The Ultimate Cheesy Turkey Casserole

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Cheesy Turkey Casserole

Ever stare into the fridge post-Thanksgiving, wondering what to do with that mountain of leftover turkey? Well, fear no more! This cheesy turkey casserole recipe is your answer.

It’s proper comfort food, packed with flavour and dead easy to make. It is a very simple turkey casserole recipe .

From Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes to a Family Favorite

The humble casserole has been around for ages, often a way to use up leftovers. This version brings that classic comfort to your table, transforming leftover turkey into a warm, satisfying meal.

We're talking about an easy turkey casserole , perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.

Why This Turkey Casserole Rocks

Honestly, this is more than just a way to use up leftovers. It's a hug in a dish. The creamy turkey casserole recipe is packed with veggies and topped with a crispy, cheesy crust.

It is the comfort food casserole turkey at its finest. Plus, it sneaks in a serving of vegetables! So, win-win, right? This casserole is also great for meal prepping.

Now, let's talk ingredients. We're going to make a creamy base with butter, onions, celery, flour, chicken broth, and milk.

This is the heart of our turkey vegetable casserole . We'll season it up with thyme, salt, and pepper. The real star, of course, is about 3 cups of cooked turkey, whether it's leftover turkey casserole with stuffing or plain roast turkey, alongside peas and carrots.

To top it off, we're making a crunchy, cheesy topping with cheddar, Parmesan, crushed Ritz crackers, and melted butter. Trust me, it's heavenly.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Cheesy turkey casserole ! Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff.

We're aiming for comfort food casserole turkey levels of deliciousness here, not Michelin star!

The Ultimate Cheesy Turkey Casserole Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 100g)
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 3 cups (450g) cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup (150g) frozen carrots, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (120g) crushed Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and celery in butter until softened.
• Whisk in flour, then gradually add chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Add turkey, peas, and carrots.
• Pour turkey mixture into the baking dish.
• Combine cheeses and crushed crackers in a bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle topping evenly over the turkey mixture. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-30g

Fiber:3-4g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients for a Glorious Turkey Casserole

Right then, here's the shopping list for our Turkey Casserole recipe . Remember, measurements matter, but don't stress too much. A little extra cheese never hurt anyone, did it?

• Creamy Turkey Base Ingredients :
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) of the unsalted variety. Quality butter makes a difference.
  • Onion: 1 medium one, chopped. About 1 cup (150g). If it makes you cry, you know it's good.
  • Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped. About 1 cup (100g). Adds that nice, subtle flavour.
  • Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose. This is what makes our sauce lovely.
  • Chicken Broth: 3 cups (710ml) low sodium. Don't want it too salty now, do we?
  • Milk: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk. Adds richness, like a proper creamy turkey casserole recipe.
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried. That classic flavour that makes you feel all warm inside.
  • Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste). Seasoning is key, innit?
  • Cooked Turkey: 3 cups (450g) shredded or cubed. This is where your leftover turkey casserole comes in, or grab some from the deli. Thanksgiving leftover recipes will never be the same!
  • Peas & Carrots: 1 cup (150g) each, frozen and thawed. Gotta get your veg in, even in a casserole.
• Cheesy Topping Ingredients :
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded. Go for a good quality cheddar, it makes all the difference.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated. Adds that salty, savoury kick.
  • Ritz Crackers: 1 cup (120g) crushed (about 30 crackers). Gives the topping that lovely crunch.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons (60ml) unsalted, melted. Binds the topping together.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Honestly, the thyme is essential. But feel free to add a pinch of dried sage or rosemary for extra depth.

A dash of garlic powder can also work wonders. For a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes won't go amiss.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For making the creamy sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. The classic casserole size.
• Mixing bowls. For prepping the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Because nobody wants a salty disaster.

If you don't have a skillet, a large saucepan will do just fine. And if you're missing a proper baking dish, any oven-safe dish will work.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Let's make some easy turkey casserole magic happen using leftover turkey casserole with stuffing !

Cooking Method: The Ultimate Cheesy Turkey Casserole

Right then, let's dive into making a proper comforting turkey casserole . Honestly, this is one of the best Thanksgiving leftover recipes going.

We are going to take that roast turkey from Thanksgiving and turn it into something amazing.

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is crucial. Chop the onion and celery nice and small. Get your cheese grated and crackers crushed.

This makes everything flow smoothly. It's honestly the best way to approach any recipe. Time-saving tip? Chop those veggies while the oven preheats to 350° F ( 175° C) .

And don't forget, oven gloves are your friend!

Step-by-Step: From Leftovers to Lovely

1. Sauté onion and celery in melted butter until soft.
2. Whisk in flour, then slowly add chicken broth and milk.
3. Cook until thickened, stirring like crazy to avoid lumps.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in turkey , peas, and carrots. You know, give it a good mix.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
6. Mix cheeses and crackers, then drizzle with melted butter.
7. Sprinkle topping over the turkey casserole .
8. Bake for 35 minutes , or until golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it!

Pro Tips: Elevating the Casserole

Want to take your creamy turkey casserole recipe to the next level? Grate some nutmeg into the cream sauce. It adds a warmth that's bang on ! A common mistake? Overbaking.

It'll dry out the easy turkey casserole . Also consider making this with turkey vegetable casserole . To make ahead? Assemble everything the day before (without the topping).

Then just add the topping and bake. Honestly, it's a game-changer for busy weeknights, plus it gives the flavours a chance to meld.

This is truly comfort food casserole turkey at its finest.

Right, let's talk about making the most of this turkey casserole recipe . It's not just about following the steps, it's about making it your own.

So, grab a cuppa, and let's get into it.

Recipe Rundown: Ace That Turkey Casserole

This leftover turkey casserole is a proper winner for using up those Thanksgiving leftover recipes . Honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate. Let's chat some tips.

Ace Your Serving

• Plating and Presentation Ideas : Forget fancy Michelin-star stuff. We're aiming for comfort food casserole turkey . I like to serve it straight from the dish, bubbling hot. Chuck a sprig of parsley on top if you're feeling posh.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages : This turkey vegetable casserole goes brilliantly with a simple green salad. A pint of your favourite beer also goes down a treat. A crisp white wine also cuts through the richness nicely.

Proper Storage Tips

• Refrigeration Guidelines : Let the turkey casserole cool completely before wrapping it well. Bung it in the fridge and it'll be good for 3-4 days . Easy peasy.
• Freezing Options (If Applicable) : This creamy turkey casserole recipe freezes like a dream. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It’ll last for up to 3 months . I recommend to avoid adding the cheesy topping for best results.
• Reheating Instructions : The oven is your best bet. Heat it to 350° F ( 175° C) and bake until it's piping hot. You can also microwave it, but it might not be quite as good.

Cracking Variations

• Dietary Adaptations : For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and crackers. Sorted. For a dairy-free version, try using almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In the summer, try adding some courgette or bell peppers. In the autumn, squash or sweet potato would be lovely.

Nutrition Breakdown

• Simplified Nutrition Information : Each serving is about 450-550 calories . It’s packed with protein and has a decent amount of carbs.
• Key Health Benefits : Turkey is lean protein. The vegetables give you some vitamins. It's not health food, but it's balanced.

So there you have it. I hope this helps you cook the best easy turkey casserole ever. Don't be afraid to experiment with this cheesy turkey casserole .

Now go on, get cooking! You've totally got this! And remember, you can create delicious turkey casserole recipes leftover from thanksgiving.