Turkey Roll Ups with Stuffing and Gravy

Turkey Roll Ups with Stuffing and Gravy 🦃

Looking for a weeknight crowd‑pleaser or a clever twist on holiday leftovers? This recipe for Turkey Roll Ups with Stuffing and Gravy delivers the classic comfort‑food trio—turkey, stuffing and gravy—all rolled up into one satisfying dish. Chef Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) walks you through how to take simple deli turkey slices, fill them with seasoned stuffing, roll them up, pour on rich gravy, bake, and serve with sides that make the meal complete. Get ready for a flavour‑packed dinner your family will love.

Introduction

This dish takes the familiar flavour profile of turkey + stuffing + gravy (often seen at holiday meals) and transforms it into an easy, streamlined main course. The use of thick‑cut deli turkey slices means faster prep, minimal fuss, and a dish that fits into a 40‑minute total timeframe (10 minutes prep + 30 minutes cook). The key steps: prepare the stuffing, layer it on the turkey slices, roll them, position them seam‑side down in a greased baking dish, pour half the gravy over, bake until hot and bubbly, and then serve with extra gravy and classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

In this article, you’ll find: the full ingredients & method (with Chef Ree’s expert tips), ideas for serving and variations, health & safety considerations, a nutrition and health benefit breakdown, plus 10 FAQs to cover common questions. Let’s dig in. 🍽️

Ingredients & Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (≈ 450 g) deli turkey slices, thick‑cut (about 8–10 slices)
• 1 box (6 oz / 170 g) Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavour)
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) Knorr roasted turkey gravy mix
• 2 cups (480 ml) water (for the gravy)
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
• Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to **350 °F (≈ 175 °C)** and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
2. Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork to loosen.
   (Expert tips suggest not over‑stuffing the turkey slices to avoid bursting during baking.) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
3. Lay out the turkey slices flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared stuffing onto each slice.
4. Roll each turkey slice tightly around the stuffing and place each roll seam‑side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. In a saucepan, prepare the gravy: mix the gravy packet with the water and butter, stir until smooth and thickened.
6. Pour about half the gravy over the turkey roll‑ups in the baking dish (reserve the rest for serving alongside if desired).
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbly. The stuffing should be heated through and the roll‑ups warmed. Serve with the extra gravy on the side, plus sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole as suggested.

Chef Ree Drummond’s Pro Tips

According to Chef Ree’s style, here are some pointers to elevate the dish:

• Use thick‑cut turkey slices: As you noted in your tip, asking your deli for “dinner thick” turkey slices helps the rolls hold together and prevents tearing when you roll them.
• Leave a little border when stuffing: When you place stuffing on each slice, leave a small margin so the rolls stay sealed and don’t spill out stuffing during baking.
• Reserve extra gravy: Pour some gravy on the rolls before baking for moisture and flavour infusion, and keep the rest warm to serve afterwards so every bite is perfectly sauced.
• Customize sides: Pair the roll‑ups with creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. This aligns with home‑style comfort and simplicity that Ree values.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Here are ways to adapt the dish depending on your occasion or preferences:

• **Leftover turkey version:** If you have cooked holiday turkey breast, use slices of that instead of deli turkey for a more robust texture and flavor. Some recipes repurpose holiday leftovers this way. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• **Stuffing flavour variation:** Try different stuffing boxes (e.g., chicken & herb, cornbread) or use homemade stuffing for more flavour and control over ingredients. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• **Add cheese layer:** For a richer roll, include a thin slice of cheese (like Swiss or cheddar) on the turkey slice before adding stuffing and rolling. Some variations mention this for extra flavour. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• **Make ahead option:** Assemble the rolls the day before, cover the dish and refrigerate, then add gravy and bake just before serving to save time on a busy day.
• **Gluten‑free version:** Choose a gluten‑free stuffing mix and check the gravy packet for gluten‑free certification. Use turkey slices without additives and serve the same way.

For further inspiration and sides, check out our internal articles: Holiday Leftover Turkey Recipes and Quick Comfort Dinner Ideas on FreshTonerHungar.

Health & Safety Considerations 🧑‍🍳

Safety First

• Use clean, fresh deli turkey slices and ensure the packaging is intact. Slices that are very thin or torn may lead to stuffing leakage or drying during baking.
• Ensure the stuffing is cooked according to package directions and properly fluffed—to avoid dense or under‑cooked centres.
• When rolling turkey around stuffing, seam‑side down is important so they stay closed during baking and juices don’t leak excessively into the dish, which can affect texture.
• Ensure the gravy is heated appropriately before pouring and that the baking dish is hot and oven‑safe. After baking, allow the dish to rest for a minute before serving, as fillings can be extremely hot.
• Leftovers: Store any uneaten roll‑ups and gravy within 2 hours of cooking in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 3‑4 days for best quality and safety.

Health & Nutrition Insights

While this is a comfort food dish, you can make tweaks to improve nutritional balance:

• Choose turkey slices with lower sodium or fewer additives to reduce salt intake.
• Consider a whole‑grain or reduced‑fat stuffing mix if available to increase fibre and reduce saturated fat.
• Serve with plenty of non‑starchy vegetables (e.g., steamed green beans, roasted carrots) to add fibre and nutrients and balance the richness of the roll‑ups.
• Portion control: With sides, two roll‑ups per person plus vegetables may be sufficient rather than over‑loading on the dish alone.

Nutrition Table (Approximate per Serving)**

**These are estimates: actual values depend on brands, portion size and sides.

Expert Chef Corner – More from Chef Bobby Flay

Chef Bobby Flay’s philosophy emphasises bold flavour and technique with a home‑cook focus. Here’s how his approach comes into play with this dish:

• Layer flavour thoughtfully: The stuffing is the flavour base, the turkey is the vehicle, the gravy brings finishing richness. Bobby would encourage seasoning the stuffing if it’s plain and making sure the gravy has depth (e.g., a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of mustard powder for dimension).
• Texture contrast: The turkey roll should be firm but tender, the stuffing moist but not mushy, and the gravy silky and rich. Bobby would suggest ensuring the stuffing is well‑fluffed and the turkey rolls are tight so you get a nice bite.
• Presentation matters: Once baked, arrange the roll‑ups neatly in the baking dish or on a platter, spoon extra gravy over each, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with sweeping sides. That little garnish elevates the home‑meal into something memorable.
• Make it yours: Bobby always encourages personalization. Add a hint of sage or thyme to the stuffing, or incorporate cheese inside the roll‑up for a twist—just keep it balanced.

Recipe Flow & Why It Works

Here’s why the method is effective and what each step is achieving:

• Thick‑cut turkey slices: Using hearty slices means they can hold stuffing and roll without tearing. Many simpler versions note that too thin slices do not perform well. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Prepare stuffing separately: The stuffing is fully cooked and fluffed ahead of time—this ensures the filling is ready to go and doesn’t add extra cook time during baking. Expert blogs suggest preparing the stuffing per package then using it immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Pouring gravy halfway: Some recipes pour half the gravy before baking and reserve the rest for serving, ensuring the rolls get flavour during baking and diners can add more. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Bake uncovered: This method (rather than tightly covered) allows the top to get lightly golden and the gravy to bubble a bit, signalling readiness. Also avoids soggy texture.

Internal Links for Full Menu Ideas

Want to build out a full menu around the roll‑ups? Here are some companion articles from our site:

• Holiday Leftover Turkey Recipes – creative ways to use turkey beyond the usual.
• Quick Comfort Dinner Ideas – more weeknight‑friendly dishes built around ease and flavour.
• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Guide – perfect side for your turkey roll‑ups and ensures gravy flows over both main and side.

FAQs – Top 10 Questions Answered ✅

1. Can I use leftover roasted turkey instead of deli turkey slices?
   Yes—sliced leftover roasted turkey (about ½‑inch thick) can work well and add more texture and flavour. Just ensure slices are large enough to roll and not too dry.
2. What type of stuffing mix should I use?
   You can use any flavour: chicken & herb, cornbread, turkey‑flavour, etc. If you prefer homemade stuffing instead of boxed, that works too—just ensure it’s cooked and fluffed ahead of rolling. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
3. Should I cover the dish while baking or bake uncovered?
   Baking uncovered gives a slightly toasted top and avoids sogginess. If you worry about drying out, you could loosely tent foil for the first half and remove for the last 10 minutes.
4. How many roll‑ups should I plan per person?
   With 8‑10 slices of turkey (about 1 lb), you’ll likely end up with 8‑10 roll‐ups. For a full meal with sides, plan 2 roll‑ups per adult. If sides are heavy or multiple mains, 1–2 may suffice.
5. Can I prepare this ahead and bake later?
   Yes—assemble the roll‐ups, cover the baking dish and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add gravy, bring dish closer to room temperature and bake. This helps manage prep time on a busy day. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
6. Can I freeze the roll‑ups?
   Freezing is possible but may affect texture (stuffing can become soggy on reheating). If freezing, wrap tightly and reheat in oven from frozen until hot, then add fresh gravy.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
   Classic pairings: creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, or a fresh crisp salad to add brightness.
8. How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
   Choose low‑sodium deli turkey slices, use a reduced‑sodium stuffing mix or homemade stuffing, and use a homemade gravy with less salt. Adjust herbs and seasoning accordingly.
9. Can I add cheese inside the rolls?
   Yes—a thin slice of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or provolone) atop the stuffing before rolling adds richness. Many variations include this extra layer. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
10. What if my stuffing mixture ends up too dry or too wet?
    If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to moisten. If too wet/soggy, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to firm up before rolling. Proper texture helps the roll‑ups stay intact during baking. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Conclusion

This dish—Turkey Roll Ups with Stuffing and Gravy—is the kind of home‑cooked meal that brings familiar flavours and comfort together in a fresh, streamlined form. With just a few ingredients, smart technique and thoughtful sides, you’ll serve something impressive without hours in the kitchen.

Chef Ree Drummond would remind you that cooking should be fun, flavour‑forward and achievable. With the right prep (thick‑cut turkey, prepared stuffing, warmed gravy, and attentive baking), you’ll deliver a dish that tastes like the holidays but fits into any day. 🍂

Want to get started now? Pull out your turkey slices, thaw the gravy packet, preheat the oven—and let’s roll (literally). If you’d like, I can also help you create a **printable PDF recipe card** with this recipe and a **lighter version** (lower sodium / reduced fat) for your blog too. Would you like that? 👍