5 Ingredient Cranberry Turkey Casserole

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I love this 5 ingredient cranberry turkey casserole because, well, it’s five ingredients. Also, it’s perfect for when I want to enjoy all the flavors of a big holiday turkey dinner, but without having to cook a turkey.

Also, it doubles as a fantastic leftover holiday turkey casserole.

Today, I’m cooking this from “scratch” (no leftovers). I use all easy prep ingredients to make it; even without cooking a turkey, it can feed a crowd and I promise you won’t eat turkey in a bazillion different ways to finish it up.

So I’ll bet you’re wondering how to pull off this casserole with only five ingredients, and have all the flavors, am I right? Well, let’s get to the shopping list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Turkey: Ok, so I’m leaving this ingredient sort of vague because there are a few options here. I prefer to use grilled turkey strips (no coating) that are seasoned and have a nice turkey flavor to them. I have also used leftover turkey that I have frozen from cooking a previous turkey. You can also use canned turkey (drain and reserve the liquid!). You can also use ground turkey that you can quickly fry up in this casserole. Lastly, you can also use sliced turkey from the deli.
• Mashed Potatoes: Only for convenience and time, I used instant mashed potatoes. Try to find the variety that you just have to add water to make things even easier. Feel free to cook and mash your own, but I was going for quick and easy here.
• Corn: Canned or frozen, it’s what’s easy for you.
• Cranberry Sauce: Of course, we use the kind in the can!! It’s the best for our motto – quick and easy. Two kinds are usually available, jellied, or whole cranberry. I love the whole cranberry variety because I like the texture it gives to the casserole. If you haven’t tried whole cranberry sauce, I highly recommend you give it a shot!
• Stuffing: Now, if you’ve been around these parts for a bit, you KNOW I love a good boxed stuffing to make life easier. My 4 Ingredient Stove Top Turkey Meatloaf recipe is one of the most popular recipes on the blog and it uses boxed stuffing because it just has so many of the items you need to add extra flavor and texture to a recipe. 4 Ingredient Stuffing Meatballs is another recipe I use the stuffing for, and I have a scrumptious stuffing stuffed mushroom appetizer coming up on the blog as well!

Gravy is the optional ingredient here. The turkey casserole is excellent without the gravy, so that’s why I’m leaving it up to you. I used it in today’s recipe, but it’s not imperative.

Unless you think gravy is a beverage, like Homer Simpson. Then make the gravy my friend, make the gravy.

**EAZYNOTE: Common seasonings and Oil are not counted in the ingredient list because most home kitchens have these ingredients in their cupboards.

Making The Turkey Feast, One Delicious Layer at a Time

These layers are all simple to make and simple to layer.

PREP STEP: Prepare the mashed potatoes and stuffing mix. Chop the turkey strips into bite-sized pieces, and spray an 8 x 12 or 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.
STEP ONE: Prep Prep your ingredients and preheat the oven. Prepare the mashed potatoes and line them as the first layer on your sprayed baking dish.
STEP TWO: Scatter the corn on top of the potato layer.
STEP THREE: Top the corn with the diced cooked turkey.
STEP FOUR: Dollop the cranberry sauce over the turkey, making it as even as possible.
STEP FIVE: Finish the casserole by topping the turkey and cranberry sauce with the prepared dressing.
STEP SIX: Bake until all the layers are piping hot and the stuffing has browned on the top.
STEP SEVEN: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Eazy Tips For Success

1. I find that when you make the mashed potatoes, cut back about a half cup of the liquid you use. This makes the potatoes a little stiffer with a bit more body that works better in this turkey casserole.
2. Use an instant potato mix that only calls for water to make things easier. No big deal if you can’t, you’ll just have to use milk and butter to make them. (Still cut back 1/2 cup of the milk when making them.)
3. Try mixing the corn in with the potatoes for a different spin on texture.

Have You Tried This 5 Ingredient Cranberry Turkey Casserole?

Have you made this delicious cranberry turkey casserole recipe? Did you make all the layers or did you use leftovers? Please let me know! Please leave your comments below, and don’t forget to leave a star rating on the recipe card.

Thank you for stopping by Eazy Grub, and I hope you have a fantastic day!