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 turkey, chopped; 1 cup mashed potatoes; 1 tablespoon celery, diced; 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/4 cups gravy; 1 cup bread stuffing

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and wildly delicious way to breathe new life into your holiday leftovers, Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are about to become your go-to. There’s nothing quite like rich turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and hearty stuffing all tucked inside tender pasta shells — then blanketed with savory gravy and and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate post-Thanksgiving comfort meal, the kind of dish that makes you want to cozy up and savor every bite.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: nothing fancy, just wholesome ingredients that showcase the best of Thanksgiving flavors. Each component brings its own texture and flair, creating a heavenly bite in every shell.

Jumbo pasta shells: These are perfect for stuffing and become irresistibly tender after baking.
Cooked turkey: Dice your leftover roast turkey for juicy, savory bites packed with flavor.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add richness and help bind the filling together.
Celery (diced): Fresh celery offers crunch and brightness to each bite.
Yellow onion (diced): A bit of onion brings a sweet, aromatic depth that plays beautifully with turkey.
Garlic (minced): A touch of garlic elevates the whole dish with mellow, savory warmth.
Cheddar cheese (shredded and divided): Some goes into the filling, some melts lusciously on top; use sharp cheddar for extra punch.
Turkey or chicken gravy: Leftover gravy is the secret to keeping these shells moist and flavorful.
Bread stuffing: The stuffing adds heartiness and nostalgic Thanksgiving flavor to the topping.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch enhances every ingredient — taste as you go for the perfect balance!

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving those golden shells a breeze later on. Set the dish aside while you prepare the magic.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 8 to 9 minutes, or until they’re flexible but still a little firm. Drain them gently to avoid tearing, then set aside while you assemble your savory fillings.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Chop your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into bite-sized pieces and warm up your mashed potatoes just enough to make them easy to mix. In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, mashed potatoes, diced celery and onion, minced garlic, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then stir everything together so every filling is creamy and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Spread 3/4 cup of gravy across the bottom of your greased baking dish — this helps the shells stay moist and infuses each bite with lots of savory goodness. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, fill each shell generously with your turkey-mashed potato mixture, nestling them snugly into the dish. Top the shells with spoonfuls of your leftover bread stuffing, the remaining gravy, and the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and everything is hot through and through. If you like, finish the Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for color and a burst of freshness. Serve warm for maximum coziness!

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Top your shells with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or sliced green onions just before serving. Not only do they add color, but the light herbal touch balances out all the rich, savory flavors beautifully. A little extra freshly cracked pepper or a dash of paprika can make the dish pop, too.

Side Dishes

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are hearty and satisfying on their own, but a simple green salad or some steamed green beans makes a lovely, fresh contrast. Consider a crisp cranberry salad or roasted Brussels sprouts — both play well with the classic seasonal flavors in this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow friends or family, arrange the stuffed shells in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or set them in a big baking dish for family-style scooping. For a playful twist, serve in a shallow soup bowl with an extra drizzle of warm gravy over the top. Don’t forget to set out crusty bread for sopping up every last bit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Place in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days, making them a fantastic next-day lunch or supper.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly and perfect for prepping ahead during the busy holiday season. Cool the shells completely, then freeze in a well-wrapped baking dish or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for freshest results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shells in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until they’re hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes). If microwaving, use a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist. Add an extra splash of gravy if needed to restore their creamy richness.

FAQs

Can I make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells with chicken instead?

Absolutely! Cooked shredded chicken works just as well in this recipe, making it a great option year-round when you’re craving the flavors of Thanksgiving but don’t have leftover turkey on hand.

What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes?

No worries! You can quickly whip up a small batch of mashed potatoes, or even use store-bought mashed potatoes in a pinch. The key is to keep the filling creamy and cohesive so the shells stay luscious.

Do I have to use cheddar cheese?

While sharp cheddar adds fantastic flavor and meltiness, you can swap it for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss — feel free to use your favorite cheese or whatever you have on hand.

Can I prepare the shells ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the shells up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.

How do I keep the pasta shells from tearing?

Be sure not to overcook the shells; cook until just tender and drain gently. Rinsing them with cool water can also help stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle while stuffing.

Final Thoughts

This creative spin on leftovers turns post-holiday fridge foraging into the highlight of your week. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are the ultimate way to transform what’s on hand into something special, warming, and downright crave-worthy. Give them a try and treat yourself to cozy flavors all over again — you might even find yourself looking forward to leftovers as much as the feast itself!

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are a delightful way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a cozy and comforting meal. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, then baked to perfection with gravy and topped with a crispy bread stuffing crust. It’s a creative and delicious twist on traditional stuffed shells, perfect for using up those post-Thanksgiving ingredients.

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and set aside.
Cook pasta shells: Boil pasta shells for 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Prepare filling: Combine chopped turkey, mashed potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and half of the shredded cheese in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, mix well.
Assemble stuffed shells: Spread 3/4 cup of 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 cheese.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley, chives, or green onions if desired. Serve hot.