Turkey Noodle Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This casserole combines tender noodles, savory turkey, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It is a great way to transform your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers into a whole new meal.
The key to a great Turkey Noodle Casserole is using cooked turkey that is still juicy and flavorful. You can use either white or dark meat, or a combination of both, depending on your preference. The noodles should be cooked until al dente, so they still have a bit of bite to them. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of dijon mustard for added flavor. It is then mixed with the cooked noodles and turkey, before being topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter.
Ingredients
The Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe calls for the following ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
These ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most grocery stores. The cooked turkey can be leftover from a holiday meal or purchased pre-cooked from the deli. The egg noodles provide a hearty base for the casserole, while the frozen peas and carrots add color and texture. The mushrooms, onion, and garlic add savory flavors, while the butter and flour create a roux to thicken the sauce. The chicken broth, milk, and sour cream form the creamy sauce, and the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper add additional seasoning. The shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top to create a deliciously cheesy crust once baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Turkey Noodle Casserole
Preparing a delicious Turkey Noodle Casserole is easy when you follow these step-by-step instructions. This comforting dish is perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all the ingredients needed for the casserole.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook them until they are translucent.
- Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir it well to create a roux. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add the diced turkey, cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, and any other desired vegetables or seasonings to the skillet. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you can enjoy a comforting and flavorful Turkey Noodle Casserole that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Serve it as a main dish with a side salad or vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Turkey Noodle Casserole
When it comes to making a delicious Turkey Noodle Casserole, professional chefs have a few tried and true tips to ensure a mouthwatering result. Here are some of their expert suggestions:
- Use homemade turkey broth: Instead of using store-bought broth, make your own turkey broth from the leftover carcass of a roasted turkey. This will add a rich and flavorful base to your casserole.
- Season your noodles: Don’t forget to season your noodles while boiling them. Adding salt and some herbs or spices to the cooking water will infuse the noodles with extra flavor.
- Layer your ingredients: To create a well-balanced casserole, remember to layer your ingredients. Start with a layer of cooked noodles, followed by shredded turkey, vegetables, and then the sauce. Repeat the layers until you have used up all the ingredients.
These tips will help enhance the taste and presentation of your Turkey Noodle Casserole, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone at the table. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to the recipe!
Reviews
I recently made the Turkey Noodle Casserole for dinner and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of tender turkey, creamy sauce, and flavorful noodles created a perfect comfort food dish. The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were simple and easily accessible.
First, I boiled the noodles until they were tender and set them aside. Then, I sautéed some onions and garlic in a bit of butter until they were soft and aromatic. Next, I added the turkey and cooked it until it was nicely browned and cooked through.
Once the turkey was cooked, I added a can of cream of mushroom soup and some milk to create a rich and creamy sauce. I seasoned it with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme for an extra depth of flavor. I poured the sauce over the cooked noodles and folded in some frozen peas for a pop of color and added nutrients.
I topped the casserole with some shredded cheese and baked it in the oven until it was heated through and the cheese was melted and golden on top. The smell that filled my kitchen while it was cooking was absolutely mouthwatering!
The end result was a casserole that was creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors. The turkey was tender and paired perfectly with the creamy sauce and noodles. The peas added a nice freshness and the melted cheese on top was the perfect finishing touch. I served it with some steamed vegetables and it made for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
I highly recommend trying the Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe if you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and the end result is absolutely scrumptious!
I recently tried the Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe and it was absolutely delicious! As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick and easy meals that the whole family will enjoy, and this recipe definitely delivered. The combination of tender turkey, flavorful noodles, and creamy sauce was a winning combination.
One thing I really loved about this recipe was how versatile it was. I was able to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, which added an extra layer of flavor. The noodles were perfectly cooked and the sauce was rich and creamy. I also appreciated the addition of vegetables, which added some freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
Not only was this Turkey Noodle Casserole easy to make, but it also made for great leftovers. I was able to enjoy the casserole for lunch the next day, and it tasted just as good. This recipe will definitely be a staple in our household, especially during the holiday season when we have leftover turkey to use up. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
I recently tried the Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the tender turkey, hearty noodles, and creamy sauce was just perfect. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was a satisfying and comforting dish that my whole family loved.
The flavors in the casserole were well-balanced and the turkey added a nice, savory element to the dish. The noodles were cooked perfectly and not overly soft, which is always a bonus. The creamy sauce was rich and creamy without being too heavy, and it coated the noodles and turkey beautifully.
One thing that I really appreciated about this recipe was that it was versatile. I was able to add some extra vegetables to the casserole, like peas and carrots, to make it even more wholesome and nutritious. The recipe also called for some herbs and spices which added a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
Overall, I highly recommend trying the Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey and it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. I will definitely be making this recipe again in the future!
I recently tried the recipe for Turkey Noodle Casserole and it turned out to be a real hit with my family. This dish is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion. The combination of tender noodles, creamy sauce, and savory turkey all baked together creates a delicious and comforting meal that is hard to resist.
What I love about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. The recipe calls for simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, such as egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded turkey. The steps are straightforward and the dish comes together quickly. After boiling the noodles and mixing them with the sauce and turkey, everything is baked in the oven until golden and bubbly.
The end result is a creamy, cheesy dish with a crispy top that is just so satisfying. The flavor combination of the turkey and mushroom soup is absolutely delicious, and the noodles add a great texture. I served this casserole with a side of steamed vegetables and it made for a complete and balanced meal.
I highly recommend trying the Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe for yourself. It is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and create a delicious, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy!
