Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells: 7 Delicious Leftover Wins

Name: Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells1 cup cooked turkey, chopped1 cup mashed potatoes 1 tablespoon celery, diced 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced1 clove garlic, minced 3 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided 1 1/4 cups gravy1 cup bread stuffingSalt and pepper, to taste(Optional toppings: chopped parsley, chives, or green onions)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re staring at a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers and wondering what on earth to do with them, these Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are about to become your new favorite tradition. This recipe is like wrapping Thanksgiving dinner up in a warm, cheesy hug — and honestly, who doesn’t need that after a long holiday weekend?

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to stretch those leftovers into something new and exciting, this dish is your answer. It’s hearty, easy to make, and it gives all your favorite flavors a fresh life. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a little creativity without adding stress (because you’ve already done enough cooking this week!).

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Think of these stuffed shells as the ultimate leftover glow-up. They’ve got tender pasta, savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and a cheesy topping that ties it all together. It’s comfort food magic in every bite.

Here’s why I love making them:

Quick & Effortless: Uses pre-cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing you likely already have.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will dig in — it’s Thanksgiving dinner made fun.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead, freeze, and enjoy cozy comfort on a busy night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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 and pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: fresh parsley, chives, or green onions

How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Boil the pasta shells for about 8-9 minutes, until they’re just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the pasta cooks, chop your turkey into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, warmed mashed potatoes, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheese. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks like Thanksgiving happiness in a bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Spread 3/4 cup of gravy on the bottom of your prepared dish. Using a cookie scoop (or a big spoon if you’re feeling rustic), fill each pasta shell with the turkey mixture and arrange them snugly in the pan.

Top with leftover stuffing, drizzle over the remaining gravy, and sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake & Enjoy

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until everything is bubbly and golden brown on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you want a pop of color.

Serve warm and watch as everyone at the table forgets they’re eating leftovers.

Mounia’s Cozy Kitchen Tip

If your gravy is thick, go ahead and thin it with a splash of milk or broth before spreading it in the dish. And if you somehow don’t have leftover stuffing (lucky you!), you can skip it — the shells will still be creamy and delicious. Bonus tip: swap cheddar for mozzarella if you prefer that extra gooey stretch.

This recipe saved me one year when I was so done with reheating plates of leftovers. My family thought I’d whipped up something totally new, and no one complained about turkey for the third night in a row. Total win.

Close-up of Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells served on a white plate, filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and topped with crunchy walnuts and herbs. — These Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are creamy, cheesy, and topped with walnuts for the perfect blend of comfort and crunch.

FAQs About Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the shells, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! This recipe works beautifully with shredded chicken. It’s perfect for a post-holiday meal or any time you’re craving comfort.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

A Delicious Way to Reimagine Thanksgiving

These Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells take everything we love about the holiday feast and turn it into a simple, satisfying meal you’ll actually look forward to making. It’s cozy, comforting, and feels just a little indulgent — the perfect way to savor the season without starting from scratch.

So go ahead, grab that leftover turkey and let your slow cooker rest for a day. This easy baked pasta dish is calling your name, and trust me, your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you.