Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe

Looking for a delicious way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers? Look no further than this mouthwatering Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna recipe! This innovative dish takes your turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and more, and transforms them into a cozy and comforting casserole that will have your taste buds singing.

Layered with tender turkey, creamy sweet potatoes, savory stuffing, and roasted Brussels sprouts, this lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic holiday meal. The addition of a rich turkey gravy brings all the flavors together beautifully, making each bite a true celebration of Thanksgiving goodness.

What sets this Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna apart is the creative combination of ingredients like ricotta cheese mixed with cranberry sauce and fresh herbs, adding a unique and delicious flavor profile to the dish. So, next time you find yourself with a surplus of Thanksgiving dishes, whip up this lasagna for a cozy and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Innovative Flavor Combinations: Mixing cranberry sauce with ricotta and incorporating sweet potatoes in lasagna creates a unique and delicious taste experience.
• Convenient Meal Preparation: Using Thanksgiving leftovers in a lasagna dish allows for easy assembly and a quick comforting dinner option.
• Versatile Ingredient Substitutions: You can customize the lasagna with various leftover Thanksgiving sides like roasted vegetables or ham, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Preparing the ricotta mixture in advance and utilizing no-boil lasagna noodles make this dish perfect for meal planning and freezing for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe Recipe

• Innovative Twist on Thanksgiving Leftovers: This recipe offers a creative and flavorful way to transform traditional Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering lasagna.
• Combines All the Classic Thanksgiving Flavors: Enjoy the essence of Thanksgiving dinner with layers of turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and more in one comforting dish.
• Rich and Moist Texture: The turkey gravy keeps the lasagna moist, while the ricotta-cranberry mixture adds a creamy and savory element to each bite.
• Convenient and Freezer-Friendly: Make-ahead components like the ricotta mixture and the ability to freeze the lasagna make it a convenient and time-saving meal option.
• Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize this recipe by incorporating any leftover Thanksgiving sides you have on hand, allowing for flexibility and reducing food waste.
• Exciting Flavor Combinations: The sweet-tart cranberry-ricotta mixture and the crispy, savory stuffing topping create a harmonious blend of flavors that elevate the dish to new culinary heights.

Ingredients for Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts.
• 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (thyme or sage).
• 1 large egg.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
• 3 cups sweet potato casserole or mashed potatoes.
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded.
• 1 1/2 cups turkey gravy.
• 2 cups stuffing or dressing.
• 1 package (10 oz) no-boil lasagna noodles.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce.

Pro Tips for Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe

Pro tip: Mix the ricotta cheese with cranberry sauce and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor that complements the savory elements of the lasagna perfectly.

Pro tip: Make your ricotta mixture ahead of time to save time during assembly, and consider using no-boil lasagna noodles to absorb all the delicious gravy as the lasagna bakes.

Pro tip: Feel free to customize this recipe with any Thanksgiving sides you have on hand, such as green bean casserole or roasted vegetables, and don’t forget to add extra cheese for that irresistible gooey topping.

How to Make Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Step 02

Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3: Step 03

Combine ricotta, cranberry sauce, egg, herbs, and salt.

Step 4: Step 04

Spread half a cup of gravy in the bottom of the dish.

Step 5: Step 05

Arrange in layers: noodles, potatoes, sprouts, turkey, ricotta mixture.

Step 6: Step 06

Layer ingredients again.

Step 7: Step 07

Arrange the remaining noodles on top.

Step 8: Step 08

Pour in the rest of the gravy.

Step 9: Step 09

Evenly distribute the remaining ricotta mixture.

Step 10: Step 10

Spread stuffing evenly over the top.

Step 11: Step 11

Bake for 40 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 12: Step 12

Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna, you can store the assembled dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s best to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods in the fridge. Avoid freezing the lasagna as the texture may change when thawed.

To reheat the leftover lasagna, simply place individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal or heat the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature to ensure even heating throughout. If the lasagna seems dry upon reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or make a quick white sauce as a substitute to moisten it up.

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping in any other Thanksgiving sides you have on hand, such as green bean casserole or roasted vegetables. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative with your leftovers and enjoy a delicious meal that captures the essence of the holiday season.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese in this recipe. Both options will still provide a creamy texture to the lasagna filling.

If you’re out of cranberry sauce, you can swap it with a mixture of cranberry jelly or even orange marmalade mixed with a bit of sugar. This will still give you that sweet-tart flavor that complements the savory elements in the dish.

Feel free to get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers. You can substitute the Brussels sprouts with green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, or even leftover ham. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping your Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for added texture and a burst of flavor. The crunchiness of the onions will contrast beautifully with the creamy layers of ricotta, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Another fun idea is to serve individual portions of the lasagna in small ramekins or mini skillets for a charming and cozy presentation. This not only makes for a cute and personalized dining experience but also allows each guest to enjoy their own perfectly portioned Thanksgiving leftovers lasagna with a delightful crispy top and oozy cheesy center.

FAQs for Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna Recipe

Can I use different Thanksgiving leftovers in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to swap in any Thanksgiving sides you have. Green bean casserole or roasted vegetables work great.

How long does the assembled lasagna last in the fridge?

The assembled lasagna keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Don’t freeze as the texture may change.

Can I substitute the no-boil lasagna noodles with regular ones?

Yes, just cook them according to package directions before assembling.

Why mix cranberry sauce with ricotta for the lasagna?

It adds a sweet-tart flavor that complements the savory elements and ties in traditional Thanksgiving flavors.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna is truly a comforting and satisfying way to enjoy all your Thanksgiving leftovers in a new and exciting dish. The layers of flavors meld together perfectly, creating a delicious casserole that will have your taste buds singing with joy. It’s a wonderful way to breathe new life into those leftovers and transform them into something completely different yet equally delicious.

So next time you find yourself with a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers, remember this recipe for Thanksgiving Leftover Lasagna. It’s a fantastic way to use up all those containers and enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a whole new form. Get creative with your ingredients and make it your own – you won’t be disappointed!