Thanksgiving and holiday feasts are joyous occasions, often leaving us with delightful mountains of leftovers. While leftover turkey sandwiches are a classic, there’s a world of culinary creativity waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, easy, and delicious way to repurpose your holiday bounty, look no further than the turkey dressing casserole. This one-dish wonder, reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s approachable and comforting style, transforms leftover turkey and dressing into a creamy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
3/4 view of a turkey casserole in a white dish showing creamy turkey and dressing with a spoon dipping in.
Are you tired of the same old turkey leftovers? Do you crave a dish that’s both effortless to make and bursting with flavor? This turkey dressing casserole recipe is your answer. It’s a fantastic solution for using up that delicious Thanksgiving turkey and dressing, especially when everyone is uttering the dreaded phrase, “Not more turkey!” Plus, if your turkey turned out a little drier than planned, this casserole works wonders to bring it back to life with its creamy, moist texture.
Just like Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond, we appreciate the beauty of simple, family-friendly recipes that deliver big on taste. This casserole embodies that spirit – it’s straightforward, uses readily available ingredients, and results in a dish that’s pure comfort food.
Speaking of Thanksgiving feasts, many of us, like the generous hosts of the Pioneer days, tend to cook enough food to feed an army. The goal? Delicious leftovers! And what better way to celebrate those leftovers than with a recipe that’s as comforting and satisfying as this turkey dressing casserole?
Remembering cherished family traditions, it’s heartwarming to recall stories of passed-down recipes and culinary wisdom. Just like Pioneer Woman shares her family favorites, this turkey dressing casserole feels like a recipe rooted in tradition, offering a sense of home and warmth with every bite.
After the whirlwind of Thanksgiving cooking, we all deserve a break. That’s where this effortless casserole shines. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect post-holiday meal when you want minimal effort but maximum flavor, embodying the practical and resourceful approach of a true pioneer woman in the kitchen.
Food Safety First: Handling Leftover Turkey
Before diving into the deliciousness of the casserole, let’s quickly touch on food safety – a crucial aspect for any home cook, pioneer or modern. According to food safety guidelines, it’s essential to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Keep those hot foods hot and cold foods cold until they find their way into the refrigerator.
For optimal quality and safety, aim to use your leftover turkey and dressing as soon as possible. Generally, leftovers are safe to enjoy for three to four days when properly refrigerated. If you have an abundance of leftovers, freezing is a fantastic option. Make sure to freeze them within two hours of cooking to maintain their quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover turkey dressing casserole, ensure you reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a food thermometer is the best way to guarantee it’s heated through safely. Frozen leftovers are best used within one to two months for the best flavor and texture.
This turkey dressing casserole recipe is wonderfully simple, even embracing the convenience of canned soup – a pantry staple for quick and easy meals, much like the resourceful ingredients used in pioneer kitchens. Using cream of chicken soup creates that classic creamy base that makes this casserole so comforting.
Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful Casserole
Top shot of Ingredients including shredded turkey, stuffing, chicken soup and milk
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful turkey dressing casserole, reminiscent of the hearty, no-fuss meals favored by the Pioneer Woman:
- Cooked Turkey: About 6 cups, shredded or chopped. Use a mix of white and dark meat for richer flavor, or just use your favorite. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is perfect!
- Bread Dressing (or Stuffing): 4 cups, pre-made or leftover. Ensure it’s moist and flavorful, not dry croutons. Pioneer Woman often emphasizes flavorful seasonings in her dishes, so quality dressing is key.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 cans (10.5 ounces each), low sodium preferred. Using low sodium soup helps control the overall saltiness, especially since your leftovers are already seasoned.
- Milk: 1 cup. Any type of milk works; skim, 2%, or whole milk. Room temperature milk blends more smoothly with the soup, creating a velvety sauce.
Variations and Tips for Your Turkey Dressing Casserole
Just like Pioneer Woman encourages adapting recipes to your own taste and pantry, this turkey dressing casserole is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few variations and helpful tips:
- Chicken Substitution: No leftover turkey? No problem! Cooked chicken works beautifully in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken from the store is a super convenient option.
- Turkey Breast Savings: Keep an eye out for turkey breast sales, especially around the holidays. They freeze well, and leftover cooked turkey breast is fantastic in this casserole.
- Dressing Alternatives: If you’re short on leftover dressing, a small box of “Stove Top” stuffing mix (prepared according to package directions) can be a handy substitute.
- Veggie Boost: Add vegetables to sneak in extra nutrients and flavor. Frozen corn, peas, or green beans are easy additions. For a Pioneer Woman touch, consider sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for deeper flavor.
- Soup Swaps: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor profile. Use what you have on hand, embracing resourcefulness!
- Smaller Batch: Cooking for fewer people? Easily scale down the recipe. Use a smaller baking dish and reduce the ingredients proportionally, using just one can of soup.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Prepare the casserole in two freezer-safe dishes. Bake one now and freeze the other for a future easy meal. Pioneer Woman is all about planning ahead!
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Dressing Casserole
3/4 view of cooked apple pie filling in a metal bowl with 3 fresh apples behind it sitting on a blue stripped towel.
Close up side view of Pineapple Cherry Fluff with another bowl in the background
A whipped cream salad filled with fruit cocktail and cherries in a white bowl on top of a pink napkin
3/4 angled of a molded Frozen Cranberry Salad sitting on a white plate over a red striped towel.
Keep it simple and comforting, just like a Pioneer Woman meal! If you have leftover cranberry sauce, it’s a perfect tangy accompaniment. Here are a few other easy side dish ideas:
- Homemade Apple Pie Filling: A sweet and warm contrast to the savory casserole.
- Pineapple Cherry Fluff: A light and retro side dish that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad: A refreshing and easy fruit salad.
- Frozen Cranberry Salad: Another classic cranberry side that complements the richness of the casserole.
More Leftover Turkey Inspiration
Looking for even more ways to use leftover turkey? Remember, cooked turkey can be substituted in virtually any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. From soups and salads to sandwiches and pot pies, the possibilities are endless!
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Kitchen Essentials for Turkey Dressing Casserole
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
Explore More Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
If you’re seeking more delicious ways to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers, explore our other fantastic leftover recipes!
If you enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment and a 5-star review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your feedback helps us share more great recipes!
Chunks of leftover turkey and dressing in creamy chicken soup on a white plate sitting on a gold napkin and a green striped napkin with the title
Turkey Dressing Casserole Recipe – Pioneer Woman Style
This Turkey Dressing Casserole recipe, inspired by the comforting and easy style of Pioneer Woman, repurposes leftover turkey and stuffing into a quick, creamy, and utterly delicious one-dish meal.
- 48 from 119 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: turkey dressing casserole, turkey casserole recipe, pioneer woman casserole
Servings: 8
Equipment
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked turkey, cubed or shredded
- 4 cups pre-made bread stuffing
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup, low sodium
- 1 cup milk (any type)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread the cooked turkey evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Crumble the bread dressing (stuffing) evenly over the turkey.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the dressing and turkey.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-60 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Video
[Link to Recipe Video (if available, or embed video here)]
Recipe Notes
- Using room temperature milk helps it blend more easily with the soup.
- Cooked chicken can be substituted for turkey.
- Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup.
- Adjust the amount of turkey to your preference, ensuring it covers the bottom of the dish. More turkey will result in a thicker casserole.
- Add vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Nutrition
Calories: 369kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 63mg
Sodium: 1111mg
Potassium: 319mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 543IU
Calcium: 85mg
Iron: 3mg
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is estimated and varies. Use as a guide only.
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What are your favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers? Are you the cook or the guest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
