Ah, Thanksgiving leftovers—the culinary conundrum that haunts us in the most delicious ways. You know that feeling when you open the fridge, and there’s a mountain of turkey just staring back at you? That’s where this casserole comes in, transforming those remnants into a warm, cheesy embrace—like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why we don’t eat turkey every day.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles in salted water according to the package directions until they are al dente.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with diced turkey, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, frozen peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the turkey and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting turkey casserole!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked egg noodles
- 4 cups chopped cooked turkey
- 2 (10-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots (or other mixed vegetables)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Cooking spray
FAQ
- How should I store leftover turkey?
- Leftover turkey can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s best to store it in an airtight container for optimal freshness. Alternatively, turkey can be frozen and stored for up to two months.
- What ingredients are used in turkey casserole?
- Turkey casserole typically includes egg noodles, cooked turkey, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, and various seasonings. You can also add vegetables like peas and carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can I use other proteins besides turkey in this casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute the turkey with other proteins such as chicken, ground turkey, beef, or even smoked sausage to suit your taste preferences.
- Are there alternative vegetables I can use in the casserole?
- While peas and carrots are common choices, you can incorporate other vegetables like corn, green beans, onions, peppers, or even fresh spinach and diced tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- What cheese can I use other than cheddar in this recipe?
- If you’re looking to try a different cheese, you can use mozzarella, colby jack, or fontina cheese for a unique twist on this classic casserole.
Tips
- Opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties to ensure better melting and a richer flavor in your casserole.
- Feel free to experiment with different frozen vegetable mixes or add fresh options like spinach or diced tomatoes to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
- If cream of chicken soup isn’t your preference, try substituting it with cream of celery or mushroom for a different taste profile.
- To ensure the leftovers stay fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for up to two months for future meals.
Equipment
- 9″x13″ Baking Dish – Essential for baking the casserole.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Needed to combine all the ingredients before baking.
- Cheese Grater – If you plan to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
- Pot for Boiling Noodles – If you don’t already have a suitable pot for cooking the egg noodles.
- Aluminum Foil – Used to cover the dish while baking.
