Leftover Turkey Casserole

Leftover turkey casserole is a comforting dish perfect for enjoying the leftover turkey after a big meal. It combines tender turkey with a creamy cheese sauce, vegetables, and bread cubes for a delicious, hearty meal. Whether it’s after Thanksgiving or any dinner, this casserole will make your leftovers exciting and satisfying!

Why Make This Recipe

Making a leftover turkey casserole is a fantastic way to reduce food waste. You get to savor every last bit of your turkey while creating a nutritious meal. Plus, it’s simple and can easily be made with ingredients you likely have on hand. This dish is also versatile; you can customize it based on your favorite veggies or leftover ingredients. It’s not just a great use of leftovers but also a warm and inviting meal that the whole family will love.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• 1 cup turkey stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups turkey breast meat, cooked and chopped
• 2 cups cornbread cubes, divided
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup frozen corn

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
3. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the turkey stock, followed by the heavy cream, and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese and whisk until it melts completely.
6. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, 1 cup of cornbread, peas, carrots, green beans, and corn.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
8. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
9. Top with the remaining cornbread.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Casserole

Serve leftover turkey casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor. Enjoy it as a main dish that is hearty enough to fill you up!

How to Store Leftover Turkey Casserole

To store leftover turkey casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Use different vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have in your fridge.
• Add spices: A pinch of garlic powder or paprika can add a nice kick to the dish.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

Variation

To change things up, you can use different types of cheese. Swiss cheese or a blend of cheeses can add different flavors to the casserole. You could also use stuffing instead of cornbread for a different texture and taste!

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! You can easily substitute cooked chicken for turkey in this recipe.

How long does it take to reheat the casserole from the freezer?

If you are reheating from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This leftover turkey casserole is great for meal prep. Just portion it into individual containers and store them in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.

Leftover Turkey Casserole

A comforting dish that transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, hearty casserole with vegetables and cornbread, perfect for post-holiday meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter Unsalted
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• 1 cup turkey stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Main ingredients

• 2 cups turkey breast meat, cooked and chopped
• 2 cups cornbread cubes, divided
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup frozen corn

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
• Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux.
• Slowly whisk in the turkey stock, followed by the heavy cream, and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Stir in the cheddar cheese and whisk until it melts completely.

Assembly

• In a large bowl, combine the turkey, 1 cup of cornbread, peas, carrots, green beans, and corn.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
• Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Top with the remaining cornbread.

Baking

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden.

Notes

Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread. Adding extra cheese or fresh herbs enhances flavor.

Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food, Leftover Turkey, Meal Prep, Thanksgiving Recipes