If you find yourself staring down a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers and wondering how to give them a delicious second life, look no further than Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna. This ultimate comfort food layers all your holiday favorites—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more—between tender noodles and a rich gravy, culminating in a bubbling bake that’s hearty, satisfying, and so much more exciting than reheating a plate of leftovers. Trust me, it’s a dish that brings a little magic back into the post-holiday fridge cleanout ritual!

Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Every ingredient brings something essential to the table; it’s all about the blend of textures, satisfying flavors, and vibrant layers that make this dish a true leftover transformation.

Lasagna noodles: Acts as the base for your leftovers, holding all those delicious layers together and adding hearty texture.
Cooked turkey (shredded or chopped): The star protein that soaks up gravy, adding savory flavor and bite to each forkful.
Stuffing: Provides a herby, aromatic layer that feels right at home in every mouthful.
Mashed potatoes: These creamy layers melt into the dish and keep every bite ultra-moist and satisfying.
Gravy: Acts as the luscious sauce that binds the whole lasagna together, infusing everything with savory goodness.
Cranberry sauce (optional): Adds a pop of sweet-tart brightness and vivid color to cut through the rich flavors.
Vegetables (such as green beans or roasted veggies): Layer in leftover veggies for freshness and a little crunch.
Shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix): Gives you that irresistible gooey, golden top—don’t skip this finishing touch!

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray or brush it with a bit of melted butter. Gather all your leftovers and let them come to room temperature—this helps the lasagna bake evenly and keeps those layers distinct and delicious.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set them out in a single layer on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step!

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Begin by spreading a thin layer of gravy on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Lay down a sheet of noodles, then add a layer of mashed potatoes, followed by turkey, stuffing, vegetables, dots of cranberry sauce if using, a sprinkle of cheese, and another drizzle of gravy. Repeat the layers—noodle, fillings, cheese, gravy—until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles topped with a generous amount of cheese and a final splash of gravy for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything heat through and combine. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), then bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this makes it easier to serve tidy, satisfying portions.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy!

Use a sharp knife and sturdy spatula to cut generous squares. Watch that cheesy top stretch and the layers reveal themselves—this Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna is sheer comfort on a plate! Serve hot and savor the creative twist on holiday tradition.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna

Garnishes

Give your lasagna a finishing flourish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley or thyme, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even a tiny dollop of extra cranberry sauce on each slice for color and zing. These simple touches brighten up the plate and add a little festive flair.

Side Dishes

Since Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna is hearty and rich, keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of steamed greens brings balance to your table. If you have leftover dinner rolls, toast them up for some added crunch and an easy dipping side.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your lasagna into neat individual portions and serve on colorful plates for an eye-catching meal. Or, dress it up family-style on a platter with sprigs of herbs around the edges. Want to get really fun? Try baking smaller lasagnas in ramekins or mini loaf pans—perfect for individual servings or sharing with friends and neighbors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Those flavors just continue to meld, so it’s just as delicious reheated for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let the lasagna cool to room temperature, then wrap the whole dish (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Label and freeze for up to three months. When craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so nothing dries out or overcooks.

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered with foil in a moderate oven (about 350°F or 175°C) until hot through—this helps keep everything moist. You can also microwave individual slices, though the texture may be a little softer. Either way, you’ll love rediscovering that just-baked flavor!

FAQs

Can I make Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna with other meats?

Absolutely! This recipe shines with turkey, but feel free to substitute roast chicken, ham, or even leftover brisket for a fresh take on the classic. The real fun is in using what you have on hand!

What if I don’t have enough gravy?

No worries—just stretch what you have by thinning with a bit of broth or milk, or whip up a quick store-bought or homemade gravy. The sauciness is key to keeping your lasagna luscious and moist.

Can I assemble Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna ahead?

Yes! You can layer the entire lasagna up to two days in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a real holiday lifesaver if you want to spread out the kitchen work.

Is it okay to leave out certain ingredients I don’t have left?

Of course! Part of the joy of Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna is customizing it with whatever’s in your fridge. Skip the cranberry sauce or veggies if you don’t have them—just add a little more mashed potato or stuffing to fill out the layers.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too soggy?

If your mashed potatoes or stuffing are super moist, consider spreading them a little thinner or briefly letting them air out before layering. Also, don’t overdo the gravy between each layer—a light hand is just right!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to get playful with your post-holiday menu, Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna is pure genius. Don’t let those delicious bits languish in the fridge; gather them up, give them a second wind, and enjoy a feast that’s every bit as comforting as Thanksgiving itself. You and your guests will be looking forward to this tradition year after year!