Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Comfort Meal
Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe transforms dry, leftover holiday turkey into a rich, savory, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner. If you’ve been wondering how to make dry turkey moist again, this casserole is the solution. It smothers the poultry in a rich sauce and bakes it until bubbly and delicious. This specific dish is a highly detailed variation of the “Turkey-in-Cream-Sauce” method mentioned in our definitive guide, How to Fix Dry Turkey. This comprehensive guide ensures you master the Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe perfectly.
This recipe is designed to be quick, requiring minimal prep work thanks to the use of canned soup and cooked noodles, making it one of the easiest ways to use up those Thanksgiving or Christmas remnants.
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Why This Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
This Creamy Turkey Casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, positioning it as a family favorite immediately after the holidays.
The Casserole Advantage
- Moisture Assurance: The creamy sauce, combined with tender noodles, guarantees that the leftover turkey is rehydrated and moist. This is the surest way to how to fix dry turkey when preparing leftovers.
- Ultimate Versatility: This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily swap turkey for chicken, change the type of vegetables, or use different pasta shapes (macaroni, penne, etc.). For another great comfort food using similar simple ingredients, try our Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe.
- Simple Assembly: It requires just one casserole dish and minimal stirring, making cleanup simple.
“A great casserole is a simple equation: creamy filling + hearty ingredients + crispy topping = pure comfort. Every good Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe follows this rule.”
Key Ingredients and Equipment
This Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe focuses on pantry staples and leftovers for efficiency.
The Base and Filling
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded (leftovers work best!)
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- 1/2 cup milk or turkey broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Topping (For Crunch)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs or French Fried Onions
- 2 Tbsp melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Assembling Your Creamy Turkey Casserole
| Detail | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 25 mins |
| Total Time | 40 mins |
| Servings | 6-8 |
| Cuisine | American |
| Course | Main Dish |
1. Prepare the Noodles and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, drain them well, and set aside. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (3-quart) baking dish.
2. Mix the Creamy Filling (One-Bowl Wonder)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or broth), dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce reaches a uniform and smooth consistency.
3. Combine and Layer
Add the cooked, drained noodles, diced turkey, frozen vegetables, and shredded cheese to the creamy sauce mixture. Carefully blend all ingredients until they are evenly coated.
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure the top surface is relatively even.
4. Add the Topping and Bake
If using Panko breadcrumbs, toss them with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the casserole. (If using French Fried Onions, you’ll add them later).
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- If using French Fried Onions, sprinkle them over the top after the first 20 minutes, then return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the onions are golden and the casserole is bubbly hot (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This allows the creamy sauce to settle, ensuring cleaner servings. Enjoy your rich Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe!
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (up to Step 3, without the topping) the day before. Cover the casserole well and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from chilled.
- Freezing: This Creamy Turkey Casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish, then seal completely with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 60-75 minutes.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or broccoli florets for extra flavor and color. Sautéing them first ensures they are tender.
- Chicken Swap: If you run out of turkey, this recipe is just as great with leftover chicken. For a quick protein swap idea, see our simple Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets.
Beyond the Plate: Perfect Pairings
This rich casserole pairs best with light and fresh sides to balance the creaminess.
- Salad: A sharp, tangy salad with a lemon-based dressing.
- Bread: Simple garlic toast or warm rolls for scooping up any extra sauce.
- Green Beans: Steamed green beans or asparagus add a crisp texture contrast. Our Steamed Vegetables Recipe works perfectly here.
- Casserole Contrast: If you prefer a traditional pastry topping, be sure to check out our detailed guide on the Turkey Pot Pie Recipe, which uses a flaky crust.
FAQ About Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe
How do I prevent my turkey casserole from being dry?
The key to preventing dryness is ensuring your turkey meat is moist before it goes into the casserole. If your leftover turkey was dry, simmer it briefly in a little extra chicken broth or heavy cream before mixing the filling. This rehydrates the meat immediately. Remember, mastering how to fix dry turkey starts with preparation!
Can I make this turkey casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Casseroles are perfect for making ahead. You have the option to assemble the whole dish up to 24 hours prior to cooking. Wrap the dish tightly and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time since it is going into the oven cold.
How do I thicken the creamy casserole filling if it looks too runny?
If your filling looks too thin before baking, you have a couple of options:
–Slurry: In a small cup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the filling on the stovetop and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
–Add Fat/Cheese: Stir in an extra splash of heavy cream or a handful of extra shredded cheese (like Parmesan) to add body and richness.
Can I substitute the turkey with other leftovers or meat?
Absolutely. This Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe is highly versatile. You can easily substitute the turkey with:
-Leftover shredded chicken (including rotisserie chicken).
-Diced cooked ham or baked chicken breast.
-Cooked and crumbled ground beef.
Conclusion
This Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe is a true lifesaver for post-holiday cooking fatigue. It’s hearty, delicious, and the perfect way to give your leftover turkey a grand second act with this simple Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe.
Equipment
- 🥘9×13 inch (3-quart) Baking Dish
- 🍳Large Skillet (for noodles/sauce)
- 🥣Large Mixing Bowl
- 🔪Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 🦃2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
- 🍝4 cups cooked egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 🍄1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 🥛1/2 cup milk or turkey broth
- 🥕1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
- 🧀1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 🌿1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 🧂Salt and pepper to taste
- 🍞1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs or French Fried Onions
- 🧈2 Tbsp melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook and drain the noodles. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or broth), dried parsley, salt, and pepper. **Stir until the sauce reaches a uniform and smooth consistency.**
- Add the cooked noodles, diced turkey, frozen vegetables, and shredded cheese to the creamy sauce mixture. **Carefully blend all ingredients until they are evenly coated.** Pour into the baking dish.
- If using Panko, toss them with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20 minutes.
- If using French Fried Onions, sprinkle them over the top after the first 20 minutes, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the topping is golden.
- **Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before cutting.** This allows the sauce to settle, ensuring cleaner servings.
Notes
- **Pro Tip:** For an even richer flavor, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup base for 2 cups of leftover, thick turkey gravy.
- **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Seal the dish tightly and chill in the refrigerator.
- **Freezing:** Assemble the casserole (without the topping), seal completely with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 350-450 kcal* |
| Protein | ≈ 20 g |
*Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
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