turkey & Stuffing Bake

I used to believe Thanksgiving dinner required a PhD in culinary stress. The turkey anxiety. The stuffing logistics.

The sheer terror of timing 17 dishes at once. Then I discovered the ultimate life hack: the turkey & stuffing bake. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an intervention for anyone who values their sanity.

It combines the two main events into one glorious, effortless casserole. Imagine all the flavor of the holiday feast without the four-hour panic attack. Your oven and your nervous system will thank you.

This dish is the hero we all deserve.

This isn’t your average, dry casserole. This turkey & stuffing bake is a symphony of textures and nostalgia. The top gets beautifully crispy, while the bottom stays moist and savory.

It tastes like a lazy Sunday and a holiday feast had a delicious, low-maintenance baby. Have you ever spent hours on a meal only to have it devoured in minutes? This recipe flips that script.

You get maximum reward for minimal effort, making you look like a kitchen wizard without the spellbook.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Gathering these ingredients is the hardest part of this recipe, and even that’s a breeze. I love using leftover roasted turkey, but this is also the perfect excuse to use that rotisserie chicken from the store. No judgment here, only efficiency.

4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
1 package (12-16 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
The secret weapon: a pinch of poultry seasoning.Trust me.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is your one-pan wonder, so treat it right.
Sauté the celery, onion, and garlic in a bit of butter until softened.This step builds a flavor foundation that raw veggies just can’t match. Your future self will taste the difference.
In a massive bowl, combine the turkey, stuffing mix, and your sautéed veggie mixture. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there if you have to.It’s therapeutic.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and broth. This creates the creamy, saucy glue that holds our glorious turkey & stuffing bake together.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. It will look a bit soupy, but that’s perfect.It absorbs during baking.
Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it down gently. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. This is the key to that golden, crispy crust we all crave.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.Your house will smell like a holiday dream. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Patience is a virtue, especially with hot food.

Storage Instructions

In-text image 2

This dish is a meal prep champion.

Let it cool completely before storing. In the fridge, it stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer-term savings, freeze it.

Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave. Pro tip: freeze individual portions for a desperate Wednesday night dinner that feels like a holiday.

Why You’ll Love This turkey & Stuffing Bake

It’s the Ultimate Time-Saver: This single dish replaces multiple pots, pans, and your entire Thanksgiving-day anxiety.It’s a weeknight dinner that cooks like a dream.
A Certified Crowd-Pleaser: From picky kids to hungry relatives, this bake gets rave reviews. It’s the comfort food everyone recognizes and adores.
Leftover Reinvention: This is the best way to use up leftover holiday turkey. It transforms what could be a boring repeat into a brand-new, exciting meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using raw turkey. The turkey must be pre-cooked.This is a bake, not a turkey-cooking method. Don’t give your family food poisoning for the sake of convenience.
Skimping on the broth. If your mixture looks too dry before baking, add a splash more broth. A dry bake is a sad bake.We’re not making sawdust.
Forgetting the butter on top. That melted butter is non-negotiable for the perfect crispy topping. This is not the time to be health-conscious.
Cutting into it immediately. Let it set! Those 10 minutes of rest allow the flavors to meld and prevent a soupy mess on your plate.

Alternatives and Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible.

For a gluten-free version, use your favorite GF stuffing mix and cream of mushroom soup. To make it dairy-free, swap the sour cream for a plain, unsweetened vegan alternative and use plant-based butter. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian base, though you’ll need to substitute the turkey with something like lentils or chickpeas.

Feel free to add in dried cranberries or chopped apples for a sweet twist.

FAQs

Can I freeze this turkey & stuffing bake?

Absolutely! It freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before you portion it out and freeze it.

It’s a lifesaver for future busy nights.

What’s the best substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom soup is a perfect one-to-one swap. It adds a similar creamy, savory depth that works wonderfully in this dish.

How long does it stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your leftover turkey & stuffing bake will be delicious for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Is this kid-friendly?

Are you kidding?

It’s a hit with kids! The familiar, comforting flavors and soft textures are usually a total win, even for the pickiest of eaters.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes, and you should! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before you need to bake it.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going in cold.