Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
A comforting and creative recipe that transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing into delicious baked stuffed jumbo pasta shells, smothered in savory gravy and melted cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
Filling
- 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped
- 1 cup mashed potatoes, warmed
- 1 tablespoon celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup bread stuffing
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups turkey gravy
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- 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: While the pasta cooks, chop the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Heat the mashed potatoes until just warm for easier mixing. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Stuffed Shells: Spread 3/4 cup of the gravy evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and mashed potato mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer. Top the shells with the leftover bread stuffing, then pour the remaining gravy over everything. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with fresh parsley, chopped chives, or green onions for a fresh touch. Serve the stuffed shells warm and enjoy your hearty, leftover-inspired meal.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta shells as they will cook further during baking.
- You can substitute leftover gravy with store-bought turkey or chicken gravy if needed.
- If you prefer, use low-sodium gravy to control salt levels.
- The bread stuffing on top adds a delicious crunch, but can be omitted or replaced with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Leftover cranberry sauce makes a great tangy side to complement this dish.
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, stuffed shells, turkey recipe, baked pasta, comfort food
