Print

High Protein Thanksgiving Leftover Bowl (Meal Prep)

High Protein Thanksgiving Leftover Bowl (Meal Prep) - recipe card

This high-protein Thanksgiving leftover bowl layers juicy roasted turkey, creamy cottage cheese mash, and savory stuffing for a balanced meal that hits 42g of protein per serving. It’s the ultimate way to transform holiday leftovers into a week of satisfying, macro-friendly lunches. Each bowl is seasoned with a drizzle of gravy and a bright pop of cranberry for a comforting, flavorful bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cottage Cheese Mash:
  • 1.5 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Turkey and Stuffing Base:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or chopped
  • 2 cups prepared stuffing, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium turkey gravy
  • 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Cranberry Swirl (optional):
  • 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold water by 1 inch, add 1 tbsp kosher salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add shredded turkey, stuffing pieces, gravy, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. If mixture seems dry, add 1-2 tbsp water or extra gravy.
  4. Mash the drained potatoes with a potato masher or ricer until smooth. Add cottage cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash again until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. To assemble bowls, divide the turkey-stuffing mixture among 4 meal prep containers. Top each with an equal portion of cottage cheese mash. If using, dollop 1 tbsp cranberry sauce on each.
  6. Let bowls cool completely before sealing. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until steaming hot.

Notes

Storage: Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing not recommended for the mash as it can become watery; freeze turkey-stuffing mixture separately for up to 2 months. Reheat: Microwave on high 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. If frozen, thaw overnight in fridge before reheating. Alternative: For a crispier topping, reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. Protein boost: Add 1/2 cup cottage cheese to each bowl for extra protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein thanksgiving bowl, leftover turkey bowl, meal prep turkey bowl, cottage cheese mash, healthy thanksgiving leftovers, high protein meal prep, turkey and stuffing bowl, thanksgiving meal prep, post-holiday meal prep, 42g protein bowl, easy leftover turkey recipe, macro-friendly thanksgiving