Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
