Delicious & Healthy Leftover Turkey Casserole: A Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe
Thanksgiving Day often leaves us with an abundance of turkey, and while a simple turkey sandwich can be comforting, there’s a more exciting and flavorful way to transform those delicious leftovers. Forget dry dinner rolls; the ultimate solution is this incredible Leftover Turkey Casserole. Inspired by popular Weight Watchers bubble-up casseroles, this recipe perfectly blends tender, lean turkey with buttery biscuits, creating a dish that’s both hearty and surprisingly light. It cleverly brings together all the beloved flavors of your holiday feast – savory homemade stuffing, fluffy potatoes, sweet carrots, succulent turkey, and rich gravy – into one convenient and absolutely delicious meal. It’s not just a dish for the day after Thanksgiving; it’s a wholesome comfort food perfect for any fall evening.
You don’t need to wait for a holiday to enjoy this fantastic casserole. It serves as an ideal weeknight dinner during the autumn months, effortlessly getting you and your family into the cozy spirit of the season while providing a healthy, balanced meal. This casserole is a testament to how creative cooking can make healthy eating a joy, not a chore.
Why This Leftover Turkey Casserole is a Must-Try!
Discover the compelling reasons why this Leftover Turkey Casserole should be a staple in your recipe rotation, especially after a big holiday meal.
It’s a Flavorful Combination of the Best Thanksgiving Foods
This casserole is a true celebration of Thanksgiving flavors, all layered into a single, satisfying dish. It features succulent turkey, of course, but also incorporates the classic elements of creamy potatoes and rich gravy. The foundation of savory stuffing, complemented by tender carrots and plenty of lean turkey breast, creates an amazing symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite delivers a nostalgic reminder of the holiday feast, making it a perfect way to extend the joy of Thanksgiving without feeling overwhelmed by a full-blown dinner spread.
It’s a Perfectly Balanced Meal, All in One Dish
One of the standout features of this casserole is its comprehensive nutritional profile. Unlike traditional meals that require multiple side dishes to ensure a balanced intake of vegetables, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, this leftover turkey casserole brings it all together. You get your lean protein from the turkey, essential fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and satisfying carbs from the stuffing and biscuits, making it a complete and wholesome meal. This streamlined approach makes meal prep and cleanup incredibly easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Each Serving is Remarkably High in Fiber and Protein
Many delicious casseroles unfortunately come with a trade-off: high in calories and fat, low in vital nutrients. This turkey casserole defies that stereotype! It’s not only incredibly tasty but also remarkably good for you. Each serving boasts an impressive 22 grams of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall body function. Furthermore, it’s packed with a whopping 13 grams of fiber per serving, contributing significantly to digestive health and helping you feel full longer. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a satisfying meal that supports their health and wellness goals, including Weight Watchers participants.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, the last thing you want is a complicated cooking project. This casserole is designed for ease and convenience. By utilizing leftover cooked turkey and many readily available ingredients, you can assemble this dish in no time. The “bubble-up” biscuit method adds a fun, simple touch, ensuring a delicious crust without extensive pastry work. It’s the perfect recipe for transforming leftovers into something fresh and exciting with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Your Leftover Turkey Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this delicious and healthy casserole. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store. We focus on options that provide great flavor while keeping the dish Weight Watchers friendly.
- 4 slices low-calorie bread (multigrain Weight Watchers bread is an excellent choice for its fiber content and lower points)
- 1 tablespoon light butter (look for options with reduced fat and calories, like Gay Lea)
- ¼ cup chopped celery (adds a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor to the stuffing)
- ⅓ cup diced onion (a foundational flavor for the stuffing base)
- 1 garlic clove, diced (for an extra layer of savory depth)
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley (a classic herb for poultry dishes)
- 1 teaspoon sage (essential for that traditional Thanksgiving stuffing taste)
- Dash of salt and pepper (to taste, adjust as needed)
- ¾ cup chicken broth (use a low-sodium variety to control the overall salt content)
- 2 cups cooked, cubed (or shredded) turkey (lean turkey breast is preferred for lower points, but any cooked turkey works)
- 1 cup frozen hash browns (check product reviews for healthier brands; choose plain, unseasoned hash browns)
- ½ cup cooked carrots (frozen carrots are convenient and cook quickly in the microwave)
- 1 (7.5 oz) package of Pillsbury reduced-fat biscuits (these contribute the “bubble-up” texture and flavor)
- ½ cup canned turkey gravy (opt for a low-fat or reduced-sodium gravy for best results)
How to Make Leftover Turkey Casserole (Step by Step Guide)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and comforting Leftover Turkey Casserole. Each instruction is designed for ease and efficiency, ensuring a perfect result every time.
- Prepare the Stuffing Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the four slices of low-calorie bread on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them over and bake for an additional 6 minutes until lightly toasted and crisp. This step ensures a firm base for your stuffing.
- Dice the Toasted Bread: Remove the toasted bread from the oven but keep the oven on for later use. Once cool enough to handle, cut the toasted bread into small, uniform pieces. These will form the foundation of your homemade stuffing.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, melt the light butter over medium heat on your stovetop. Add the diced garlic, chopped celery, and diced onions. Stir continuously and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they have softened and become fragrant.
- Combine and Flavor the Stuffing: Pour in the chicken broth, dried parsley, sage, salt, and pepper into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. As soon as it reaches a rolling boil, add the toasted bread pieces and stir quickly to coat them evenly with the liquid. Remove the pan from the stove, cover it, and let the stuffing sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Afterward, use a fork to fluff the stuffing, making it light and airy.
- Prepare the Biscuit Layer: Open the package of Pillsbury reduced-fat biscuits. Cut each of the 10 small biscuits (or 7.5 oz of biscuit dough, weighed for precision) into 6 smaller pieces. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread the cut biscuit pieces across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pre-Bake the Biscuits: Since the casserole topping will be substantial, it’s important to pre-bake the biscuit layer. Place the dish with the biscuit pieces into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 7-8 minutes. This step helps the biscuits get a head start on baking, ensuring they are cooked through and have a nice texture.
- Assemble the Casserole Filling: While the biscuits are pre-baking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey (cubed or shredded), the prepared stuffing, cooked carrots, frozen hash browns, and canned turkey gravy. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and coated with gravy.
- Layer the Filling: Once the biscuits are lightly golden and pre-baked, carefully spoon the turkey and stuffing mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the casserole dish. Spread it out to form a uniform layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it back into the oven and bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are fully baked through, golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling and heated throughout.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before dividing it into 6 equal servings. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Leftover Turkey Casserole!
This recipe yields 6 satisfying servings. Here’s the general nutrition information per serving to help you track your intake:
Calories 258, Fat 6 g, Saturated fat 2.7 g, Carbs 30 g, Fiber 13 g, Sugars 4 g, Sodium 601 mg, Protein 22 g.
Weight Watchers Points for This Turkey Casserole
For those tracking with Weight Watchers, here’s a breakdown of the point values for the individual ingredients, contributing to the overall points per serving of this casserole:
- Low-calorie bread: 4 points
- Light butter: 4 points
- Chopped celery: 0 points
- Diced onion: 0 points
- Diced garlic clove: 0 points
- Dried parsley: 0 points
- Sage: 0 points
- Salt and Pepper: 0 points
- Chicken broth: 0 points
- Cooked and cubed turkey: 0 points
- Frozen hash browns: 5 points
- Cooked carrots: 0 points
- Reduced-fat biscuits: 21 points (for the entire package used)
- Canned turkey gravy: 2 points
Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, each serving of this casserole comes out to 6 points. This makes it an excellent option for a filling, point-friendly meal.
If you are using an older version of WW, please refer to the following point estimations:
Freestyle SP: 5 points using the WW recipe builder
Smart Points: 6 points using the SP calculator
Points Plus: 6 points using the PP calculator
Creative Variations to Customize Your Casserole
This Leftover Turkey Casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Incorporate More Thanksgiving Leftovers: Feel free to add any other Thanksgiving dinner leftovers you might have, such as corn, green beans, or even a small amount of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast. Just be mindful that using traditional, non-WW friendly stuffing or richly prepared side dishes might alter the point count.
- Reduce Points by Omitting Potatoes: If you’re looking to further lower the Weight Watchers points, you can easily omit the hash browns. This will result in a delicious turkey and stuffing casserole that is equally satisfying and lower in carbohydrates.
- Year-Round Enjoyment with Rotisserie Chicken: Don’t reserve this delightful casserole for post-Thanksgiving only! You can make this recipe any time of the year by substituting the leftover turkey with cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal on a regular basis.
- Utilize Stale Bread for Stuffing: If you happen to have old, stale bread, it’s perfect for making the stuffing. This can save you the step of toasting fresh low-calorie bread in the oven. Remember to adjust the Weight Watchers points accordingly if your bread choice differs from the suggested low-calorie option.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating other vegetables. Peas, green beans, or mushrooms would be excellent additions, providing more texture and vitamins.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture. A dash of smoked paprika could also add a wonderful smoky depth to the casserole.
Pro Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Turkey Casserole
Mastering this Leftover Turkey Casserole is easy with a few helpful tips and tricks. These suggestions will ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, from preparation to storage.
- Biscuit Dough Measurement: If you can’t find the exact 7.5 oz packages of biscuits (which typically contain 10 small biscuits per can), don’t worry. You can achieve the correct amount by weighing out 7.5 oz of biscuit dough on a food scale from a larger package. This ensures the right proportion of biscuit to filling.
- Storage and Freezing: This casserole is excellent for meal prep! It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap or transfer individual servings to airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave until heated through, or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, usually 20-30 minutes for a whole casserole or less for individual portions.
- Customizing Your Stuffing: While our recipe provides a great base, feel free to enhance your stuffing. You could add sautéed mushrooms or a splash of white wine to the veggie mixture for an even richer flavor profile.
- Don’t Skimp on the Spray: Make sure to generously spray your casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking to the bottom, ensuring easy serving and cleanup.
Similar Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you loved this comforting Leftover Turkey Casserole, you might also enjoy these other delightful and often Weight Watchers friendly recipes:
- Weight Watchers Friendly Green Bean Casserole
- What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie (25 Perfect Pairings)
- Spicy Chicken Chili
Leftover Turkey Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 slices low calories bread, I used multigrain WW bread
- 1 Tbsp light butter, I used Gay Lea
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 1 garlic clove diced
- 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp sage
- Dash of salt & pepper
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked and cubed turkey
- 1 cup frozen hash browns, see my product reviews week 1 to see my brand
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots, I used frozen and cooked in microwave
- 1 7.5 oz packet of biscuits, see picture make sure you have the correct size, there are 10 small biscuits in these tubes and the whole pack is 17SP
- 1/2 cup canned turkey gravy, see pic
Instructions
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First, make the stuffing. Preheat the oven to 375F degrees. Place the four slices of bread on a baking sheet and bake them in oven for 10 minutes, flip over then bake another 6 minutes.
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Remove from oven but leave the oven on. Cut the toasted bread into small pieces.
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In a pan, on the stove over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add in the garlic, celery and onions and stir. Cook the veggies for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the chicken broth, parsley, sage, salt and pepper then stir. Bring the chicken broth veggie mixture to a boil. As soon as it is at a boil, add in the bread and stir quickly. Remove it from the stove and cover. Let the stuffing sit for 5 minutes then it fluff with a fork.
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Cut the 10 small biscuits (or weighed out biscuit dough) into 6 pieces each. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and spread the biscuit pieces on the bottom of the dish.
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Because the topping is heavy, pre-bake the biscuits for 7-8 minutes (375F).
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With the biscuits are cooking, mix together the turkey, stuffing, carrots, hash browns and the turkey gravy.
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Spoon the mixture over top of the pre-baked biscuit pieces and make sure it’s spread evenly.
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Cover with foil and bake the casserole in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes – until the biscuits are baked through.
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Divide the casserole into 6 equal servings.
Notes
Smart Points- 6 using SP calculator
Points Plus- 6 using PP calculator
6 points per serving based on the WW app recipe creator.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.