake them off as directed. They’re a lifesaver for busy holiday weekends!

How do I keep the shells from sticking together after boiling?

After draining, toss the cooked shells lightly with a little olive oil or arrange them in a single layer on a tray, so they don’t clump up while you prep the filling. This keeps them perfect and easy to fill later.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a deliciously different way to enjoy your leftovers, give these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells a try! It’s the kind of comfort food that feels both inventive and homey, with every bite packed full of Thanksgiving joy. I can’t wait for you to discover how easy and satisfying this recipe is—there’s nothing like cozying up to a plate of these shells with family or friends. Enjoy every forkful!

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious new meal with these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells. Tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of turkey, mashed potatoes, veggies, and cheese, baked to perfection and topped with gravy and stuffing. A comforting and hearty dish for the whole family to enjoy!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Set aside.
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta shells according to package instructions, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Filling: Chop turkey into bite-sized pieces. Heat mashed potatoes. In a bowl, mix turkey, mashed potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble: Spread 3/4 cup gravy on the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with the turkey mixture and place in the dish. Top with stuffing, remaining gravy, and cheddar cheese.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

This recipe is a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers in a creative and tasty way.
You can customize the filling with your favorite leftover ingredients.
Feel free to add extra seasonings or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American