Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
This comforting recipe transforms your leftover Thanksgiving turkey and sides into a delicious baked stuffed pasta dish. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of turkey, mashed potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, and cheddar cheese, then topped with stuffing, gravy, and more cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy, hearty way to enjoy your holiday leftovers with minimal waste and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Shells and Filling
- 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
Toppings
- 1 1/4 cups gravy
- 1 cup bread stuffing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and set it aside to prepare the stuffed shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the shells carefully and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor. Using a medium cookie scoop, fill each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and mashed potato mixture. Place each filled shell upright in the baking dish.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Spoon the bread stuffing over the top of the filled shells. Pour the remaining gravy over the entire dish, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious leftover turkey stuffed shells!
Notes
- You can substitute turkey with leftover chicken if preferred.
- Use homemade or store-bought gravy depending on availability.
- For added moisture, mix a little cream or milk into the mashed potatoes before filling.
- If jumbo shells are unavailable, use large pasta shells but reduce filling per shell accordingly.
- Leftover stuffing adds a nice crunch and flavor but can be omitted or replaced with breadcrumbs.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; bake until heated through if baking from chilled.
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, stuffed shells, turkey recipe, baked pasta, comfort food, holiday leftovers
