Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting and delicious dinner with these Turkey Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory stuffing all baked in cheesy jumbo pasta shells for a hearty meal everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and set it aside.
2. Step 2: 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 and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, warm the mashed potatoes until just heated. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped turkey, warm mashed potatoes, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Step 4: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a spoon or a medium cookie scoop, fill each pasta shell with the turkey mixture and arrange them in the dish.
5. Step 5: Spoon the bread stuffing over the filled shells, pour the remaining gravy on top, and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover turkey breast or dark meat depending on your preference; either works well in this dish.
• For a creamier filling, stir in a splash of sour cream or cream cheese with the mashed potatoes.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the filling mixture.
• Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, gooey texture.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these turkey stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the baked shells. Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes?

If you don’t have mashed potatoes on hand, you can substitute with ricotta cheese or a thick béchamel sauce to help bind the filling together while keeping it creamy.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This comforting recipe transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a hearty baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells stuffed with a savory mixture of turkey, mashed potatoes, diced celery and onion, and cheddar cheese. Topped with gravy, bread stuffing, and more cheese, these stuffed shells bake to golden perfection, making for a delicious and easy post-holiday meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffed Shells

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon diced celery
• 2 tablespoons diced yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup bread stuffing
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Additional

• 1 1/4 cups gravy

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
2. Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the shells carefully and set them aside to cool slightly for filling.
3. Make the Filling: While the pasta cooks, chop the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Warm the mashed potatoes gently until just heated through. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, warm mashed potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir thoroughly to form a cohesive filling.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the turkey and potato mixture. Arrange the filled shells evenly in the baking dish. Spoon the bread stuffing over the shells, then drizzle the remaining gravy on top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over everything to add a deliciously cheesy topping.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the dish is heated through. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting leftover feast.

Notes

• Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed and baked.
• Use leftover turkey that is fully cooked and shredded or chopped into bite-size pieces for best texture.
• Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or sage to the filling for extra flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute bread stuffing with cornbread or a gluten-free alternative if needed.
• This dish is perfect for repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, hearty meal.

Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, stuffed shells, turkey recipe, baked pasta, comfort food, holiday leftovers