Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceWhen cooler weather rolls in, nothing hits the spot quite like a bubbling, oven-baked leftover Turkey Casserole. It’s the perfect dish for turning leftover turkey into a second act that might just steal the show. With its creamy sauce, melty Swiss cheese, and a crispy buttered breadcrumb topping, this casserole becomes the centerpiece of any meal.
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When life gives you turkey leftovers, you make turkey casserole! I love this recipe because it’s super simple, it reduces food waste, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser. It’s always my go-to recipe after Thanksgiving, and we often have it for Christmas. But I have to be honest, it’s not always about the leftovers, I make this throughout the fall and winter as it’s such a warming dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Turkey Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll love how easy it is to make this turkey casserole, just follow my straightforward instructions and take a look at my notes and tips when you scroll further down.
Prepare the Pasta
First, get the pasta going according to the package directions, but give it a little less cooking time — stop 2-3 minutes before it’s supposed to be done. This way, it won’t turn mushy when you bake it.
Cook the Vegetables
While your oven is warming up to 180ºC (350°F), grab a skillet and melt some butter over medium heat. Toss in your onions, mushrooms, and garlic and let them sauté until they’re just tender and smelling wonderful, about 7 minutes.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together your sautéed veggies with the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and oregano.
Now fold in the shredded Swiss cheese and turkey, giving everything a good mix. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Add the Topping
Mix together the seasoned bread crumbs with melted butter for a crunchy finish. This will add a lovely texture to your casserole.
Bake the Casserole
Lightly grease your baking dish before pouring in the turkey mixture. Sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs evenly on top and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden.
Serve Your Casserole
Sprinkle some fresh basil over your baked casserole right before serving to add a fresh touch to this cozy dish. Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow or bows pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ⅓ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 ½ cup Swiss cheese shredded
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded or diced
- Fresh basil to serve
Toppings:
- ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup butter melted
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, removing it from the water 2-3 minutes before it reaches the al dente stage to prevent overcooking during baking.3 cups elbow or bows pasta
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F). In a medium-heated skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic for approximately 7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion, 2 cups mushrooms, 2 garlic cloves
- In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, dried oregano, shredded Swiss cheese, and shredded or diced cooked turkey. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.2 cups condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 ⅓ cups milk, ½ teaspoon oregano, 1 ½ cup Swiss cheese, 3 cups cooked turkey
- Prepare the topping by combining the seasoned bread crumbs and melted butter.¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs, ¼ cup butter
- Grease a baking dish, transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into it, and evenly spread the breadcrumb topping over it. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Serve the casserole garnished with fresh basil.Fresh basil
Notes
- Al Dente Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just until it’s firm to the bite. It’ll soak up some of the sauce while baking, keeping its texture without turning soggy.
- Taste and Adjust: Before the casserole hits the oven, give your mixture a quick taste test. A little extra pinch of salt or pepper can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.
- Cheese Swap: Not crazy about Swiss cheese? No problem! Mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of your favorite cheeses can be used for a personalized touch. Different cheeses can completely transform the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
- Mushroom Magic: Lift your dish with a variety of mushrooms. Whether it’s portobello for a meaty texture, shiitake for an Asian flair, or cremini for a mild earthiness, each type adds a unique twist.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead Potential: Need to save time? You can put the casserole together the night before and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Let’s make sure your Turkey Casserole turns out perfectly every time with these handy tips:
- Al Dente Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just until it’s firm to the bite. It’ll soak up some of the sauce while baking, keeping its texture without turning soggy.
- Taste and Adjust: Before the casserole hits the oven, give your mixture a quick taste test. A little extra pinch of salt or pepper can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.
- Cheese Swap: Not crazy about Swiss cheese? No problem! Mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of your favorite cheeses can be used for a personalized touch. Different cheeses can completely transform the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
- Mushroom Magic: Lift your dish with a variety of mushrooms. Whether it’s portobello for a meaty texture, shiitake for an Asian flair, or cremini for a mild earthiness, each type adds a unique twist.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead Potential: Need to save time? You can put the casserole together the night before and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
How to Store Leftovers
Turkey casserole stores well, so you can easily double the batch and pop one in the freezer. Here’s how to do it.
Cool the casserole completely before covering and refrigerating it, where it can stay fresh for 3-4 days.
This dish also freezes well—just make sure it’s in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven until it’s hot all through.
More Easy Casserole Recipes for You to Try at Home
- Crack Chicken Casserole
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Hamburger Casserole
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
