If you ever find yourself staring at a mountain of leftover turkey after a festive feast, let me share a secret weapon to transform those scraps into comfort food magic: the Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together tender turkey, creamy sauce, and tender noodles in a cozy bake that feels like a warm hug. It’s not only a brilliant way to use leftovers but also a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a special role, from creating a rich, velvety sauce to adding color and texture. With a handful of pantry staples and your leftover turkey, this recipe comes together quickly and confidently.
- 4 tablespoons butter: The base for a luscious roux that thickens our sauce beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons flour: Works with butter to create the perfect sauce consistency without lumps.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light yet flavorful.
- 1 cup half and half (or whole milk or heavy cream): Brings creaminess that makes this casserole indulgently smooth.
- 1 teaspoon dried onion powder: Infuses a subtle sweetness and warmth into the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder: Adds robust, aromatic flavor—adjust to taste for your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy note that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer and brightening the flavors.
- 16 oz frozen vegetable medley: Introduces color, nutrients, and a pleasant bite to the casserole.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese: Enhances the sauce’s richness and gives a slight tangy creaminess.
- 3 cups cooked and diced turkey meat: The star of the dish, tender and flavorful, leftover or freshly shredded.
- 1 pound egg noodles: Cooked just right, they soak up the sauce and bring comforting heartiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and mozzarella mix): A melty, flavorful topping that browns beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish. This simple step makes cleanup easier and ensures your casserole won’t stick, setting you up for success.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Melt the butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat, then stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Whisk in the chicken broth and half and half steadily, keeping the mixture moving until it thickens to a silky, creamy consistency. Now comes the magic: sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then fold in your diced turkey, frozen vegetables, and cream cheese until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly rich.
Step 3: Combine with Noodles and Assemble
Add the cooked egg noodles right into the sauce mixture and stir until every strand is coated with that creamy goodness. Transfer this hearty mixture into your prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Pop it into your hot oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a golden bubbly crown.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe from delicious to delightful, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving. Their bright green color adds a fresh contrast, and the subtle herbal notes cut through the richness, making each bite feel lighter and more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or buttery roasted brussels sprouts creates a brilliant balance of textures and flavors. These sides add fresh crunch and lift that complement the creamy casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Or layer it with additional cheese on top for an extra gooey finish sure to impress your guests. Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe shines whether plated simply or dressed with a flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole keeps its creamy texture well, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner that feels just as comforting as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or tightly wrapped foil dishes. It can be frozen for up to 2 months — a ready-made comfort meal any night of the week.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions until heated through, stirring halfway to maintain that creamy sauce texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic for this dish, you can swap in rotini, penne, or even pasta shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy during baking.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang, or more half and half for extra creaminess. The casserole will still be delicious and rich.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey and add more vegetables or swap turkey for cooked mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based protein. Keep the seasonings and sauce the same for full flavor.
Is it okay to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely. Use chopped fresh veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans. Just steam or sauté them lightly first to ensure they cook thoroughly within the casserole.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Cook the noodles just until al dente and drain them well before mixing into the sauce. This prevents over-absorbing liquid during baking and keeps the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe transforms ordinary leftovers into a soul-warming dish that’s both easy and impressive. It’s the perfect answer when you want to make the most of your turkey while serving up hearty, creamy comfort food everyone will adore. So next time your fridge holds turkey waiting to be loved, dive into this recipe — you won’t regret it!
Print
Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Combining tender egg noodles with a savory homemade sauce, mixed vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s baked to bubbly perfection for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Sauce and Filling
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (or whole milk or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon dried onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder (or less, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 16 oz frozen vegetable medley
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 3 cups cooked and diced turkey meat (or cooked chicken/rotisserie chicken)
Main
- 1 pound egg noodles (cooked according to package directions)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella recommended)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and casserole dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the creamy sauce and filling: In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, continuing to whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Season the sauce with dried onion powder, dried garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Next, stir in the cooked turkey meat, frozen vegetables, and cream cheese until well combined. Finally, fold in the cooked egg noodles ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble and bake the casserole: Transfer the noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
Notes
- You can substitute leftover turkey with cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the dried garlic powder to your taste intensity.
- For a richer casserole, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Frozen vegetable medley can be replaced with fresh veggies of your choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated.
