Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Leftover Turkey Casserole is a comforting and delicious way to reinvent your turkey leftovers. With creamy gravy, melted mozzarella, and hearty vegetables, it’s an easy meal that warms the whole family.

A white round plate holds a portion of chicken pot pie filling on the right side, showing diced chicken, bright green peas, orange carrot cubes, and green beans mixed with creamy light beige sauce and bits of golden yellow crust crumbs scattered throughout; two small golden brown rolls with a soft texture and green herb specks are placed on the left side of the plate. The plate rests on a light gray cloth with white stripes over a white marbled surface. To the right of the plate lies a silver fork and a knife with a black handle and silver blade, and a glass filled with ice water sits at the top right corner. Partially visible at the top left is a white oval baking dish filled with the same chicken pot pie mixture topped with green beans and vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 cup turkey gravy
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 3 cups cornbread, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 cups cooked chopped turkey meat
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped frozen green beans

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the turkey gravy, whole milk, and shredded mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, combine the cornbread chunks, chopped turkey, frozen peas, chopped carrots, and frozen green beans.
  5. Step 5: Pour the creamy gravy mixture evenly over the ingredients in the casserole dish, mixing gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra richness, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar along with the mozzarella.
  • Swap the cornbread chunks for cubed biscuits or bread for a different texture.
  • Add sautéed onions and garlic to the roux step for deeper flavor.
  • If you prefer, use leftover gravy or substitute with a simple white sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.

How to Serve

A rectangular metal baking pan filled with a layered casserole dish. The bottom layer shows a mix of golden-brown bread cubes, giving a toasted, crispy texture. On top, there are scattered chunks of white cooked chicken mixed with green peas, small diced orange carrots, and some leafy green herbs evenly spread throughout. A light, melted creamy sauce covers parts of the ingredients, adding a shiny and soft texture. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

Yes, you can easily substitute or add vegetables like corn, broccoli, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Print

Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

This Leftover Turkey Casserole is a comforting and easy way to transform leftover turkey into a hearty meal. Combining tender turkey chunks with creamy mozzarella-infused gravy, vibrant vegetables, and savory cornbread, this casserole is baked to perfection and makes a perfect family-friendly dish for a cozy dinner or to use up holiday leftovers.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 cup turkey gravy
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cornbread, cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 3 cups chopped cooked turkey meat
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped frozen green beans

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep butter: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully melted and starting to bubble slightly.
  2. Make the gravy sauce: Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the turkey gravy, whole milk, and shredded mozzarella cheese, whisking constantly until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
  3. Combine casserole ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the cornbread chunks, chopped turkey meat, frozen peas, chopped carrots, and frozen green beans. Pour the prepared gravy sauce over the mixture to coat everything well.
  4. Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown lightly and the cheeses to bubble.
  5. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning and better flavor melding.

Notes

  • Using leftover turkey really helps keep this dish flavorful and reduces waste.
  • Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
  • If you don’t have turkey gravy, you can substitute with chicken gravy or make a quick roux-based gravy.
  • Make sure to thaw the frozen vegetables beforehand for even cooking.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready.

Keywords: leftover turkey casserole, turkey casserole recipe, cornbread casserole, leftover turkey recipe, Thanksgiving leftovers

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