Traditional Turkey Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Traditional Turkey Casserole is your perfect solution for using up leftover turkey in the most comforting way possible. With a creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and a crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite during the holiday season and beyond.

Ingredients for Traditional Turkey Casserole

Turkey provides hearty protein and is a great way to use up holiday leftovers. Egg noodles add substance and soak up all the creamy goodness. Frozen peas and diced carrots bring color and a hint of sweetness, while celery and onion add aromatic depth. The condensed cream of mushroom soup forms the base of the sauce, made creamy with milk. Cheddar cheese gives a sharp, cheesy finish. Breadcrumbs, mixed with butter, create a golden, crunchy topping. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder to enhance all these flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have turkey, cooked chicken works just as well.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.
  • Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge; it reheats beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of crusty bread complements the creamy texture perfectly. For a festive touch, serve it alongside cranberry sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A homemade white sauce or cream of chicken soup can be a great substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Traditional Turkey Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk, then stir them together until they’re smooth and well combined.

Next, add your cubed turkey, cooked egg noodles, peas, carrots, celery, and onion into the bowl. Sprinkle in the thyme and garlic powder, and toss in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well so that each ingredient gets a good coating of the creamy mixture. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking.

Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until they form a crumbly texture.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over your casserole, followed by the buttery breadcrumbs. This is where the magic happens — that golden, crispy topping.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is looking golden brown and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for using up leftover turkey.
  • Quick and easy to assemble for a busy weeknight.
  • Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy on top.
  • Family-friendly and adaptable with what you have on hand.

Ingredients

2 lbs cooked turkey, cubed
2 cups cooked egg noodles
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk; stir until smooth.
3. Add cubed turkey, cooked egg noodles, peas, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese to the soup mixture. Mix well to combine evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving hot.

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