Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie with Stuffing
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting shepherd's pie layered with turkey, vegetables, and gravy, topped with stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty casserole combines all the holiday flavors in one satisfying dish, perfect for feeding the family the day after Thanksgiving. The stuffing creates an interesting textural contrast between the traditional potato topping and the savory filling, making this version unique from classic shepherd's pie.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped small
- 3 cups leftover turkey, cut into bite-size piecescooked chicken1:1poultry
similar flavor and texture
- 1 ½ cups leftover carrots, chopped into bite size pieces
- 1 ½ cups leftover green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ cup frozen peasleftover corn1:1vegetable
different texture but similar sweetness
- ½ cup leftover gravychicken broth1:1flavor
will be less rich but still flavorful
- 2 cups leftover stuffingbreadcrumbs mixed with herbs1:1textureadds gluten
won't have same flavor depth
- 4 cups leftover mashed potato
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
- 2
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
- 3
Add onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 3-5 minutes
- 4
Stir in turkey, carrots, green beans and peas and cook until heated through, then stir in gravy
- 5
Pour turkey mixture into a 2 quart casserole dish
- 6
Top with stuffing and smooth to an even layer, then top with mashed potato
- 7
Place casserole dish onto a baking sheet in case it bubbles over and bake for 15-20 minutes until top is browned
Tips
Place the casserole on a baking sheet to catch any overflow and make cleanup easier
Let the shepherd's pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set before serving
If your gravy is thick, thin it slightly with broth to ensure it distributes evenly through the filling
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated before baking
Serve hot directly from the casserole dish
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the baking sheet underneath to avoid oven spills
Ensure all leftovers are properly reheated to 165°F for food safety
Substitutions
similar flavor and texture
won't have same flavor depth
FAQ
Can I freeze this shepherd's pie?
Yes, assemble completely then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
What if I don't have enough gravy?
Substitute with chicken or turkey broth, or make a quick gravy using butter, flour, and broth seasoned with herbs and salt.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Cook fresh carrots and green beans until tender before adding to the turkey mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed.