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Leftover Turkey Casserole

Leftover Turkey Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Leftover Turkey Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It's the perfect way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious, easy weeknight dinner. Make this dish tonight for a hearty meal everyone will love!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Turkey Stock
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar, Shredded
  • 2 cups Cooked Turkey Breast Meat, Chopped
  • 2 cups Cornbread Cubes, Divided
  • 1/2 cup Frozen Peas
  • 1 cup Chopped Carrots
  • 1 cup Chopped Frozen Green Beans
  • 1/2 cup Frozen Corn

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is an important step to ensure the casserole cooks evenly from the start.
  2. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Watch it carefully to prevent it from browning too much.
  3. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour, salt, and crushed black pepper to create a roux. This will help thicken our sauce.
  4. Slowly add in the turkey stock, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. You'll notice it begins to thicken as it heats up.
  5. When the mixture starts to thicken, pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. This step is crucial for that creamy texture.
  6. Next, add in the sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, 1 cup of cornbread cubes, peas, carrots, green beans, and corn. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
  8. Pour in the cheese sauce and stir until all the ingredients are well coated. This step ensures every bite is as flavorful as possible.
  9. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch pan. Make sure it’s well distributed for even cooking.
  10. Top the casserole with the remaining cornbread cubes. This will create a deliciously crispy topping.
  11. Cover the pan with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to help everything meld together.
  12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s done when the top layer looks irresistible!

Notes

  • Prepping Ahead: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
  • Don’t Skip the Roux: Creating a roux is essential for the creamy texture. It helps to thicken the sauce, so take your time with this step.
  • Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to mix in other vegetables you have on hand or even swap the turkey for chicken or beans for a vegetarian version.
  • Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.