Turn that leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a hearty and comforting casserole! This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender turkey with a creamy sauce, veggies, cheese, and a crunchy topping. It's easy to prepare, using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Just mix everything together, bake until bubbly and golden, and enjoy a delicious second-day meal. The casserole's versatility allows you to customize the flavors, making it a creative way to repurpose leftovers. Plus, it's cost-effective and minimizes food waste – a win-win. Keep reading to discover the full recipe and cooking steps for this beloved post-holiday classic. Simply shred or chop the leftover turkey and mix it with the creamy sauce, vegetables, and cheese. Feel free to add in any extra seasonings or spices to elevate the flavors and make it your own. If you’re looking for a juicy roast turkey recipe, be sure to check out our website for step-by-step instructions. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Key Takeaways
- The leftover turkey casserole is a popular dish that transforms tender turkey into a hearty and comforting meal, often combining it with a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping.
- The recipe typically includes cooked turkey, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs, making it a convenient and versatile dish.
- The casserole offers quick preparation, minimizing food waste by utilizing leftover turkey, and serves as an economical alternative to dining out or ordering in.
- The dish can be customized with various ingredients and flavors, allowing for personal preferences and dietary restrictions, while promoting sustainable cooking practices.
- The leftover turkey casserole not only provides a balanced meal but also encourages culinary creativity, inspiring experimentation with different flavor combinations and serving as a foundation for future meal ideas.
History
Turkey has been a staple of the American Thanksgiving feast for centuries. The origins of this beloved tradition can be traced back to the early days of the Plymouth Colony, where the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people celebrated their first successful harvest in 1621. This shared feast, often referred to as the "First Thanksgiving," featured turkey as a centerpiece, alongside other wild game and locally grown produce.
Over time, the tradition of serving turkey on Thanksgiving evolved, becoming an integral part of the holiday's culinary landscape. As families gathered to give thanks, the leftover turkey became a practical and delicious way to continue the celebration.
Casseroles emerged as a popular method of utilizing these leftovers, allowing families to create new and satisfying dishes that could feed a crowd. Today, the leftover turkey casserole remains a beloved post-Thanksgiving staple, a testament to the enduring legacy of this cherished American tradition.
Recipe
Leftover turkey is a delightful ingredient that can be transformed into a hearty and comforting casserole. This dish isn't only a great way to use up any remaining turkey from your holiday feast but also a satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Similar to how bread pudding transforms stale bread, this casserole uses leftover turkey to create something truly special. The combination of tender turkey, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping makes this casserole a true crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a simple yet impressive dish to share with guests.
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked, diced carrots
- 1 cup cooked, diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced turkey, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, carrots, and potatoes. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
This dish can be paired with a fresh salad or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy your delicious leftover turkey casserole!
Cooking Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, mix together the leftover turkey, vegetables, and seasonings.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Once cooked, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
To get the oven ready for the casserole, you'll want to preheat it to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for baking the dish, ensuring it cooks through evenly without burning the top or leaving the center underdone.
It's important to give the oven time to fully heat up before adding the casserole. This typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. You can use this time to gather the remaining ingredients and prepare the baking dish.
Once the oven has reached 350°F, you're ready to assemble and bake the casserole. This step-by-step process will help the dish turn out perfectly every time.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the oven to prevent overcooking, and enjoy the delicious aroma as the casserole bakes to golden brown perfection.
Step 2. In a Large Bowl, Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cooked stuffing, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen vegetables, and seasonings. Stir everything together until it's well-mixed.
This casserole is a great way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. The cream of mushroom soup and milk create a rich, creamy base, while the frozen veggies add color and nutrition.
Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts to your taste. For example, if you have a lot of extra turkey, you can add a bit more. Or if you prefer more veggies, toss in an extra handful or two. Just be sure to mix everything thoroughly so the flavors meld together.
Once the ingredients are combined, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
Now you're ready to bake the casserole and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal made with your leftover turkey.
Step 3. Pour Into Baking Dish
Once the ingredients are combined in the large bowl, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. This 9×13-inch dish should be lightly coated with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Gently pour the turkey and vegetable blend into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
Next, top the casserole with the cubed bread, ensuring the entire surface is covered. This layer of bread will soak up the delicious flavors as the dish bakes.
If desired, you can lightly press the bread cubes into the filling to help them adhere.
Step 4. Bake for 30-40 Minutes
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the turkey casserole bake for 30 to 40 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the dish to develop a golden-brown crust on top.
Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. You'll know it's done when the edges are bubbling, and the center is hot and bubbly.
Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to portion out.
When ready to serve, scoop portions onto plates or bowls. The turkey casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your delicious use of leftover turkey!
Step 5. Let Stand 5 Minutes Before Serving
After removing the casserole from the oven, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set up slightly. During this time, the hot, bubbly filling will thicken, making it easier to scoop out neat servings.
While you wait, this is a great opportunity to prepare any additional sides or garnishes. Perhaps you'd like to toss together a simple salad or warm up some dinner rolls to accompany the casserole. You could also take this time to set the table and gather any necessary serving utensils.
Once the 5 minutes are up, the casserole should be ready to serve. Scoop out portions using a large spoon or spatula, being careful not to disturb the layers too much.
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of cranberry sauce, if desired. Enjoy this delicious way to use up your leftover turkey!
Final Thoughts
The Leftover Turkey Casserole is a delightful way to repurpose your holiday leftovers. This hearty dish not only saves you time and money but also reduces food waste, making it an eco-friendly option.
By incorporating the remaining turkey, vegetables, and stuffing into a creamy casserole, you've created a well-balanced meal that's sure to satisfy.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your personal preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add extra veggies, or even switch up the protein. The key is to have fun and get creative with your leftovers.
As you savor the final bites of this comforting casserole, take a moment to appreciate the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this dish.
The Leftover Turkey Casserole not only provides a delicious second act for your holiday meal but also serves as a reminder that with a little creativity, you can transform your leftovers into something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey. The flavors and textures will be similar, and it'll make for a quick and easy meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Long Does the Casserole Last in the Fridge?
The casserole will usually last 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Can I Freeze the Leftover Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover casserole. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your meal. Simply portion it into airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Is the Casserole Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
The casserole may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it likely contains meat-based ingredients. It's best to check the recipe and adjust it accordingly if you want a plant-based version that meets your dietary needs.
Can I Add Additional Vegetables to the Recipe?
You can absolutely add additional vegetables to the recipe! Vegetables are a great way to boost the nutrition and flavor of any dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies to enhance the overall dish.
Rachel is all about nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist. She brings the flavors of classic American diners to Cook if Ya, with her takes on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rachel’s love for simple, hearty meals brings a bit of retro flair to the table, reminding us all of the joys of classic diner dishes.
