Name: Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup mashed potatoes, warmed; 1 tablespoon celery, diced; 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 3 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 1/4 cups gravy; 1 cup bread stuffing

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Introduction

This Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells recipe is a comforting way to transform your holiday leftovers into a delicious, hearty meal. Creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, and savory stuffing come together inside tender pasta shells, all baked with rich gravy and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for using up extra turkey and makes for an easy, satisfying dinner.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with large pasta shells arranged in two neat layers, each shell lightly covered with creamy sauce and topped with small golden-brown croutons. The pasta shells are a pale yellow with a smooth texture and are nestled closely together. Scattered green chives add a fresh green contrast to the dish. The creamy sauce appears rich and slightly melted over the shells and croutons, making the dish look warm and inviting. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a white plate and a folded grey and white striped cloth with two silver forks on it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup cooked 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
1 1/4 cups gravy
1 cup bread stuffing
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Set it aside.
Step 2: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, prepare the filling. Chop the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces and warm the mashed potatoes until just heated through.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
Step 5: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to fill each pasta shell with the turkey and mashed potato mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish over the gravy.
Step 7: Evenly distribute the bread stuffing over the top of the filled shells, then pour the remaining gravy over everything. Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 8: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
Step 9: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried thyme or sage to the filling to echo classic Thanksgiving spices.
Use leftover gravy or a good-quality store-bought turkey gravy to save time.
Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese if you prefer a different melt and taste.
If you don’t have jumbo shells, use lasagna noodles cut into smaller pieces and layer them instead.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

How to Serve

Three large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture are placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The pasta shells are light yellow with visible ridges, each stuffed with small chunks of cooked bread, creamy sauce, and bits of green garnish. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. In the blurry background, there is another white plate with more stuffed pasta shells. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the textures of the creamy filling and bread pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the turkey for cooked mushrooms or a blend of sautéed vegetables, and use vegetarian gravy and stuffing to keep it meat-free.