There’s something quietly wonderful about repurposing the last bits of a big meal into something unexpectedly delightful. This turkey dinner leftover pie captures that feeling perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that sneaks up on you—one minute you’re poking at some cold turkey in the fridge, the next you’re pulling a bubbling, golden pie from the oven that smells like comfort and a little bit of magic.
I remember the first time I made this pie, I was distracted by a phone call halfway through the prep and almost forgot the mashed potatoes on top. Lucky for me, I caught it just in time, and the patchy potato topping gave the pie a rustic charm. The crispy crust, the tender turkey mixed with vegetables, and the savory gravy all melded into a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest food that fills the kitchen with warmth and invites you to slow down for a moment.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Transforms leftovers into a hearty meal without feeling repetitive.
- Combines familiar flavors in a flaky crust that’s easy to handle.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good food.
- Feeds a crowd or leaves you with ready-to-reheat portions.
- Not everything is perfectly even or pretty, but the taste makes up for it.
If you’re a little hesitant about diving back into leftovers, this pie is a gentle nudge to try something cozy and satisfying. It’s forgiving and flexible, and really, it’s mostly about bringing those flavors back to life.
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Turkey Dinner Leftover Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty pie that transforms your turkey dinner leftovers into a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for using up turkey, vegetables, and gravy in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
1 cup cooked carrots, diced
1 cup cooked green beans, chopped
1 cup cooked mashed potatoes
1 cup turkey gravy
1/2 cup cooked peas
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), thawed
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, diced carrots, chopped green beans, cooked peas, sautéed onion and garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the turkey gravy over the mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to fit the shape.
Spread the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly into the pie crust.
Drop spoonfuls of mashed potatoes over the filling and gently spread to cover the filling completely.
Cover the pie with the second pie crust. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any special tools here—just a pie dish and a skillet to get things going. I usually serve this pie with a simple side salad or some steamed greens to balance the richness. Sometimes, I swap the green beans for corn or add a handful of shredded cheese on top before baking for a melty finish, though I haven’t tested all those variations thoroughly. The pie also freezes well, so it’s a great make-ahead option if you want to save time on busy nights.
FAQ:
Can I use homemade pie crust? Absolutely! If you have the time and inclination, homemade crust adds a lovely personal touch.
What if I don’t have turkey gravy? You can substitute with chicken gravy or even a simple mushroom sauce for a different twist.
Can I make this vegetarian? You could swap out the turkey for hearty vegetables and use vegetable broth-based gravy, though the texture will be different.
How do I reheat leftovers? Microwave works fine for a quick fix, but reheating in the oven keeps the crust crispier.
Ready to turn those leftovers into something memorable? Scroll down, save, and get cooking—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.