Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish that's both easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than this Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe. This dish is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey, or you can make it fresh with ground turkey. With tender egg noodles, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're preparing a meal for a busy weeknight or looking to create a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this Turkey Noodle Casserole has you covered.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal, and learn how to customize it to suit your preferences!

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What is Turkey Noodle Casserole?

Turkey Noodle Casserole is a savory, baked dish that combines tender cooked turkey, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, all topped with crispy breadcrumbs or cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with leftover turkey, deli-sliced turkey, or ground turkey, making it perfect for post-holiday meals or a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce binds the noodles and turkey together, while the crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast in texture.

Ingredients List for Turkey Noodle Casserole

To make this rich and comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped (leftover turkey works great!)
• 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups cooked)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any frozen mixed vegetables)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 ½ cups sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup milk or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This Turkey Noodle Casserole is easily adaptable, and you can make several changes based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary needs:

1. Turkey Substitutes: Use ground turkey, cooked chicken, or even ham as an alternative to turkey. If you're vegetarian, you can substitute the turkey with cooked chickpeas or tofu.
2. Noodle Options: Egg noodles are classic for casseroles, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as rotini, penne, or macaroni.
3. Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk yogurt, and use a vegan cream of mushroom soup.
4. Soup Swap: If you're not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade béchamel sauce can be used instead.
5. Veggie Variations: Switch up the vegetables to suit your taste or what you have available. Fresh broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added for more nutrition and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this tasty casserole.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). Drain the noodles, then set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Turkey

To the skillet, add the frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred vegetables), and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re heated through. Next, stir in the cooked turkey and let it warm through for about 2 minutes. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk (or chicken broth). Whisk until smooth and well-blended. If you'd like to make the dish extra creamy, you can also stir in a handful of shredded cheese at this stage. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the turkey and vegetables, stirring everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Combine with the Noodles

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked egg noodles with the turkey mixture until everything is evenly distributed. Make sure the noodles are well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated and slightly golden. You can also stir in the Parmesan cheese at this point if you want a richer topping. If you prefer a cheesy topping, you can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole instead of or in addition to the breadcrumbs.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the noodle and turkey mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture (or cheese) over the top of the casserole.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Cook Turkey Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and butter until softened.
3. Add peas, carrots, and turkey to the skillet and season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk (or broth) to make a creamy sauce.
5. Toss cooked noodles with the turkey and vegetable mixture in the sauce.
6. Prepare a crispy breadcrumb topping or sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles until al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
2. Not Using Enough Sauce: The sauce is essential for keeping the casserole moist. If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can always increase the amount of soup or sour cream.
3. Skipping the Resting Period: Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, so don’t skip this step.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Turkey Noodle Casserole is a filling and satisfying dish, but you can serve it with a few simple sides to make a complete meal:

• Serve with a Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich and creamy casserole nicely.
• Pair with Bread: Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is a great accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a touch of freshness and color to your plate.

How to Serve Turkey Noodle Casserole

To serve, simply scoop a portion of the casserole onto a plate, making sure to get a little bit of everything—noodles, turkey, veggies, and the crispy topping. This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Presentation Ideas for Turkey Noodle Casserole

• Individual Ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, divide the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This is perfect for dinner parties or individual servings.
• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the dish in the center of the table for a rustic, family-style dinner.

Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or entertaining.
• Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well! Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Add Cheese Inside: For an extra cheesy casserole, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the turkey and noodle mixture before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Turkey Noodle Casserole in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from a cold casserole.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

3. What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional for this

casserole, but you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta. Just be sure to cook them al dente before adding them to the casserole.

4. Can I substitute the turkey with chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute the turkey with cooked chicken, whether leftover or freshly cooked.

Conclusion

Turkey Noodle Casserole is a comforting, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or making a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crunchy topping make this a family-friendly meal that's sure to please everyone. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or serving it at a gathering, this casserole is a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try today!

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