Transform leftover turkey into a comforting and easy casserole that the whole family will love.
This recipe turns last night’s turkey into a delicious, cheesy, creamy casserole in under an hour.
👉 Prep time: 15 minutes
👉 Cook time: 35–40 minutes
👉 Difficulty: Easy
👉 Servings: 6–8
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Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Casserole
- Uses leftover turkey (no waste!)
- Cheesy, creamy, and comforting
- One-dish dinner that’s easy to make
- Great for weeknights or holiday leftovers
- Family-friendly crowd-pleaser
Easy enough for busy nights but delicious enough for holidays.
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients List
- Leftover turkey (shredded or diced)
- Egg noodles or pasta
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- Milk or sour cream
- Frozen peas & carrots
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Bread crumbs or crushed crackers
- Salt & pepper
👉 Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
Ingredient Tips (Quick)
- Use rotisserie turkey for extra flavor
- Toss pasta with a little oil so it doesn’t stick
- Add extra cheese on top for melty goodness
- Season well casseroles need bold flavors
How to Make Leftover Turkey Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Cook egg noodles until al dente drain and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix turkey, soups, milk (or sour cream), vegetables, and noodles.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir half the cheese into the casserole mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Pour into casserole dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and bread crumbs on top.
Bake 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
👉 Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Green salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
It also pairs beautifully with leftover cranberry sauce.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
- Freeze individual portions
- Reheat covered with foil
🔄 Variations You Can Try
- Add bacon bits
- Swap mushrooms for broccoli
- Use cream of celery soup
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes assemble the night before and bake later.
Can I use turkey breast only?
Absolutely any leftover turkey works.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes wrap tightly and freeze.
🍽 Recipe Card
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Leftover Turkey Casserole Secrets to Amazing Flavor!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A delicious and flavorful casserole using leftover turkey, perfect for a post-holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and green beans)
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- 2 cups crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the cooked turkey, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked rice or pasta (if using).
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the topping (crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions) evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is highly versatile; feel free to adjust the vegetables or add other seasonings like dried herbs (thyme, sage) or a pinch of nutmeg.
- For a creamier texture, you can add 1/4 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce before adding the turkey and vegetables.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Ensure the leftover turkey is fully cooked before use.
- The topping can be varied; try cheese, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed croutons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This leftover turkey casserole turns simple leftovers into a cozy, cheesy dinner.
Perfect for family meals or holiday leftovers comfort food at its best.
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