Do you ever find yourself craving the savory, heartwarming flavors of Thanksgiving dinner in the middle of March, but the thought of roasting a whole bird for five hours sends you running for a frozen pizza? We’ve all been there. The nostalgia of roast turkey, savory herb stuffing, and rich gravy is powerful, but it’s usually reserved for holidays because of the sheer effort involved.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Step 2: Create the Stuffing Base
Step 3: Mix the Stuffing
Step 4: Fold in the Cheese
Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups
Step 6: Prepare the Gravy Sauce
Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use leftover roasted turkey instead of deli meat?
Q2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Q3. What cheese can I use if I don’t like Swiss?

Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

Description
Ingredients

Roll-Ups
Stuffing Base
Sauce
Garnish

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Enter these Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups. This recipe is the absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners. It takes all the iconic components of a festive feast—tender turkey, fluffy stuffing, cranberries, and Swiss cheese—and wraps them into convenient, portion-controlled bundles smothered in a creamy gravy. It’s savory, satisfying, and incredibly easy to assemble. By using deli-sliced turkey and boxed stuffing mix, we hack the system to get dinner on the table in about an hour. Whether you are looking for a cozy Sunday supper or a kid-friendly meal that reheats beautifully, these turkey roll-ups are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

To achieve that slow-roasted flavor in a fraction of the time, we rely on a few pantry staples and high-quality deli meat. Here is everything you need:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Deli Turkey	8 thick slices	Crucial: Ask the deli to slice it on a #4 or #5 thickness.
Broth/Stock	1 1/2 cups	Chicken or turkey flavor (low sodium works well).
Unsalted Butter	1/4 cup	Adds richness to the stuffing base.
Stuffing Mix	5 oz box	Use your favorite savory herb or cornbread variety.
Dried Cranberries	1/2 cup	Optional: Adds a tart, sweet contrast.
Swiss Cheese	4 ounces	Shredded; binds the filling and adds meltiness.
Cream Soup	10.5 oz can	Cream of chicken (low sodium recommended).
Turkey Gravy	12 oz jar	Savory binder for the sauce.
Garnishes	As desired	Fresh snipped parsley or extra cranberry sauce.

Timing

This recipe is designed for efficiency. While a traditional turkey dinner takes all day, this casserole-style meal fits perfectly into a busy schedule.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes (About 80% quicker than roasting a whole bird!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it liberally with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your gravy doesn’t stick to the edges and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Stuffing Base

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the chicken (or turkey) broth and the butter. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the dried cranberries. Let them cook in the liquid for about 30 seconds.

Tip: Boiling the cranberries briefly rehydrates them, making them plump and juicy rather than chewy inside the roll-up.

Step 3: Mix the Stuffing

Stir the box of stuffing mix into the boiling broth mixture until fully moistened. Immediately turn off the heat and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the stuffing to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes (the data says 30 seconds, but a few extra minutes helps the bread absorb the liquid better for a fluffier texture).

Step 4: Fold in the Cheese

Uncover the stuffing and fluff it gently with a fork. Fold in the shredded Swiss cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cheese acts as a binder, helping the stuffing stay inside the turkey slices while adding a delicious nutty flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups

Arrange your 8 thick slices of deli turkey on a clean cutting board. Scoop a generous portion of the stuffing mixture onto the middle of each turkey slice. Carefully roll the turkey over the stuffing, tucking it in as you go. Place the roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat until the dish is filled with 8 rolls.

Tip: Do not overfill the rolls, or they may burst open during baking. Aim for a tight, secure cylinder.

Step 6: Prepare the Gravy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the can of cream of chicken soup and the jar of turkey gravy. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color. Pour this rich, savory sauce directly over the turkey rolls, using a spatula to spread it evenly so every inch is covered.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The dish is done when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the turkey is heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 roll-up with sauce), based on standard ingredients:

Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Sugars: 8 g (from cranberries and gravy)
Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 950 mg (Can be high due to processed ingredients)
Fiber: 2 g

Note: Nutrition can vary based on the specific brand of stuffing mix and soup used.

Healthier Alternatives

If you love the concept but want to lighten up the dish or accommodate dietary needs, try these swaps:

Reduce Sodium: This recipe relies on several processed items (soup, gravy, stuffing mix). To slash sodium, use low-sodium broth, low-sodium cream soup, and look for “heart-healthy” stuffing mixes.
Whole Grains: Swap the standard white bread stuffing mix for a whole wheat or cornbread variety to increase fiber content.
Lighten the Sauce: Instead of the canned cream soup, make a simple white sauce (béchamel) using skim milk, a little flour, and herbs. This reduces preservatives and fat.
Boost Veggies: Mix ½ cup of sautéed celery and onions or spinach into the stuffing mixture before rolling. It adds volume and nutrients without altering the comfort food taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups are rich and savory, so they pair best with lighter or acidic sides to cut through the creaminess.

Classic Green Beans: Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a nice crunch and color contrast.
Cranberry Sauce: A side of chilled cranberry sauce is almost mandatory to complete the Thanksgiving vibe.
Crisp Salad: A simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the heavy gravy.
Mashed Potatoes: If you are going for the full “carb coma” experience, serve these over a scoop of mashed potatoes to soak up the extra gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, a few pitfalls can affect the final texture.

Turkey Too Thin: If the deli slices the turkey “shaved” or “thin,” the rolls will tear when you try to fill them. Solution: Be firm with the deli counter—ask for a thickness of 4 or 5.
Soggy Stuffing: Adding too much broth to the mix can make the filling mushy. Solution: Follow the liquid measurements exactly. The stuffing should be moist but fluffy, not wet.
Dry Edges: If the turkey isn’t fully covered by the gravy or foil during the first bake, the exposed edges can dry out and become tough. Solution: Ensure the sauce covers the meat and the foil is tight.

Storing Tips

This dish is one of those rare meals that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot. Microwave reheating works well for single servings—just cover with a paper towel to prevent splatters.

Conclusion

There you have it—a stress-free way to enjoy the flavors of a holiday roast on a regular Tuesday night. These Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The combination of the savory stuffing, the melting Swiss cheese, and the creamy gravy creates a texture and flavor profile that feels like a warm hug.

We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as we do. Try it out and let us know in the comments—did you add the cranberries, or are you strictly a savory fan? We’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe to our blog for more easy, family-friendly dinner hacks!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use leftover roasted turkey instead of deli meat?

Yes, but it requires a bit more work. You cannot roll slices of roasted turkey easily as they tend to crumble. However, you can layer the ingredients (stuffing on the bottom, shredded leftover turkey on top, covered in gravy) to make a delicious “Turkey and Stuffing Casserole” instead of roll-ups.

Q2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and cover them with the gravy sauce, then cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold from the fridge.

Q3. What cheese can I use if I don’t like Swiss?

Swiss cheese is classic because it melts well and has a mild, nutty flavor that compliments the turkey. However, if you aren’t a fan, Provolone, Mozzarella, or a mild White Cheddar are excellent substitutes that will still provide that gooey texture.