Leftover Turkey Casserole (Creamy & Easy!)
Published Nov 23, 2025
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Instead of tossing your leftover turkey, turn it into a comforting leftover turkey casserole that’s creamy, cozy, and incredibly satisfying! Once the holiday rush settles and your fridge is packed with extra Thanksgiving turkey, this simple dish brings everything together in one warm, bubbling meal that feels like a gift to your tired, post-holiday self.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Y’all know I’m all about stretching leftovers into something that feels brand new, and this one hits the spot! It’s a comfort food turkey recipe that’s not overly heavy but still has all those cozy, cheesy vibes we love this time of year. The sauce gets its creaminess from Greek yogurt, keeping things lighter without losing that rich, satisfying flavor. And because we’re mixing in broccoli and rice, this turkey veggie casserole becomes a full meal in one dish.
If you love repurposing holiday leftovers, try my Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole next for a Tex-Mex twist. And if you still have turkey in the fridge, my Healthy Turkey Chili (Panera Copycat) is another cozy way to warm up after a long holiday week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Leftover Turkey: Cooked and chopped or shredded turkey works beautifully. To prevent dryness, using yogurt in the sauce helps lock in moisture as it bakes.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds color, texture, and extra veggie goodness.
- Cooked Rice: Helps soak up the creamy sauce.
- Onion & garlic: Build savory depth and keep the casserole from tasting bland.
- Olive or Avocado Oil: For sautéing.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. These simple spices help bring back flavor to turkey that’s already been cooked once.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and helps prevent the casserole from drying out. Dairy-free yogurt works great too.
- Cheddar Cheese: For that classic cheesy baked casserole topping.
- Milk, Chicken Broth, Butter, Flour: These ingredients come together for the simple homemade sauce. (You can sub a can of cream of chicken soup if you need a shortcut.)
How to Make This Leftover Turkey Casserole
Step 1: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish or oven-safe skillet. In a skillet, warm the oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté 3-4 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Stir in the leftover turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Step 3: Mix in cooked rice and broccoli.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth until and whisk until smooth.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Pour the sauce over the turkey and rice mixture and gently fold until coated. Add a little extra Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Step 8: Pour leftover turkey casserole into prepared baking dish.
Step 9: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Enjoy!
Mac’s Pro Tip
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 325°F, adding a splash of broth or milk to help the casserole stay nice and moist.
- To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Recipe FAQs
Turkey dries quickly, so adding Greek yogurt and broth before baking helps maintain moisture.
Yes! Small pasta shapes work well. Just undercook them slightly.
Yes, use a 10-oz can of cream of chicken soup as a shortcut.
Use dairy-free yogurt, cheese, and butter alternatives.
I hope this leftover Thanksgiving turkey casserole brings all the cozy comfort you’re craving after the holiday rush! If you’re looking for another cozy leftover twist, don’t miss my Leftover Chili Mac or my Thanksgiving Frittata Breakfast Muffins.
More Cozy Recipes
If you love this leftover turkey casserole recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more!
Leftover Turkey Casserole (Creamy & Easy!)
Ingredients
Turkey Mixture
- 3 ½ cups cooked leftover turkey chopped finely
- 4 ½ cups cooked brown rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small sweet onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 12 oz bag of fresh broccoli florets torn into smaller pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp sage
- 1 tsp celery salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce
- 2 1/4 cups milk of choice dairy-free coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- *Note: You can sub a 10 oz can of cream of chicken soup for the sauce recipe above.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Cook Onion & Turkey: In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Mix in cooked rice and broccoli.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Remove from the heat and add in the cheese and greek yogurt Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the turkey and rice mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Add an additional 1/3 cup Greek yogurt to the mixture for extra creaminess and stir until fully combined. .
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar evenly over the top. (Add additional cheese on top for photos to make it look super cheesy)
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and the top is melted and lightly golden
Notes
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 325°F, adding a splash of broth or milk to help the casserole stay nice and moist.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
