Delicious Turkey Casserole Recipes for Every Occasion

Turkey casseroles are kinda awesome cause you can make them quick and they taste kinda homey, you know? Sometimes they remind you of old family dinners, other times you can toss in weird spices or different veggies that actually taste good. Turkey mixes real easy with stuff like cheese, sauce, or rice so you can play around and still have a dinner that everyone eats without complaining.

You can also use up bits from your fridge instead of throwing them out so you save money and time. Casseroles are simple and dont take a lot of babysitting while they bake. With turkey you got options from old-school recipes to lighter, healthy ones so theres always a casserole for whatever mood or diet you’re on. Keep reading and see how many ways you can make turkey casserole your next go-to meal!

Benefits of Using Turkey in Casseroles

Turkey isn’t just tasty, it’s got some good stuff in it too. It usually has less fat than beef or pork so its a better pick if you wanna watch what you eat. Plus turkey is full of protein which helps your muscles grow and fix themselves after you work out or just move around all day. You also get important vitimins like B6, niacin and minerals like phosporus, so it’s not only filling but kinda good for you.

Another reason turkey is perfect for casseroles is its flavor is pretty mild so almost anything goes. You can mix it with chunky veggies, creamy sauces, or even leftover bits from a big meal and it still tastes great. And you can use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or roast a fresh one, so it’s super easy to swap into recipes. That lets you be creative, try new flavors, and still have a meal that feels hearty and nourishing.

Classic Turkey Casserole Recipes

If you like the old style meals, these classic turkey casseroles are for you. They’re solid, comforting and you can’t really go wrong with ’em.

2.1 Traditional Turkey and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, rice, soup, vegetables, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Advice: If you wanna be a little healthier try making your own cream of mushroom soup or use low-fat instead of the regular can stuff.

2.2 Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 8 oz spaghetti, cooked
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Advice: You can toss in some peas or spinach if you wanna sneak more veggies in without anybody noticing.

2.3 Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 can cranberry sauce
• 1 cup turkey gravy
• ½ cup chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, layer the stuffing, turkey, and gravy.
3. Spread cranberry sauce on top and sprinkle with green onions.
4. Bake for 30 minutes until heated through.

Advice: This one’s great to put together the day before so you’re not rushing after all that holiday cooking.

Healthy Turkey Casserole Options

If you wanna keep things light but still cozy, check out these healthier casseroles. They use whole grains and lots of veggies so you don’t feel guilty eating seconds.

3.1 Quinoa Turkey Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup salsa

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients; stir well.
3. Transfer mixture to a baking dish; cover with foil.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, remove foil, and bake for another 10 minutes.

Advice: This one’s loaded with protein and fiber so it’ll keep you full and it’s even gluten-free if that’s your thing.

3.2 Mediterranean Turkey Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup cooked couscous
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup olives, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Pour mixture into a baking dish; bake for 25-30 minutes.

Advice: The feta and tomatoes give it that Mediterranean zing but you could swap in goat cheese if you want a diff flavor.

Creative Turkey Casserole Variations

Ready to jazz things up? These twisty turkey casseroles add new sauces or fun toppings so you don’t get bored with the same old dish.

4.1 BBQ Turkey Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup corn chips
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine turkey and BBQ sauce; pour into a baking dish.
3. Top with corn chips and cheese.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

Advice: Kids usually love the chip crunch so let them help crush the chips on top, it’s fun and easy.

4.2 Turkey Alfredo Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together pasta, turkey, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Advice: Store-bought Alfredo is fine if you’re lazy, but homemade tastes way better if you have the time.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Casseroles

Choosing the Right Turkey: It’s best to use turkey that’s already seasoned and not too dry. Leftovers work great but if it’s old just toss in a bit more sauce so it doesn’t come out crumbly.

Preparing Ingredients in Advance: Chop veggies and cook grains ahead so you only gotta dump and bake when dinner time hits. Saves scrambling at the last minute.

Assembling in Layers for Flavor: Try starting with rice or pasta on the bottom, then the turkey, then veggies, and finish with cheese or sauce on top so every bite’s got it all.

Baking Tips for Optimal Texture: Cover the dish with foil first so it steams and stays moist, then take off the foil near the end so the cheese can get all melted and brown spots happen.

Using Leftovers Effectively: Don’t throw out turkey bones—make broth, or use bits in a different casserole next week. Keeps things new but still easy.

FAQs about Turkey Casserole Recipes

What can I substitute for turkey in casserole recipes? You can try chicken, pork, or even tofu if you wanna go meatless. Just tweak spices so it still tastes good.

Can I make turkey casseroles ahead of time? Yeah you totally can. Put it together in a dish, then chill or freeze it. When you’re ready just bake it and dinner’s done.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge? Usually about 3-4 days if you keep it in a tight container. After that it’s pushing it and might not taste great.

What's the best type of cheese for turkey casseroles? Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work solid. They melt good and give that gooey feel everyone loves.

turkey casserole recipes

This creamy turkey casserole is a delightful dish that's perfect for using up leftover turkey. Packed with flavor and a blend of comforting ingredients, it serves as a hearty meal for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 skillet
• 1 spoon or spatula
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken.
• 2 cups cooked pasta Penne or rotini work well.
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Can include corn, peas, carrots.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup breadcrumbs Optional for added crunch.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil If using breadcrumbs.

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cooked pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the mixture. Stir to incorporate the seasonings.
• Transfer the turkey mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
• If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil in a small bowl until they're coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer for added crunch.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (optional) and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey after holidays. You can also use rotisserie chicken as an alternative.

Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to customize the dish to your liking.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.