Leftovers Recipe: Turkey Noodle Casserole
If you are looking for something delicious for your turkey leftovers, yet simple and easy to throw together, this is your recipe. Its nothing fancy, but I guarantee you there wont be a single bite left. But then theres always next year.
If you are looking for something delicious for your turkey leftovers, yet simple and easy to throw together, this is your recipe. Its nothing fancy, but I guarantee you there wont be a single bite left. But then theres always next year.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces dried egg noodles
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar divided
- 2 cups cooked shredded turkey
- Carbohydrate 34.5438809883913 g
- Cholesterol 120.750840884181 mg
- Fat 30.7783146880333 g
- Fiber 1.78275816442299 g
- Protein 22.4772870468929 g
- Saturated Fat 18.754276332416 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (207g)
- Sodium 828.114908176612 mg
- Sugar 32.7611228239683 g
- Trans Fat 2.00759177882395 g
- Calories 504 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and celery and sauté until tender and softened, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Whisk in the flour and stir until it is absorbed (and the "raw" taste cooked out), about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 3 minutes). Add 2 cups shredded cheese, remove from heat and stir until melted. Add the cayenne and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cheese sauce, shredded turkey, and sour cream to the noodles. Season generously with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Grease an 8 x 11-inch baking dish (or similar size) casserole dish. Pour noodle mixture into baking dish and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake until casserole is warm and cheese is bubbling, about 25 minutes.
A Cozy Comfort Food: My Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. After Thanksgiving, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, but I also don't want to waste that delicious leftover turkey. That's where this recipe for Turkey Noodle Casserole comes in. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening, and surprisingly quick and easy to make. I adapted it from a family recipe, tweaking it over the years to perfect the creamy, cheesy goodness.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup! I usually start by prepping all my vegetables – chopping the onions, carrots, and celery – while the water boils for the noodles. This multi-tasking approach saves me valuable minutes. The cheese sauce comes together in a flash, and the whole process, from start to finish, takes less than an hour. Considering the impressive result, the speed at which it comes together is truly remarkable. I often find myself making a double batch, especially around the holidays, so we have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. It’s just that good!
What truly sets this casserole apart is the balance of flavors. The subtle sweetness of the carrots and onions perfectly complements the savory turkey and the creamy cheese sauce. A hint of cayenne adds a delightful kick, preventing the dish from becoming bland. The sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the sauce and turkey. It’s a harmonious blend that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. My family absolutely loves it, and I'm confident yours will too. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making this an ideal make-ahead dish for busy weekdays.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there's a sentimental aspect to this recipe. It's a cozy, warm embrace in a dish. The flavors transport me back to childhood, bringing back happy memories of family gatherings and laughter around the table. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone feel instantly relaxed and at home. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate a meal that makes the house smell incredibly inviting?
This Turkey Noodle Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary hug. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little bit of love to create something truly special. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, don't hesitate. Embrace the opportunity to create a delicious, comforting, and heartwarming meal that your family will cherish. The time saved in the kitchen will allow you to spend more precious moments with those you love most – isn’t that the most rewarding part of cooking?
I often add different variations to my casserole depending on what's on hand. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs before baking, like thyme or rosemary, elevates the taste profile. Sometimes, I swap out the sharp cheddar for a different type of cheese, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; it easily adapts to your preferences and the ingredients you have available. It’s a truly versatile dish.
I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. Let me know in the comments if you give it a try and what variations you choose! Happy cooking!
