Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re wondering how to transform those leftovers into a fresh, cozy meal you’ll actually look forward to, these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are exactly the solution you need. This dish beautifully reinvents your turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy into something truly special—a comforting, cheesy, and savory pasta bake that tastes like Thanksgiving all over again, but in a fun and unexpected way. It’s the perfect way to savor memories of the holiday while enjoying a new, hearty dinner that brings family and friends back to the table with smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a simple but vital role, coming together to balance flavors, textures, and that wonderful festive spirit. From the tender turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to the mild crunch of celery and the rich embrace of cheddar, every component enhances the dish’s irresistible charm.

• 12 jumbo pasta shells: The perfect size to hold all that delicious filling and cheese.
• 1 cup turkey: Chopped into bite-sized pieces for tender bites throughout.
• 1 cup mashed potatoes: Adds creamy texture and comforting heartiness.
• 1 tablespoon diced celery: A subtle crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
• 2 tablespoons diced yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: A warm, savory note to bring it all together.
• 3 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided: For gooey, melty deliciousness inside and on top.
• 1 1/4 cups gravy: The rich, flavorful base that keeps everything moist and indulgent.
• 1 cup bread stuffing: Adds hearty texture and traditional Thanksgiving flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to taste that enhance all the other ingredients.

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Pasta

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it nice and hot. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish so your shells won’t stick and will bake evenly. Boil the jumbo pasta shells for about 8 to 9 minutes until just tender, then drain and set them aside—these shells will cradle all those mouthwatering fillings perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the pasta’s cooking, chop your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces—small enough to fit nicely inside each shell. Warm up your mashed potatoes so they’re easier to mix, then in a medium bowl, combine the turkey, mashed potatoes, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a bit of salt and pepper if you like, then stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and ready to stuff.

Step 3: Fill the Shells and Assemble

Spread about 3/4 cup of gravy on the bottom of the greased baking dish—that’s going to keep everything moist and add a rich layer of flavor. Using a medium cookie scoop, fill each jumbo pasta shell with your turkey and mashed potato mixture and place them seam side up in the dish. Once all the shells are packed in, top them with dollops of the leftover stuffing, pour the remaining gravy over the shells, and sprinkle on the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your baking dish into the oven and let it bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the cheese melts into a bubbly, savory layer and everything heats through beautifully. If you want to add a fresh touch before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley, chives, or green onions—these herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely color pop.

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even thinly sliced green onions can transform the dish instantly. Not only do these garnishes add a beautiful visual lift, but they also introduce a fresh note that balances the rich, comforting flavors of the turkey and cheese.

Side Dishes

Although this meal feels pretty complete on its own, pairing your stuffed shells with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables adds a wonderful contrast in texture and freshness. Consider a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or even some sautéed green beans for a pop of color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells straight from the baking dish at the center of your table, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style. If you’re hosting guests, place individual stuffed shells on small plates with a drizzle of extra warm gravy or a sprinkle of additional cheese to impress. Presentation can turn a leftover dish into a star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover stuffed shells tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This lets the flavors meld together even more and makes for a wonderfully satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze these stuffed shells either pre-baked or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. If freezing after baking, cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat gently to keep them moist and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes if refrigerated or longer if frozen. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the pasta shells from getting too soggy. A gentle oven reheating keeps the cheese melty and the shells perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! While cheddar offers a classic sharpness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a gooier texture or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor twist. Just be mindful of how the cheese melts to ensure a gooey, satisfying filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can definitely transform this dish into a vegetarian treat by swapping out the turkey for hearty roasted vegetables or lentils and using vegetable gravy. The stuffing and mashed potatoes provide plenty of comforting flavors on their own.

How can I make the dish less rich?

Using a lighter cheese option or reducing the amount of cheese can help, as can substituting mashed cauliflower for the mashed potatoes to cut down on heaviness. Also, using homemade gravy with less fat or a broth-based sauce can lighten the dish.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling the day before and refrigerate it in a sealed container. When ready to assemble, just bring it to room temperature, fill the shells, and continue with the recipe. This makes for easier meal assembly on a busy day.

What can I do if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells?

If jumbo shells aren’t available, large manicotti tubes or even large ravioli pasta can work. Just adjust cooking and stuffing accordingly, but the principle remains the same—this filling is delicious no matter the pasta carrier!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about turning your Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. These Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells capture all the familiar, beloved flavors in a vibrant, fun way you and your loved ones will adore. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to keep the holiday spirit alive for days after the feast ends.

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