Easy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

Okay, so the holidays are done, your stretchy pants are officially a permanent fixture, and the thought of cooking anything more complicated than toast makes you want to curl up under a blanket and hibernate until spring. Been there, friend. That’s exactly why this Easy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole swoops in like a culinary superhero (who probably forgot their cape but still gets the job done). It’s basically Thanksgiving dinner’s chill younger sibling who actually likes hanging out. We’re talking all the cozy, comforting vibes of turkey, dressing, and maybe even a little gravy goodness, all baked together in one glorious pan so you don’t have to pretend you enjoy washing a gazillion dishes. You deserve this, trust me.

Last year, the day after Thanksgiving, I was convinced I could multitask. I was attempting to make a similar casserole while simultaneously trying to explain the finer points of “personal space” to my two children who had discovered the joy of wrestling on the kitchen floor. My husband, bless his heart, tried to help by “pre-chopping” some celery. He ended up using the largest chef’s knife we own to saw at a single stalk, creating a truly impressive amount of celery shrapnel that launched itself onto every surface within a five-foot radius. The casserole still made it to the table, but it had a certain… *rustic* charm, generously flecked with what we affectionately called “surprise crunchy bits.” Everyone still ate it, because when you’re that hungry, minor kitchen warfare becomes part of the seasoning.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Embrace the pre-cooked. Deli turkey, rotisserie chicken, whatever works. We’re not judging your shortcuts, we’re applauding them.
– Boxed stuffing mix is your best friend. Honestly, making stuffing from scratch is for people who have too much time or are trying to impress their in-laws. We’re just trying to eat.
– Don’t preheat the oven. Just kidding! Please do. But if you’re really in a rush, combine everything in the dish the night before, cover it, and shove it in the fridge. Bake it straight from cold (just add about 10-15 minutes to the bake time).
– Use parchment paper to line your baking dish. It’s like a magical dish-washing bypass, mostly. Or just accept your fate and soak the pan overnight.

Serving Ideas

This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re feeling fancy (or trying to get some greens into your life), here are some thoughts:
– A simple green salad with a ridiculously easy vinaigrette (or store-bought dressing, no shame). It adds a pop of color and makes you feel like you’re balancing things out.
– A side of cranberry sauce, straight from the can, jiggly bits and all. Don’t even pretend you don’t love it.
– A glass of wine for you, obviously. Maybe two if the day was particularly… spirited. For the kids, milk or water – they’re not getting your good stuff.
– Honestly, just serve it straight from the pan with a big spoon and don’t even bother with plates. Less cleanup, more cozy.

What to Serve It With

Whatever makes you happy, really. Or nothing at all.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t overmix: Nobody likes gummy stuffing. Gently fold everything together.
Keep an eye on it: If the top starts getting too brown before the inside is heated through, just loosely tent it with foil. We want golden, not charcoal.
Pan size matters: Use a dish that’s big enough. Yes, your pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. But crowding the pan makes it steamy, not crispy.
Moisture is key: If your stuffing mix seems a bit dry, don’t be afraid to add a splash more broth or water. Better slightly moist than a dry, crumbly mess.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

This comforting casserole combines savory turkey with flavorful stuffing.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lbs ground turkey Use lean turkey for a healthier option.
• ▢ 1 cup chopped celery
• ▢ 1 cup chopped onion
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium broth is a good choice.
• ▢ 8 oz stuffing mix Any flavor of stuffing mix works.
• ▢ 2 tsp poultry seasoning Adjust based on taste preference.
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
• Add chopped celery and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the chicken broth, stuffing mix, and poultry seasoning. Combine well.
• Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add chopped herbs like parsley or sage before baking.