Recreating with leftovers! This Turkey Dinner Leek Mushroom Casserole will clear the fridge and make the whole family happy, in one swoop. That Parmesan potato crust is a game changer. One, two, three and it’s done, like dinner.
To me, a good ‘magic with leftovers’ recipe redirects the flavour profile to something expected. A couple of extra ingredients and they’ll never know: add leek, mushrooms, bacon and Parmesan. The leeks add a mellow sweetness, the mushrooms bring earthy depth, bacon for smoke and salt, and the Parmesan potatoes on top? The golden crown.
How to Turn Leftover Turkey into the Ultimate Casserole
Perfect after a day outside, or apres ski, because it can be prepped ahead and popped into the oven whenever hunger strikes. Also a smart way to clear the fridge without sacrificing flavour. You can even freeze portions for later—because gravy covered homemade leftovers never go out of season.
- Larder / Shopping List:
- Cooked turkey (white and/or dark meat)
- Leeks (1 medium, cleaned and sliced)
- Mushrooms (about 2 cups, quartered)
- Leftover roasted or steamed vegetables (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
- Leftover gravy (about 2 cups)
- Mashed potatoes (about 3 cups, to top)
- Parmesan (3/4 cup +)
- Butter, olive oil, salt & pepper
Let’s be honest, casseroles never win beauty contests, but they sure win hearts!
While it may not be the prettiest dish to hit your plate (trust me, it tastes better than it looks!), everyone comes back for seconds. Perfect for make-ahead meals, lazy football afternoons, or those days when you just want something hearty, homemade, and deeply satisfying. Apply the same recipe to leftover roasted chicken dinner… also TERRIFIC.
Cuddle Up with This Creamy Turkey, Leek & Mushroom Bake
Leeks, gently sweated in butter. Quarter and saute your mushrooms. Give them lots of fat, and colour. No grey mushrooms please. Butter is your friend. Bacon, optional. Not at my house, but maybe at yours. Let your potatoes stand at room temperature while you cook the bacon, leeks and mushrooms. It will help them to soften, to mix in the Parmesan.
Play with your food. Change up the cheese! Great way to replay any recipe really. What needs to pass in the fridge? What cheese is at the back of the drawer? Many a recipe has been created that way. For this recipe, best if it’s a hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, Manchego or Asiago.
A Make-Ahead Comfort Dish for Lazy Weekends
Of course it’s all held together with a savoury sauce made from—what else—leftover gravy. Toss in those roasted vegetables you couldn’t quite finish, crown it all with Parmesan mashed potatoes, and bake until it’s bubbling and golden. I like to portion the potatoes, so I know I have more than enough to go around.
Make ahead and chill. Make ahead and freeze. Make it right now and pop it straight in the oven. Versatile, hearty and deliciously easy.
Turkey Dinner Leek Mushroom Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Description
Transform holiday leftovers into a creamy, golden Turkey, Mushroom & Leek Casserole. Easy to make ahead, perfect for active family weekends or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, white and/or dark meat
- 1 leek, medium, cleaned and sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, quartered
- 2 cups leftover roasted or steamed vegetables
- 3 cups leftover gravy / sauce
- 3 cups mashed potatoes, to top
- 3/4 cup Parmesan
- butter, olive oil, salt & pepper
Instructions
1. Sauté leeks and mushrooms in a little butter or olive oil until tender. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Prepare a large casserole dish with nonstick spray. Add cooked leeks, mushrooms and bacon along with chopped turkey and roasted vegetables. Fold to combine. Heat leftover gravy and add to casserole dish. Fold to mix. Press into pan.
3. In a bowl, combine Parmesan and mashed potatoes. Scoop or layer Parmesan mashed potatoes on top of turkey mixture.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to an hour, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
5. Serve hot, preferably with a fluffy blanket and your favourite team on the TV.
Notes
Serving Ideas: Serve with a crisp green salad or a dollop of cranberry sauce for a tangy contrast.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: bake, saute
- Cuisine: North American
