Delicious Leftover Turkey Casserole in 1 Hour

Okay, so you’ve got all that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, right? And let’s be honest, turkey sandwiches are only exciting for, like, a day. You’re craving something warm and cozy, something that just *hits the spot*. That’s where my Leftover Turkey Casserole comes in! It’s the perfect way to use up that delicious turkey in a totally new, creamy, bubbly way. Plus, it’s seriously easy – I’m talking weeknight dinner easy.

I grew up on casseroles. My mom made them all the time, and they were always so comforting after a long day at school. This Leftover Turkey Casserole kinda reminds me of those days, but with a tasty turkey twist! So, ditch the same-old routine, and let’s get casserole-ing!

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Casserole

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why:

Quick and Easy Dinner

I’m all about simple, and this casserole is ready in under an hour! Score!

Comforting and Flavorful

That creamy texture and savory taste? It’s like a warm hug in a dish. You just can’t beat it!

Perfect for Using Leftover Turkey

No more food waste! This casserole turns those turkey leftovers into something truly amazing. It’s a win-win!

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like mushrooms? Swap the soup! Wanna add more veggies? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible – make it *your* perfect casserole.

Ingredients for Your Leftover Turkey Casserole

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! I’ve kept this list super simple, so you probably have most of this stuff already. No fancy grocery runs needed. Trust me, that’s how I like it!

Turkey

You’ll want 2 cups of cooked turkey, shredded. The more the merrier, if you ask me!

Soup

Grab one can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup. It’s the base of all that creamy goodness!

Milk

Just a half cup of milk. Any kind works, whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

Vegetables

One cup of frozen mixed vegetables. I usually just use the classic peas, carrots, and green beans mix. Easy peasy!

Cheese

Half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Because, well, cheese makes everything better, right?

Bread Crumbs

A quarter cup of bread crumbs. These give it that nice, golden crust. Yum!

Butter

Two tablespoons of melted butter. We’ll drizzle this on top for extra flavor and browning. Don’t skip it!

How to Make Leftover Turkey Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the super easy part. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Leftover Turkey Casserole in no time. Promise!

Preparation

Preheat the Oven

First things first: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Gotta get that oven nice and toasty!

Combine Ingredients

Grab a big ol’ bowl and throw in your turkey, soup, milk, and vegetables. Give it a good mix until everything’s nicely combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little gloppy – it’ll all come together in the oven!

Baking

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour that mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. I usually just use a little cooking spray, but you can butter it if you’re feeling fancy. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.

Add Toppings

Now for the fun part! Sprinkle that cheese all over the top, followed by the bread crumbs. Then, drizzle with the melted butter. This is what gives it that golden, crispy crust. Mmm!

Bake

Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the bread crumbs are nice and toasty. Keep an eye on it, ovens can be weird sometimes!

Rest

Once it’s out of the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up a bit, so it’s not too soupy. Plus, it gives you time to grab a fork and get ready to dig in!

Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Casserole

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna make your Leftover Turkey Casserole *extra* amazing? Here are a few of my favorite tricks!

Don’t Overbake

Trust me on this one! Overbaking will dry out your casserole, and nobody wants that. Keep an eye on it, and pull it out when it’s golden brown and bubbly. Remember, those ovens are sneaky!

Customize Your Vegetables

Not a fan of mixed veggies? No problem! Throw in some broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or even some cooked green beans. Get creative! It’s your casserole, after all.

Add Extra Flavor

Want to kick things up a notch? Sprinkle in some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder works wonders, too! And if you’re feeling brave, a little squirt of hot sauce adds a nice little zing! My personal favorite is a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Leftover Turkey Casserole Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the classic Leftover Turkey Casserole, and it’s a hit! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few fun ways to mix things up and create a whole new casserole experience!

Different Cheese

Cheddar’s great, but why stop there? Try using Gruyere for a nutty, sophisticated flavor, or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. A little sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a nice salty kick, too. Seriously, cheese is your friend here!

Cream of Chicken

Not a mushroom fan? No prob! Just swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken. It’s a super easy substitution and still gives you that creamy, comforting base. You could even try cream of celery for something a little different!

Add a Crust

Want to take your casserole to the next level? Top it with a flaky pastry crust! You can use store-bought puff pastry or even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Just cut it to fit your baking dish and bake until golden brown. It’s like a turkey pot pie, but even easier!

Serving Suggestions for Your Leftover Turkey Casserole

Alright, so your Leftover Turkey Casserole is hot and bubbly, ready to go. But what should you serve with it? Don’t stress – I’ve got a few simple ideas that will make it a complete meal!

Side Salad

A simple green salad is always a winner! It adds a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole. Just toss some lettuce with your favorite dressing, and you’re good to go!

Cranberry Sauce

If you’ve got leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays, this is the perfect way to use it up! The tartness of the cranberries complements the savory turkey perfectly. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!

Dinner Rolls

Warm dinner rolls are always a good idea, right? They’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce. Plus, who can resist a warm, fluffy roll? I know I can’t!

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Turkey Casserole

So, you’ve devoured your Leftover Turkey Casserole, but you’ve got some leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for round two!

Storage

Just pop any leftover casserole into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating

You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just zap it in the microwave for a few minutes. Just watch it so it doesn’t get rubbery!

Leftover Turkey Casserole: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making the *perfect* Leftover Turkey Casserole? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked – hopefully, this helps!

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Get creative! Seriously, use whatever veggies you love or have on hand. Broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans… they all work great! Just make sure they’re cooked (or at least partially cooked) before adding them to the casserole. Nobody wants crunchy broccoli in their creamy casserole!

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yep! This casserole freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You bet! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand and then bake as directed. Easy peasy!

Can I use stuffing instead of bread crumbs?

Ooh, good question! Yes, you totally can! If you’ve got leftover stuffing, crumble it up and use it instead of bread crumbs. It adds a nice, savory flavor and a bit of extra texture. Just make sure it’s not too dry – you might need to drizzle a little extra melted butter on top to keep it moist. Yum!

Nutritional Information for Leftover Turkey Casserole

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just a general estimate, not an exact science, okay?

Enjoy Your Leftover Turkey Casserole!

Okay, time to dig in! I seriously hope you love this Leftover Turkey Casserole as much as I do! If you try it, leave a comment and let me know what you think! And hey, share a pic on social media – I’d love to see your creations!

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