Leftover Turkey Casserole

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Leftover Turkey Casserole is the ultimate post-holiday comfort food, turning extra turkey into a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding your family without much effort. After a big holiday feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas, many of us are left with a surplus of turkey and side dishes, and this casserole transforms those leftovers into a satisfying one-pan meal. Combining tender turkey with creamy sauce, vegetables, and a golden, cheesy topping, this dish feels indulgent while cleverly repurposing what you already have in the fridge.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use a variety of ingredients based on what’s available—swap in vegetables from your holiday spread, adjust the sauce to fit your preferences, and even top the casserole with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or breadcrumbs for texture. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s a perfect solution for making leftovers exciting again.

This guide will walk you through the process of creating a showstopping leftover turkey casserole, complete with tips, variations, and creative serving ideas. By the end, you’ll have a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe to add to your post-holiday repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Efficient Use of Leftovers: Turns turkey, vegetables, and other leftovers into a new and delicious meal.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: You can customize the casserole to suit your family’s taste preferences and available ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy, cheesy layers and crunchy topping appeal to all ages.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and reheat for an easy, hassle-free dinner.

Preparation Time and Yield

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Serving Size: 1 generous portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

  • 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups cooked vegetables (e.g., green beans, peas, carrots, or broccoli)
  • 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or leftover stuffing (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • A sprinkle of paprika for color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Shred or dice the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Gather and chop your leftover vegetables or cook fresh ones if needed. If using rice, pasta, or stuffing, ensure it’s cooked and ready to add to the casserole.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Gradually add the turkey or chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then stir in the milk or cream.
  3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the turkey, vegetables, and optional rice or stuffing. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the casserole.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with the melted butter. Spread the mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve warm with a side salad or bread rolls.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

  1. Individual Servings: Divide the casserole mixture into ramekins or individual baking dishes for personalized portions.
  2. Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the casserole mixture before baking for a fun twist.
  3. Puff Pastry Topper: Cover the casserole with a sheet of puff pastry instead of breadcrumbs for an elevated pot-pie presentation.
  4. Layered Lasagna-Style: Alternate layers of turkey, sauce, and pasta sheets for a turkey casserole lasagna.
  5. Crescent Roll Casserole: Top the casserole with crescent roll dough and bake until golden for a flaky, buttery crust.

Additional Tips for Success

  1. Customize the Veggies: Use whatever leftover vegetables you have on hand, or steam fresh ones for the casserole. Popular options include broccoli, peas, carrots, or green beans.
  2. Don’t Skip the Roux: Whisking flour and butter creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce. Cook it briefly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Even Layering: Distribute the turkey, vegetables, and sauce evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  4. Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor—pre-shredded cheese can sometimes have anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Recipe Variations

  1. Mexican-Inspired Turkey Casserole: Use black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, and replace the sauce with enchilada sauce. Top with cheddar cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
  2. Thanksgiving Remix: Use leftover stuffing as the base and layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes on top. Bake until warmed through.
  3. Mediterranean Turkey Casserole: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free sauce, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
  5. Dairy-Free Casserole: Replace the milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Freezing and Storage

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
  2. Freezing: Assemble the casserole but stop before adding the cheese and topping. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the cheese and breadcrumbs when ready to bake.
  3. Reheating: Reheat frozen casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until fully warmed through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

  1. Use Whole Grains: Swap white rice or pasta for brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and protein.
  2. Add More Veggies: Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
  3. Lighten the Sauce: Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  4. Reduce Cheese: Cut back on the cheese and focus on adding flavor with herbs and spices.
  5. Skip the Buttered Topping: Replace breadcrumbs with chopped nuts or seeds for a healthier, crunchy topping.

Serving Suggestions for Events

  1. Family Dinner: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad and dinner rolls for a balanced family meal.
  2. Potluck or Buffet: Bring the casserole to a gathering in a disposable baking dish—it’s easy to serve and transport.
  3. Holiday Brunch: Serve smaller portions of the casserole alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for a post-holiday brunch.
  4. Kids’ Night: Top the casserole with tater tots or crushed potato chips for a kid-friendly twist.
  5. Dinner Party: Elevate the presentation by serving the casserole in individual ramekins with a side of roasted asparagus.

Special Equipment

  1. Large Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for evenly cooking and serving the casserole.
  2. Whisk: Essential for making a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  3. Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  4. Mixing Bowls: Use for combining the casserole ingredients and preparing the topping.
  5. Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the casserole during baking to prevent over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add the cheese and topping just before baking.
  2. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
    Absolutely. Cooked, shredded chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this recipe.
  3. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
    Use crushed crackers, potato chips, or even panko for the topping.
  4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
    Yes, use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
  5. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
    Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both are great options. Gouda or Monterey Jack also work well.
  6. Can I skip the sauce and use a cream soup?
    Yes, you can use canned cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery soup as a shortcut.
  7. How do I avoid a soggy casserole?
    Ensure cooked vegetables are drained well before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
  8. Can I freeze individual portions?
    Yes! Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers for single servings. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Casserole is the perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into a comforting, satisfying dish that your whole family will love. Its creamy layers, cheesy topping, and versatility make it a standout recipe that’s both practical and delicious. By using simple pantry staples and leftover ingredients, you can create a new meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations, this casserole is a must-try for the post-holiday season. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing solution for turning leftovers into a completely new dish, proving that nothing in your kitchen needs to go to waste. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a family tradition for years to come!

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Leftover Turkey Casserole

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole Base

  • 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups cooked vegetables (e.g., green beans, peas, carrots, or broccoli)
  • 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or leftover stuffing (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • A sprinkle of paprika for color

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Shred or dice the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Gather and chop your leftover vegetables or cook fresh ones if needed. If using rice, pasta, or stuffing, ensure it’s cooked and ready to add to the casserole.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Gradually add the turkey or chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then stir in the milk or cream.
  3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the turkey, vegetables, and optional rice or stuffing. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the casserole.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with the melted butter. Spread the mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve warm with a side salad or bread rolls.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 generous portion
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g

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