Leftover Turkey Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Solution
Ever wondered what to do with that mountain of turkey sitting in your refrigerator after the holiday feast has ended? Most families face the same post-celebration dilemma, but what if those leftovers could become something even more delicious than the original meal?
Creating a delicious leftover turkey casserole is the perfect solution to transform yesterday’s dinner into today’s culinary masterpiece. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of turkey with creamy sauce and savory additions that will have your family requesting leftovers specifically for this purpose!
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor, making it a go-to option for busy post-holiday days when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients List
- 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth (homemade from the carcass works wonderfully)
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: evaporated milk for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (substitute: gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups leftover stuffing or 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley for garnish
The beauty of this leftover turkey casserole lies in its flexibility. Feel free to incorporate other Thanksgiving leftovers like green beans, corn, or even cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory twist!
Timing
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
This recipe comes together in under an hour, which is approximately 30% faster than traditional casseroles that require pre-cooking multiple components. The efficiency comes from utilizing already-cooked turkey and potentially other pre-cooked leftovers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This size provides the perfect depth for layers of flavor to meld together while maintaining a crispy top.
Step 2: Create the Flavor Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy – they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Richness and Seasoning
Pour in the heavy cream and add the dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your flavor foundation!
Step 5: Combine with Turkey and Vegetables
Fold in the shredded turkey and frozen peas, stirring gently to combine without breaking up the meat too much. The residual heat will begin to warm the turkey and defrost the peas perfectly. Remove from heat once everything is well-incorporated.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the turkey mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If using cheese, sprinkle half of it over the mixture now – it will create a delicious melty layer within the casserole.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Crumble the leftover stuffing (or seasoned breadcrumbs) evenly over the top of the casserole. If using cheese, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the stuffing layer. The topping will become gloriously golden and crispy during baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. For an extra-crispy top, broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving neater. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
Calories: 385
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 650mg (varies depending on broth and leftover turkey seasoning)
This leftover turkey casserole provides approximately 56% of your daily protein needs per serving, making it an excellent option for muscle recovery after holiday shopping marathons! The combination of protein and complex carbohydrates creates a balanced meal that provides sustained energy.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version without sacrificing flavor, consider these modifications:
• Substitute heavy cream with evaporated skim milk or unsweetened almond milk thickened with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing vegetables, reducing saturated fat content by approximately 50%
• Increase the vegetable ratio by adding 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of spinach for additional nutrients and fiber
• Replace half the stuffing topping with a mixture of crushed whole-grain crackers and sliced almonds for added texture and nutritional benefits
• For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice as a base layer beneath the turkey mixture
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your leftover turkey casserole with these complementary side dishes and presentation ideas:
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole’s richness
• Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet-tart contrast that enhances the savory flavors
• For brunch, top individual portions with a poached egg for an indulgent protein boost
• Garnish with quick-pickled red onions for a bright, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the creaminess
• Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at a post-holiday gathering
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, it only needs to be heated through. Excessive cooking will dry it out and create a stringy texture.
- Watery casserole: If your turkey has been frozen and thawed, pat it dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from making your casserole soupy.
- Under-seasoning: Leftover turkey can lose some flavor, so be generous with herbs and seasonings to create a vibrant dish.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the casserole to rest helps the sauce thicken and flavors to settle, resulting in better texture and easier serving.
- Using cold ingredients: Bringing refrigerated leftovers closer to room temperature before assembling helps the casserole cook more evenly and reduces baking time.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Make the most of your casserole with these storage recommendations:
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.
• For freezing, cool the casserole completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. The individual portions make for quick weeknight dinners.
• When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through (approximately 20-25 minutes).
• To prevent the topping from becoming soggy when reheating, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to re-crisp the top.
• For meal prep, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Keep refrigerated and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This delicious leftover turkey casserole transforms holiday remnants into a comforting, satisfying meal that might just become more anticipated than the original feast! With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy topping, it’s the perfect solution for post-holiday meals when you want something homey yet impressive.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your variations and how your family enjoyed it! Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your creation photos on social media. And if you’re looking for more creative leftover solutions, don’t forget to check out our other holiday transformation recipes!
