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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
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4.8 from 21 reviews

This Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells recipe creatively transforms your holiday leftovers into a comforting, delicious casserole. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of turkey, mashed potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, and cheddar cheese, then baked in rich gravy and topped with bread stuffing. It’s a perfect, hearty meal to enjoy after Thanksgiving or anytime you want to repurpose leftovers in a satisfying way.

Ingredients

Scale

Stuffed Shells

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup cooked 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
  • 1 cup bread stuffing
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Other

  • 1 1/4 cups turkey gravy

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly so you can fill them easily.
  3. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Assemble Dish: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly on the bottom of the baking dish to create a flavorful base. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to fill each pasta shell generously with the turkey and potato mixture. Arrange the filled shells side by side in the baking dish.
  5. Add Toppings: Spoon the bread stuffing over and around the filled shells. Pour the remaining gravy on top to keep everything moist. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish for a cheesy crust.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley, chopped chives, or green onions. Serve warm for the best flavor and comfort.

Notes

  • You can substitute bread stuffing with your favorite type, including gluten-free if needed.
  • Adding herbs like sage or thyme to the filling can enhance the Thanksgiving flavors.
  • Leftover gravy from your turkey roast works best but store-bought gravy is a fine substitute.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils and use vegetable gravy.
  • Make sure pasta shells are cooked al dente to avoid over-soft shells after baking.
  • This dish can be prepared a day ahead; assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey recipe, stuffed shells, pasta casserole, holiday leftovers, comfort food, baked stuffed shells

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/leftover-thanksgiving-turkey-stuffed-shells-recipe/