turkey leftover casserole recipe

turkey leftover casserole recipe

The Best turkey leftover casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share this turkey leftover casserole recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I’m sure it will become one of your family’s favorites too. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The combination of tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and crunchy green beans is absolute perfection. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover turkey bits that always seem to accumulate after the holidays. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add in the turkey, potatoes, and green beans, and top it all off with a delicious cheese crust. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the finished product.

This turkey leftover casserole recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. By using leftover turkey and incorporating plenty of vegetables, we’re reducing food waste and adding more nutrients to our meal. Plus, the cheese crust adds a nice touch of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

I love serving this dish at family gatherings because everyone can enjoy it – even my youngest son who has sensory issues loves the texture of the mashed potatoes. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your preference.

And because it’s so easy to make ahead of time, you can prep everything in advance and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Turkey Leftover Casserole

Turkey Leftover Casserole

4.8 from 904 votes

A comforting and hearty casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious meal. Mixed with creamy sauce, vegetables, and topped with crispy cheese, it is a perfect way to use holiday leftovers.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded
2 cups cooked egg noodles or rice
1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
4Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 1 minute, creating a roux.
6Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking to avoid lumps, then add salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
7Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8Remove from heat.
9In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cooked egg noodles or rice, frozen peas and carrots, and the prepared sauce.
10Stir until everything is evenly coated.
11Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
12In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole along with the shredded cheddar cheese.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
14Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese to 1/2 cup. You can also add leftover roasted vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Turkey Leftover Casserole Works

This turkey leftover casserole recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone looking for an easy and delicious meal solution. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients from all the fresh vegetables and lean protein from the turkey.

My family loves serving this dish at family gatherings because everyone can enjoy it – even my youngest son who has sensory issues loves the texture of the mashed potatoes. When storing leftovers, be sure to let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Leftover Casserole

Q: What type of cheese is best for the cheese crust?

A: I like to use a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese for the crust – it adds a nice balance of sharpness and richness. However, you can also use just cheddar or mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: Can I make this recipe with leftover chicken instead of turkey?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe with leftover chicken! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – chicken typically cooks faster than turkey.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: This casserole freezes beautifully – simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to reheat it, just pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q: What if I don’t have any green beans on hand?

A: No worries! You can substitute frozen peas or carrots if you don’t have green beans available.

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