Cozy Dinners Made from Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving may be over, but your fridge is probably still full of delicious leftovers waiting to be enjoyed. Instead of reheating the same plate, you can turn those extras into comforting dinners everyone will love. With a little creativity, turkey, stuffing, and sides can become something completely new.

These cozy dinner ideas are perfect for transforming leftovers into heartwarming meals that make the most of your holiday feast. They’re simple enough for a weeknight yet still feel special enough to share with family.

From savory casseroles to warm soups and hearty sandwiches, there’s something here for every kind of appetite. You’ll save time, reduce waste, and still enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the big day.

Vegetarian Biryani Rice

This colorful rice dish brings together fragrant spices, fluffy basmati, and hearty vegetables for a meal that’s both filling and wholesome. Each layer cooks beautifully to absorb the rich flavors of the seasonings. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a satisfying way to enjoy a meat-free main course.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Biryani Rice

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Creamy and comforting, this chowder blends tender potatoes with smoky ham for a hearty bowl that feels like home. The slow cooker makes it effortless just toss in your ingredients and let it simmer to perfection. Ideal for chilly days when you want something cozy without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

These rolled-up lasagna noodles are packed with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach for an easy twist on the classic. Each portion is perfectly sized, making it great for serving or storing. It’s a fun way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a lighter, more convenient form.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Turkey And Rice Casserole

This easy casserole turns simple ingredients into a comforting dinner favorite. Tender turkey, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce bake together into a warm and hearty meal. It’s a go-to way to make the most of leftovers while keeping things simple on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey And Rice Casserole

Cornbread Cereal

Old-fashioned and full of nostalgia, this recipe transforms leftover cornbread into a quick breakfast or snack. Just crumble, pour over some milk, and add a sprinkle of sugar or honey. It’s a cozy little reminder that simple recipes often bring the most comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Cereal

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

This version of a classic pot pie is made easy with the slow cooker. Tender turkey and vegetables simmer together in a creamy sauce, creating a rich filling for flaky pastry or biscuits. It’s the perfect hands-off comfort meal for weeknights or using up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

Inspired by everyone’s favorite dip, this casserole pairs juicy chicken with creamy spinach and artichokes. It’s rich and flavorful while still easy enough for a weeknight meal. Serve it with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up every bit of that creamy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

Homemade Turkey Broth

A batch of this broth turns leftover bones into liquid gold for soups, sauces, and gravies. It’s packed with slow-cooked flavor and nutrients, making it worth the little extra effort. Freeze a few jars so you always have a homemade base ready for future recipes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Broth

Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

This creative breakfast bake combines savory and sweet in one dish. Layers of turkey and French toast soak up a rich custard for a warm, hearty twist. It’s great for holiday mornings or when you’re finding new ways to use leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

Easy Beef Pot Pie

Tender beef, vegetables, and gravy come together beneath a golden crust for a true comfort classic. This version keeps things simple with minimal prep and maximum flavor. It’s a satisfying dinner that feels special without being fussy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Pot Pie

Turkey Tetrazzini

Creamy pasta, tender turkey, and a cheesy sauce make this a dinner worth repeating. It’s one of those cozy dishes that feels homemade through and through. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top gives it just the right finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

How to Make Chicken Broth

Making your own chicken broth is easy and rewarding. You’ll simmer bones, veggies, and herbs until the kitchen smells amazing and the liquid turns rich and golden. It’s a kitchen staple that enhances everything from soups to sauces.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Chicken Broth

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

This recipe gives the classic pot pie a fresh twist with the addition of tarragon. The herb adds a light, aromatic touch that complements the creamy filling. With a flaky crust on top, it’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and a little special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Homemade Beef Broth

Slowly simmered with bones, herbs, and vegetables, this broth develops a deep, rich flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. It’s perfect for hearty soups and stews or for cooking grains with extra flavor. A true pantry essential made from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Beef Broth

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

This version uses ready-made dough to make things quick and easy without sacrificing comfort. Creamy chicken and vegetables bake beneath a golden biscuit-like topping. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

All the cheesy, crispy goodness of quesadillas made for a crowd on one sheet pan. Chicken, peppers, and melty cheese are layered and baked until perfectly golden. Slice and serve for an easy weeknight meal or game-day snack.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Light, fresh, and full of texture, this bowl brings together smoky grilled shrimp with wholesome grains and veggies. A drizzle of dressing ties it all together for a balanced meal. It’s quick to assemble and great for healthy lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Chicken Pot Pies

Mini versions of a comfort classic, these individual pot pies are perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Each one has tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce wrapped in flaky pastry. They look impressive but are simple to put together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

This hearty dish combines ground beef, tender zucchini, and rice in a savory sauce. It’s a great way to add vegetables without losing that satisfying, homestyle flavor. Easy to make and reheat, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Homemade Vegetable Broth

A gentle simmer of vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a flavorful, all-purpose broth. It’s a great way to use up veggie scraps while making something useful for soups and sauces. The result is clean, light, and full of natural flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Broth

Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth

Earthy and aromatic, this broth extracts deep flavor from mushrooms over a slow, steady cook. It’s a fantastic base for risottos, soups, and sauces. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a rich, versatile broth.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth