Turkey Casserole: A Comforting and Hearty Family Meal

Turkey casserole is the perfect dish for using up leftover turkey while creating a hearty, creamy, and comforting meal. This Turkey Casserole recipe is made with egg noodles, shredded turkey, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender vegetables, a creamy sauce, and melty cheese makes this casserole both filling and satisfying.

This dish is an excellent option for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or holiday leftovers. Paired with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, it’s a well-rounded meal everyone will enjoy.

For more delicious casserole ideas, check out Casserole Recipes or browse Turkey Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Turkey Casserole: A Hearty and Creamy Comfort Dish for the Whole Family

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This comforting Turkey Casserole is the perfect dish to use up leftover turkey. It’s loaded with a creamy, cheesy sauce, vegetables, and egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. With a touch of cayenne pepper for a little heat and a cheesy topping, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
• 12 ounces dried egg noodles
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup diced carrots (from 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup diced celery (from 3 stalks celery)
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole or 2% milk
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 pound), divided
• 4 cups cooked, shredded turkey (1 pound)
• 1 cup sour cream

Optional:

• Hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the Egg Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Add the Garlic:

• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Make the Sauce:

• Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
• Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Season the Sauce:

• Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine the Casserole:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded turkey, sour cream, and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.

Assemble the Casserole:

• Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with a drizzle of hot sauce on top for extra flavor and heat.

Notes

• You can substitute the shredded turkey with cooked chicken if you prefer.
• For a healthier version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
• To add extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs and bake for the last 5-10 minutes.
• You can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
• Method: Baked, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Turkey Casserole

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles
   Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure to reserve a bit of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if needed.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned. Season with 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Add Garlic and Flour
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes to make a roux. This will thicken the sauce as it cooks.
4. Make the Sauce
   Slowly add the milk to the skillet, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Add the cayenne pepper for a little heat, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine the Ingredients
   Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Add the cooked, shredded turkey and sour cream, stirring to combine all ingredients.
6. Assemble the Casserole
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and add the cooked egg noodles. Pour the turkey and cheese sauce mixture over the noodles and stir gently to combine.
7. Top with Cheese
   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will melt beautifully as the casserole bakes.
8. Bake the Casserole
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, drizzle with hot sauce for an added kick of flavor. Serve as a standalone dish or pair with your favorite side salad.

Advanced Techniques

Adding Extra Vegetables

For extra nutrition, feel free to add additional vegetables to the casserole. Try adding frozen peas, spinach, or mushrooms along with the carrots and celery. These vegetables will blend seamlessly into the casserole and add a burst of color and flavor.

Using Leftover Turkey

This recipe is ideal for using up leftover turkey from a holiday feast or a previous dinner. Simply shred or chop the turkey and incorporate it into the sauce. If using fresh turkey, cook and shred it beforehand, or substitute ground turkey if preferred.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, use gluten-free egg noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

This turkey casserole is great for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. To freeze, prepare the casserole and wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, increase the cooking time to 40-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warm. If the casserole appears dry when reheating, add a small splash of milk to the sauce.

Freezing Leftovers

You can freeze leftovers for a quick meal later. After the casserole has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

Reheating Tips

When reheating leftovers, it’s best to do so gently. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Use dairy-free shredded cheese to make the casserole creamy and cheesy, and substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream alternative.

Low-Carb/Keto Option

To make this turkey casserole keto-friendly, swap out the egg noodles for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. These low-carb alternatives will still give you the casserole texture you crave without the carbs from traditional pasta.

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian twist, omit the turkey and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, tempeh, or chickpeas. These options will provide protein and texture while keeping the casserole hearty and satisfying.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work well in this casserole. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will create slightly different flavor profiles.

Can I make this casserole without noodles?

Absolutely! If you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you can skip the noodles entirely and substitute them with cauliflower rice or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetable-packed dish.

Can I add a crunchy topping?

Yes! For an added texture, sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give it a delightful crunch.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Turkey Casserole recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Packed with savory turkey, vegetables, and creamy cheese, it’s a dish that is both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re using leftovers or cooking from scratch, this casserole is versatile and adaptable to different dietary preferences.

Serve it with your favorite side dish or enjoy it on its own for a fulfilling, nutritious meal. And with the option to freeze or store leftovers, this turkey casserole is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a tasty and hearty meal ready when you need it.