Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Thanksgiving leftovers have never been this exciting! With Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells, you can transform your holiday turkey into a delicious and hearty meal. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and topped with savory gravy and cheese. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any casual gathering where comfort food is welcome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Flavorful Fusion: Combining leftover turkey with creamy mashed potatoes creates a delightful taste experience that everyone will love.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze some for later.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or other leftover sides.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun shape of the stuffed shells and cheesy topping makes this dish appealing to kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells a breeze. Below are the essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Large pot
• Medium bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good baking dish evenly distributes heat, ensuring your stuffed shells cook thoroughly without burning.
• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta shells, a large pot allows you to cook multiple shells at once for efficiency.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the filling ingredients together; it provides enough space to combine everything smoothly.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Shells

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling

• 1 C turkey
• 1 C mashed potatoes
• 1 Tbsp celery (diced)
• 2 Tbsp yellow onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 3 oz cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)

For Topping

• 1 1/4 C gravy
• 1 C bread stuffing
• salt
• pepper

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water for about 8–9 minutes until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, chop the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Warm up the mashed potatoes slightly. Combine the turkey, mashed potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheese in the bowl. Optionally season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread 3/4 cup of gravy on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, fill each pasta shell with the turkey filling mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. Top each shell with leftover stuffing, remaining gravy, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving warm.

Enjoy this creative way to use up your holiday leftovers while delighting your family!

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are a delightful way to repurpose your holiday feast. These stuffed shells can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve the stuffed shells right out of the baking dish for a relaxed family dinner. Let everyone help themselves!

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a burst of color and flavor. It adds a fresh touch to the creamy dish.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair with a light salad dressed with vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad balances the richness of the stuffed shells.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

• Include the stuffed shells in a buffet-style meal. They make an excellent centerpiece alongside other favorites like veggies or rolls.

How to Perfect Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

To elevate your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells, follow these simple tips for perfect results every time.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality turkey and fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked. This ensures they hold their shape.
• Mix Fillings Well: Ensure that all filling ingredients are evenly combined before stuffing. This helps each bite be full of flavor.
• Layer Flavors: Add additional spices or herbs to your gravy for extra depth. A little garlic powder or Italian seasoning can enhance taste.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Complement your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells with tasty side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs wonderfully with any pasta dish, providing a crunchy and buttery contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and zucchini add color and nutrition while roasting brings out their sweetness.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing and tangy balance to the rich flavors of the stuffed shells.
4. Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side is easy to prepare and adds a nice pop of green on your plate, making it visually appealing as well.
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the stuffed shells, adding variety to your meal.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots gives a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the pasta.
7. Cornbread Muffins: These mildly sweet muffins provide a delightful texture alongside savory dishes, perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
8. Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are a fun finger food option that everyone loves; they add heartiness to your meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your filling can lead to bland shells. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before assembling.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the jumbo shells too long will make them mushy. Aim for al dente, as they will cook further in the oven.
• Not packing the filling tightly: If you don’t fill the shells well, they may fall apart during baking. Use a cookie scoop to ensure a generous amount of filling in each shell.
• Skipping the gravy layer: Forgetting to add gravy at the bottom can result in dry shells. Always spread some on the bottom of your baking dish for moisture.
• Using cold leftovers: Cold turkey or mashed potatoes won’t blend well. Ensure all ingredients are warmed before mixing for the best texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells:

Can I use other meats instead of turkey?

You can easily substitute leftover chicken or beef in this recipe. Just ensure you chop it into small pieces for easy stuffing.

How do I customize my stuffed shells?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into your filling mix. You can also change up the cheese based on your preference.

Can I make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them a day before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

What sides pair well with stuffed shells?

A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements these stuffed shells wonderfully. You can also serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a comforting meal that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences!