Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are just the ticket! Imagine jumbo pasta shells filled to the brim with tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a meal that brings comfort and joy, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe is not only a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers but also a fun dish that everyone will love!

These stuffed shells come together quickly and make for a delightful dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, they are easy enough for even the little ones to help with—talk about a win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm and hearty meal on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves pasta! These stuffed shells are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep these ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready for dinner.
• Deliciously comforting: Rich flavors from the turkey and gravy combined with cheesy goodness make this dish a true comfort food classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful stuffed shells. You probably have most of these on hand after Thanksgiving!

For the Stuffing

• 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)
• 3 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)

For Assembly

• 1 1/4 cups gravy
• 1 cup bread stuffing
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty ideas to switch things up:

• Add veggies: Mix in some cooked spinach or steamed broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Use different proteins: Swap out turkey for chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you want something quick.

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your stuffed shells cook evenly once they go in. Grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish lightly, so nothing sticks during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them for 8-9 minutes until they are al dente. Drain them gently and set aside; they will be filled with deliciousness soon!

Step 3: Make the Filling

While your pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine your chopped turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced onion and celery, minced garlic, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Season it with salt and pepper if you’d like. Mix everything well—this filling is going to be packed with flavor!

Step 4: Assemble Your Dish

Spread about 3/4 cup of gravy on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, fill each pasta shell generously with the turkey mixture. Place them snugly in the dish as you go along. Top each shell with leftover stuffing, pour over any remaining gravy, and finish with the rest of your cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pop your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until everything is hot throughout and bubbly on top. If you want an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives right before serving for color and flavor!

Serve these warm Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells to friends or family, and watch as they delight in this comforting twist on holiday leftovers! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Making these stuffed shells is a delightful way to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into something special!

• Choose the right pasta: Opting for jumbo pasta shells ensures you have enough room for all that delicious filling. They hold up well during baking and create a perfect bite every time.
• Mix and match fillings: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Adding chopped vegetables or different cheeses can enhance the flavor and texture, making each shell uniquely delicious.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta shells helps them maintain their structure when filled and baked. This prevents them from becoming mushy and falling apart.
• Use homemade or store-bought gravy: A rich, flavorful gravy is key to bringing everything together. If you have leftover homemade gravy, use it! Otherwise, a good quality store-bought option works wonders too.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffed shells to sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps everything set up nicely. This makes serving easier and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Presenting these stuffed shells can be as fun as making them! A warm dish served fresh from the oven always brings smiles to the table.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top just before serving creates a melty, indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their nutty flavor complements the creamy stuffing perfectly, adding a crispy texture contrast.
• Garlic bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra gravy and making dinner feel even more comforting.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stuffed shells, refreshing your palate with every bite.
• Steamed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans are a classic side that adds brightness and crunch without overpowering the main dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time or store any leftovers for a delicious meal later in the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it yet.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• If reheating from cold, cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
• For frozen shells, increase the baking time to about 45-50 minutes, removing foil during the last 10 minutes to crisp up the cheese.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells.

Can I use other types of meat besides turkey?

Absolutely! While this recipe features leftover turkey, you can substitute with shredded chicken or even cooked vegetables for a vegetarian option.

How do I make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and check that your gravy and stuffing mix are gluten-free as well.

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

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake them. This makes meal prep a breeze!

What can I serve with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells?

These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve them with crusty bread to soak up any extra gravy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells! They’re not only a delightful way to use up leftovers but also a comforting meal that brings back warm memories of holiday gatherings. Enjoy each bite knowing you’ve crafted something special from your holiday feast. Happy cooking!