A Thanksgiving Casserole anchors the holiday table with comforting layers of creamy potatoes, green beans, and savory broth. This version comes together quickly with a make-ahead prep that lets you relax and enjoy the day. Pull it from the oven golden and bubbling for a standout side that brings everyone together.
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Your New Go-To Holiday Casserole
- Quick Assembly – Layer everything in one dish for a fuss-free Thanksgiving casserole.
- Family-Friendly Flavor – A savory layered dish with mashed potatoes that everyone adores.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Brilliantly uses up turkey and stuffing in one delicious bake.
- Make-Ahead Magic – Prep it the day before to ease your holiday morning.
What You’ll Need for Your Thanksgiving Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this cozy, baked Thanksgiving casserole. I love how simple this list is—it’s all about building flavor with what you likely already have!
For the base
- Unsalted Butter – Softened and perfect for sautéing.
- Yellow Onion – Finely chopped for a sweet and savory foundation.
- Garlic – Minced for that aromatic depth.
- Ground Turkey – Lean and flavorful—feel free to swap for ground chicken if you prefer.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning everything just right.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is best for a little kick.
- Dried Sage – Adds that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- Dried Thyme – Complements the sage beautifully.
For the layers
- Leftover Cooked Turkey – Shredded for a tender and hearty base.
- Stuffing – Prepared and ready to bring that comforting flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes – Prepared and creamy—homemade or store-bought works.
- Turkey Gravy – Adds moisture and richness to every layer.
- Corn – Frozen or canned, just make sure it’s drained.
- Green Beans – Cooked and chopped for a fresh, crunchy bite.
- Cranberry Sauce – Dollop it on for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Let’s Talk Timing for This Cozy Bake
I know how hectic holiday meals can be, so I designed this Thanksgiving casserole recipe to be as stress-free as possible. You won’t be chained to the stove!
It takes me about 20 minutes of active prep to get everything ready. Then, the oven does the heavy lifting for about 35 minutes. In just under an hour total, you have a beautiful, bubbly holiday casserole dish ready to serve. This makes it an easy family dinner that’s perfect for a busy holiday schedule. For more ideas on planning your meal, check out my guide to healthy Thanksgiving sides.
Thanksgiving Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 4 cups leftover cooked turkey shredded
- 2 cups stuffing prepared
- 2 cups mashed potatoes prepared
- 1 cup turkey gravy prepared
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned and drained
- 1 cup green beans cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- skillet
- measuring cups
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and season with the salt, pepper, sage, and thyme; cook until the turkey is no longer pink and fully browned, about 8 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients: first spread the shredded cooked turkey evenly on the bottom, followed by the cooked ground turkey mixture, then the stuffing, corn, and green beans. Pour the gravy evenly over the entire casserole.
- Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top to create a sealed, even layer, then dollop the cranberry sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling vigorously.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack before serving to allow the layers to set for easier slicing.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tweaks for Special Diets
I love making my recipes work for everyone at the table. If you’re sugar-conscious or managing dietary needs like a diabetic-friendly approach, this Thanksgiving casserole is wonderfully adaptable.
For a low-sugar version, you can easily use a sugar-free cranberry sauce or even skip it altogether. Swapping the gravy for a homemade, low-sodium version is another great step for glycemic control. For a lighter take, you might enjoy the flavor profile of my squash casserole, which uses natural sweetness from vegetables.
My Pro-Tips for Casserole Perfection
After making this baked casserole with turkey and stuffing countless times for my own family, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely foolproof.
- Flavor Boost: Sauté your onions until they’re deeply golden—this simple step adds a wonderful sweetness to the entire dish.
- Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix and check that your gravy is certified GF.
- Texture Tip: Let the casserole rest for a full 10 minutes after baking. This is key for getting clean slices instead of a soupy mess! For another great make-ahead option, explore this pumpkin French toast casserole.
- Storage Savvy: Cool leftovers completely before covering. I find it reheats best in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
The Wholesome Goodness in Every Bite
This creamy turkey and corn bake isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nourishing ingredients. Using lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables makes it a satisfying choice.
Turkey is a fantastic source of protein, which helps keep you full and energized throughout the busy holiday. The green beans and corn add fiber and vitamins. For more insights into balanced holiday eating, you can find great tips from sources like make-ahead mashed potato casserole ideas. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, my Thanksgiving for two menu offers perfectly portioned ideas.
Creating a Lighter Version
If you’re looking to lighten things up, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Small swaps can make a big difference without sacrificing the cozy, herb roasted turkey flavor we all love.
Try using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount by half. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding more green beans or even some diced carrots. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese—it will still be wonderfully flavorful! For another healthy casserole inspiration, check out my chicken casserole recipe. You might also love the simplicity of this green bean casserole as a lighter side.
How to Serve Your Thanksgiving Casserole with Style
I love the moment when I bring this casserole to the table—it always gets a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs!” It reminds me of my early married years, trying to host Thanksgiving without my mom’s help. This dish was my first big success, and it’s been a tradition ever since.
It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted carrots. For a complete feast, serve it alongside my classic sweet potato casserole or a tangy cranberry turkey stuffing.
Common Thanksgiving Casserole Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even the best cooks can run into a hiccup! Here’s how to ensure your cheesy green bean casserole bake turns out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Cutting in too soon will make the layers run together. Patience is key for the perfect slice!
- Overcooking the Turkey: When browning the ground turkey, stop as soon as it’s no longer pink to keep it tender.
- Uneven Layers: Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. A gourmet green bean casserole recipe also emphasizes this technique for perfection.
I remember one year I was so eager to serve it, I skipped the rest time and it was a bit soupy—a lesson learned! For more hearty ideas, my cowboy casserole is another family favorite.
Storing and Enjoying Your Leftovers
The beauty of this Thanksgiving casserole is that the leftovers are just as good, if not better! It brings back memories of the day after Thanksgiving, when my dad would always claim the last piece for his lunch.
Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly or transferring portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the top from getting soggy. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. For another great leftover idea, my breakfast casserole is a fantastic way to start the day after. If you have extra meat, this meatball casserole is another winner.
Ready to Make Your New Holiday Favorite?
I truly hope this easy Thanksgiving casserole becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions, just like it has for my family. It’s the perfect solution for a stress-free, delicious centerpiece.
Don’t forget to explore other recipes on EasyCooksRecipeS, like my potato squash casserole for a fall twist, or plan a smaller celebration with my Thanksgiving for one and thanksgiving 4 one guides. Happy cooking!
More Cozy Casserole Creations You’ll Adore
If you loved this hearty bake, you’re going to want to try these other comforting casseroles perfect for any night of the week.
Simple Chicken Casserole – A creamy, dreamy weeknight dinner the whole family will devour.
Hearty Cowboy Casserole – Packed with savory ground beef and tater tots for ultimate comfort.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole – Perfect for lazy weekend brunches or holiday mornings.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole – A sweet and marshmallow-topped essential for your holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good casserole for Thanksgiving dinner?
This Thanksgiving casserole is an excellent choice! It combines classic holiday flavors like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into one convenient, baked Thanksgiving casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that simplifies serving. For a classic side dish version, my green bean casserole is always a hit.
What is the most Googled casserole recipe?
While green bean casserole often tops the list, especially around the holidays, this versatile turkey stuffing casserole is a hugely popular way to use leftovers. Its simplicity and familiar flavors make it a sought-after recipe for home cooks.
What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes of all time?
The classic lineup almost always includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, and often corn, peas, and a salad. This holiday casserole dish cleverly combines several of those favorites into one!
