Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole
Introduction
Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole is your ticket to enjoying all the cherished flavors of a classic holiday meal—stuffing, turkey, potatoes, and veggies—in a single, easy-to-make dish. By layering everything in one pan, you streamline the prep and let the oven do all the work. This recipe is the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who want the comfort of Thanksgiving any time of year, without the extensive prep and pile of dirty dishes.
Why Make a Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole?
This one-pan wonder delivers all the nostalgia and flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but with a fraction of the fuss. Unlike managing multiple pots and pans, the casserole format means everything bakes together, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family dinners, or weeknight comfort food.
A Layered Classic—All Your Favorites in One Pan
The genius of Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole is in its layered approach: savory stuffing forms the base, followed by juicy turkey or chicken, sweet and tender vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crown of crispy onions. Every forkful is filled with comforting flavors and a melty, golden top that beckons everyone back for seconds.
Shortcuts for Simple Prep
You don’t have to make everything from scratch! Grab store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey, pre-made stuffing mix, and even instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time. This casserole is all about convenience and adaptability. For extra flavor, mix some gravy into the meat layer or drizzle over the top before baking.
Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Casserole Dinner
Serve slices of this casserole with a cranberry salad, green beans, or an easy green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling cider or white wine. Don’t forget a simple pumpkin dessert to round out the feast!
Nutritional Information and Servings
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. If prepared with lean turkey, lots of veggies, and light on the butter, each serving has around 400 to 500 calories—a hearty but balanced option to enjoy those holiday flavors guilt-free.
Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole (Recap)
Enjoy the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner in every bite—savory stuffing, roasted turkey, creamy potatoes, and classic vegetables, all in one crowd-friendly casserole. It’s versatile, satisfying, and brings the holiday spirit to any table, any time.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread the prepared stuffing evenly on the bottom of the dish, gently pressing it down with a spatula.
- Scatter the shredded turkey or chicken over the stuffing layer. Pour 1 cup of gravy evenly over the meat for extra moisture and flavor.
- Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the turkey layer.
- Spoon and spread the mashed potatoes across the top, smoothing out with a spatula. Add shredded cheese, if using, for a creamy finish.
- Dot the top with butter and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top and return to the oven until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra gravy, if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole is perfectly suited for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan, and let CookifyAI generate smart shopping lists that group ingredients by grocery section for the week.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates total ingredient amounts for all recipes scheduled
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery aisle for streamlined trips
- Eliminates duplicate items and helps prevent missing essentials
- Keeps your weekly cooking on track and stress-free
Pro tip: If you plan other weekly meals using turkey or stuffing, CookifyAI will consolidate ingredients so you always buy the right quantities—saving money and avoiding waste!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving whenever you crave it, with none of the usual hassle!