Oh, the joy of leftover turkey! I don’t know about you, but after the big feast, I always find myself with a mountain of turkey just waiting to be transformed into something delicious. That’s where this incredible leftover turkey casserole comes in! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and trust me, you’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to whip up. Not only does it make use of that leftover turkey, but it’s also a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without all the fuss. I love that it’s a one-dish wonder—easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, and with every bite, you’re going to taste the love (and a bit of nostalgia from holidays past). So, let’s dive right in and make something scrumptious out of those leftovers!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious leftover turkey casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cooked rice (I usually use white or brown, whatever I have on hand!)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (think peas, carrots, and corn—frozen works great here)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this adds creaminess and flavor, yum!)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar, but feel free to mix it up)
• 1/2 cup milk (this helps everything blend together beautifully)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a little extra flavor punch)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (because who doesn’t love the taste of onion, right?)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and we’ll be on our way to casserole heaven in no time!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheating is super important because it helps your casserole cook evenly. So, go ahead and set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for baking our delicious casserole to perfection.

Mix the Ingredients

Now, grab a large bowl and let’s mix everything together. Start by adding in your chopped turkey, cooked rice, and mixed vegetables. Next, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure every bite has a bit of everything—so mix it up well!

Prepare the Baking Dish

Now that our mixture is ready, let’s prepare our baking dish. Grab a medium-sized baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or rub it with a bit of butter. This will keep our casserole from sticking. Once it’s greased, carefully spread the turkey mixture evenly in the dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just get it all in there!

Add the Topping

Time for the best part—the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top of your casserole mixture. I like to use a generous amount because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a gooey, cheesy topping? It really brings everything together and adds that delicious golden crust.

Bake the Casserole

Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want to be sure it’s cooked through, you can take a peek halfway through the baking time. Just be careful of that hot oven! A good rule of thumb is to look for those lovely bubbles around the edges and a beautifully melted cheese layer.

Cool and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. You don’t want to burn your mouth on that cheesy goodness! After it’s had a little time to settle, grab a spoon and serve it up. It’s bound to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 25g

So, whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or just a way to use up those leftovers, this casserole hits the spot with a nice balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy every bite and feel good about what you’re eating!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a breeze to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Utilizes leftover turkey, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
• One-dish meal means easier cleanup—yay for less dishwashing!
• Family-friendly and packed with flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
• Comforting and satisfying, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
• Great for meal prepping—make it ahead and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your leftover turkey casserole turns out absolutely perfect? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you along the way!

• Check it halfway: Don’t forget to peek at your casserole about halfway through the baking time. This helps you keep an eye on that cheesy goodness and ensures it doesn’t overcook. If it’s bubbling nicely, you’re on the right track!
• Mix it up: Feel free to switch out the mixed vegetables for your favorites. Got some broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans lying around? Toss them in! The more colorful your casserole, the more inviting it looks!
• Make it your own: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to give the casserole your personal touch. A pinch of paprika or a dash of Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor profile!
• Don’t skimp on cheese: I say go big or go home when it comes to cheese! A generous layer on top not only makes it super gooey but also gives that beautiful golden crust we all love.
• Use what you have: This recipe is so forgiving, so if you’re missing an ingredient, don’t stress! Just substitute with what you have on hand. As long as you keep the base mix similar, you’ll end up with something delicious!
• Let it rest: After baking, allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to scoop out those perfect portions.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a scrumptious casserole that everyone will love. Let your creativity shine, and enjoy the process of making something special out of those leftovers!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to change things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on this leftover turkey casserole! Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

• Vegetable Swap: Feel free to use any veggies you like! Broccoli, spinach, or zucchini can add a fresh touch. You can even toss in some roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
• Different Grains: Instead of rice, try using quinoa or couscous. They’ll give the casserole a unique texture and boost the nutritional value!
• Spice it Up: Want a little kick? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Or, try adding a teaspoon of taco seasoning for a southwestern flair!
• Cheese Variety: While cheddar is my go-to, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a tangy blue cheese for something bold!
• Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten up the dish. You can also play around with spices—cumin, paprika, or even a dash of curry powder can transform the flavor profile dramatically!
• Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy casserole, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese with the soup mixture. This will make every bite even more decadent and luscious!
• Switch the Protein: If you don’t have turkey on hand, this recipe works beautifully with shredded chicken or even cooked sausage for a heartier option.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this casserole your own. Each variation can turn it into a completely new dish, and you’ll find a favorite that’s just right for you and your family.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed this delicious leftover turkey casserole, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them properly so you can enjoy every last bite!

To store any leftover casserole, simply let it cool to room temperature after baking. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also transfer individual portions to airtight containers if you prefer. It’s best to eat leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness, but trust me, they’re so good, they probably won’t last that long!

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole has been refrigerated, uncover it and pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, and if you want that cheesy topping to be extra melty, you can cover it with foil for the first half of the reheating time and then remove it to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep it from drying out), and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to check it halfway through to ensure it’s evenly heated. Give it a little stir before serving to mix all that gooey cheese back in.

And remember, this casserole is freezer-friendly too! If you want to save some for later, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before following the reheating instructions above. This way, you’ll have a cozy meal ready to go whenever you need it!

What’s Next?

I can’t wait to hear how your leftover turkey casserole turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Did you make any fun variations or tweaks? Your feedback not only helps me but also inspires others who are looking to make their own delicious meals from leftovers.

And if you loved this recipe, I’d be thrilled if you could rate it! Your ratings help me know what you enjoy and guide me in creating more recipes that you’ll love. Remember, cooking is all about sharing and connecting, so feel free to share your experiences with friends, family, or on social media! Let’s spread the joy of easy leftover turkey recipes together!

Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and deliciousness!

For more delicious casserole ideas, check out this collection of comforting casserole recipes. If you’re interested in learning about the nutritional benefits of turkey, you can read more here.

Leftover Turkey Recipes Easy: 7 Comforting Casserole Ideas

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A simple recipe to make delicious leftover turkey casserole.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the chopped turkey, cooked rice, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use any leftover turkey or chicken.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
• Check the casserole halfway through baking to avoid overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: leftover turkey recipes easy