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A casserole dish filled with baked creamy pasta, topped with breadcrumbs and basil leaves, being served with a spoon and fork.

Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

When the cold weather creeps in, there's nothing quite like a bubbling Turkey Casserole to warm up your mealtime. This dish transforms humble leftovers into a creamy, crispy-topped showstopper that’s perfect not just for post-Thanksgiving feasts but throughout the chilly seasons. It’s wonderfully simple to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and a smart way to minimize food waste. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole always brings smiles to the table.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Leftover Turkey Casserole
Servings: 4
Calories: 644kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

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
US Customary - Metric

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

Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 1355mg | Potassium: 684mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1278IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 523mg | Iron: 3mg
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