Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe

Are you craving a delicious, wholesome meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners? Look no further than this classic Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe! Packed with tender turkey, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a way to use leftover turkey or simply want to switch up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to creating this hearty meal and tips on how to make it even more flavorful.

this Recipe

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What is Turkey Noodle Casserole?

Turkey Noodle Casserole is a classic baked dish that combines cooked turkey, tender egg noodles, a creamy sauce, and savory vegetables like onions, peas, and carrots, all topped with a crispy layer of breadcrumbs or cheese. It's a perfect way to repurpose turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving or any roast dinner, but it’s so good that you’ll want to make it year-round! This dish is a complete meal, offering a good balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or substitutions.

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Ingredients List for Turkey Noodle Casserole

To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover turkey works great)
• 8 ounces of egg noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup (you can substitute with cream of chicken if preferred)
• ½ cup of milk (whole or 2% for a creamier texture)
• ½ cup of sour cream
• ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of paprika (for a little extra flavor)
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, for topping
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted (to mix with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping)

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Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to change things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations for your Turkey Noodle Casserole:

• Protein: You can substitute turkey with cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even ham. Leftover rotisserie chicken works especially well.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap them for whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zoodles for a low-carb version.
• Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to peas and carrots. You can add mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, or any other veggies you have on hand.
• Cream Soup: If you don’t like canned cream of mushroom soup, try homemade white sauce or use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a can of Alfredo sauce for a creamier twist.
• Toppings: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can top your casserole with crushed potato chips, crispy onions, or extra cheese.

These variations ensure that you can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing its comforting, savory appeal.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a simple guide to making this mouthwatering Turkey Noodle Casserole. It’s an easy recipe that’s hard to mess up, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until they are al dente (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the peas and carrots, stirring until heated through.
5. Mix the Casserole Ingredients: Add the cooked turkey, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) to the cream mixture. Stir to combine everything well.
6. Combine with Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, making sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the turkey noodle mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing it to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

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How to Cook Turkey Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Turkey Noodle Casserole is easy if you follow these simple steps:

1. Boil the noodles to al dente.
2. Make a creamy base using soup, sour cream, and milk.
3. Sauté vegetables for flavor.
4. Mix everything together – turkey, veggies, sauce, and noodles.
5. Top with breadcrumbs or cheese and bake.

These steps ensure that the casserole turns out perfectly every time: creamy, flavorful, and with a crisp, golden topping.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes like Turkey Noodle Casserole can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Noodles: Make sure to cook your noodles to al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Dry Casserole: Don’t skimp on the sauce. The casserole should be creamy, not dry. If needed, add a bit more milk or sour cream.
• Burnt Topping: Keep an eye on the casserole in the last 5 minutes of baking. If the topping starts to get too brown, cover it with foil.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Turkey Noodle Casserole is a casual dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be served beautifully! Here are some serving tips to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Slice neatly: After letting the casserole rest for a few minutes, slice it into clean squares for a professional presentation.
• Add a garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top to add a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with sides: Pair your casserole with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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How to Serve Turkey Noodle Casserole

This comforting dish is best served straight from the oven when it’s still hot and bubbly. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal, but you can also serve it alongside a green salad or steamed veggies for some extra nutrients and freshness. If you want to take things to the next level, serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side.

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Presentation Ideas for Turkey Noodle Casserole

• Family Style: Serve it right from the casserole dish, topped with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or green onions for color.
• Individual Servings: Scoop portions into ramekins or mini casserole dishes to create personalized servings.
• Rustic Charm: Present it on a wooden board or in a cast-iron skillet for a cozy, homey feel.

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Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
• Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare it up until the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in two casserole dishes. One can even go straight to the freezer for future dinners.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Chicken works perfectly in this casserole. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh veggies work just as well. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the casserole to soften them up.

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Conclusion

There you have it – a comforting, easy-to-make Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe that's perfect for using up leftover turkey and bringing a little extra joy to your dinner table. Whether you're feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just want a warm, cozy meal, this casserole will hit the spot every time. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to experiment with your own favorite variations!

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