Comforting Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

After the Thanksgiving table is cleared and the laughter lingers in the air, there’s always a familiar sight waiting in the fridge a plate of turkey, a bit of stuffing, a few vegetables, and that quiet question: What now? Instead of another reheated meal.

I decided to turn those leftovers into something that felt like home all over again a warm, golden turkey pot pie that fills the kitchen with the smell of butter and roasted herbs. The process began on a cool morning with soft music playing and the scent of sautéed onions and garlic rising from the pan.

I could already picture the flaky crust, bubbling filling, and creamy mashed potatoes layered beneath a golden top. Every part of this dish carries a little of that Thanksgiving comfort from the tender turkey to the buttery crust and the hearty vegetables that add color and sweetness.

Making this pot pie isn’t about starting from scratch; it’s about giving familiar flavors a new story to tell. The oven timer chimed and the pie emerged crisp and fragrant, the kitchen felt like the holiday had returned, just a little calmer and cozier.

Short Description

Comforting Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is a warm, savory dish that transforms post. Thanks giving ingredients into a rich, golden casserole layered with turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes all baked under a buttery crust.

Key Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ready made pie crust
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup fresh chopped carrots
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup chopped green beans
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup half and half or milk

For the Topping

• 1 box Stovetop stuffing, prepared according to package directions

Tools Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish generously, then place the ready made pie crust inside. Preheat the oven to 375°F while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Peel and chop 5 medium potatoes into bite size cubes. Boil for 15–20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Filling

Chop the leftover cooked turkey into bite-size pieces. Cook 2 turkey legs in a crockpot with broth, onion, carrots, and celery on high for 4–6 hours until tender.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables and Turkey

Stir in the turkey, frozen peas, carrots, corn, green beans, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

Lower the heat and pour the broth into the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Stuffing

Cook the boxed Stovetop stuffing according to the package directions, then set it aside.

Step 8: Assemble the Pie

Spoon the turkey and vegetable filling evenly over the crust. Spread the mashed potatoes gently on top, smoothing with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.

Step 10: Serve

Allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, with a drizzle of gravy if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses Thanksgiving leftovers in a creative, flavorful way.

Balanced combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory textures.

Comforting, wholesome, and filling.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Family friendly and customizable with your favorite vegetables.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Runny filling
Solution: Make sure to simmer the filling until thickened before assembling the pie. Cornstarch needs gentle heat to activate.

Mistake 2: Undercooked crust
Solution: Pre bake the crust for 8 minutes before filling if you prefer a crispier base.

Mistake 3: Overmixing mashed potatoes
Solution: Mash gently with a hand masher; overmixing can make potatoes gluey.

Mistake 4: Uneven layers
Solution: Use a spatula to spread each layer evenly to help the pie bake consistently.

Mistake 5: Dry top
Solution: Brush a little melted butter over the stuffing before baking for extra moisture and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve hot with cranberry sauce or turkey gravy.

Pair with a light side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy with warm rolls or garlic bread.

Great for casual dinners, family style gatherings, or potlucks.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to keep the crust crisp.

Freeze unbaked pie (without the mashed potato layer) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

Avoid microwaving too long as it may soften the crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes, puff pastry creates a flakier, more delicate crust just reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.

2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones?
Absolutely. They add a natural sweetness and pair beautifully with turkey and stuffing.

3. What if I don’t have leftover turkey?
Cook chicken or turkey legs in broth and shred them they’ll work perfectly.

4. Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Yes, mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a richer flavor.

5. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten free pie crust, gluten free stuffing mix, and cornstarch-based thickener instead of flour.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, sprinkle a touch of thyme or rosemary over the filling before layering.

If your filling thickens too much, thin it out with a splash of warm broth.

Use warm mashed potatoes for smoother spreading.

Always let the pie rest before slicing to help layers set.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Skip the crust and layer the turkey filling directly into a dish, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

Turkey and Mushroom Pot Pie:
Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an earthy flavor boost.

Cheesy Turkey Pie:
Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the mashed potatoes for a gooey topping.

Vegetable Loaded Pot Pie:
Add diced zucchini, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Mini Turkey Pies:
Use muffin tins for individual servings perfect for portion control or lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

Comforting Leftover Turkey Pot Pie brings back the warmth of Thanksgiving in a single bite. The flavors mingle like old friends creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, buttery crust, and the nostalgic scent of herbs filling the air. That turns leftovers into something heartfelt, where every scoop tastes like home.

This dish shines not through complexity but through how it turns humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying. On days when you crave something wholesome and familiar, this pie is the answer a cozy, golden slice of gratitude baked right in.