Leftover turkey is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it’s great to have leftovers in the fridge ready to go. On the other, it might be difficult to think of something exciting to make with your leftover turkey. Turkey Sandwiches like these delicious turkey sliders are a go-to leftover turkey meal, or you could make Turkey Soup. But what if you want something different? This recipe for leftover turkey is a bit more exciting than sandwiches, but it’s super simple to make. It won’t feel like leftovers – It will be like you created an entirely new, delicious meal. Try using leftover turkey in Chicken Spaghetti Casserole too! You can generally use turkey in any recipes that call for cooked chicken. Need to know the best way to cook a turkey? My recipe for Spatchcock Turkey is the fastest way to do it! You can also roast a turkey the traditional way, grill a turkey, smoke a turkey, or make a turkey breast in the instant pot.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pasta: Any type of pasta that you enjoy can be used to create this casserole. I suggest using a short pasta like shells, macaroni, or rotini to make your turkey noodle casserole easy to serve and eat. Turkey: 3 cups of cubed leftover turkey meat goes into this yummy dish. You can use whatever you have left, a combination of white and dark meat is perfect.Butter, Ritz Crackers, and Parmesan cheese: The crispy and crunch topping on our turkey casserole might just be the best part. Crush the crackers with your hands or by placing in a zip top bag and banging with a rolling pin. Onion and Mushrooms: These vegetables are cooked down to add savory flavor to the sauce. Cremini or white button mushrooms are perfect. Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works to thicken our turkey casserole sauce. Turkey Stock: Use your roast turkey carcass to make a delicious turkey stock. Rather not? Use boxed turkey or chicken stock instead. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This makes our casserole nice and creamy, plus it’s cheesy and salty. Frozen Peas: Trust me, this is delicious! The sweetness of the peas pairs wonderfully with the salty and savory ingredients.
How to Make Turkey Casserole
Recipe Tips
Use up what you have: While cheddar cheese is delicious here, feel free to use up the leftovers from your holiday charcuterie board or any other cheese you might have in the fridge. Add more flavor: I like that this recipe has simple flavors (it’s very kid friendly this way), but you can add herbs and spices to make it taste the way your family will like it. Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta (with some bite to it) is best for casseroles, since the noodles will cook more during baking. Be sure to rinse them after cooking so that they don’t continue to cook while waiting to be added to the sauce.
What to Serve with Turkey Casserole
Probably the last thing you want to do after cooking a big turkey dinner is to cook another dinner! Serve this casserole with easy side dishes. A salad: A simple green salad, a shaved brussels sprouts salad, or a healthy kale salad will all work with this leftover turkey casserole. More leftovers: Leftover roasted carrot soup, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce sound delicious! Pie! I know you have a few slices left. Enjoy your casserole with a slice of oatmeal pie or pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
More Recipes with Leftover Turkey
Try one of these easy recipes to use up that leftover turkey! Leftover turkey is just as versatile as leftover chicken.
Turkey and Rice SoupLemon Chicken Orzo Soup (with Turkey)Cuban Sandwiches (use sliced turkey in place of the pork!)Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole (with turkey)
You get the idea! Use that leftover turkey in recipes that call for diced or shredded chicken, or even in place of pork or beef. I know that this casserole will become a tradition at your house, just like your turkey dinner. Everyone is going to love it! © Little Sunny Kitchen
