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Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

4.7 from 81 reviews

This comforting Leftover Turkey Casserole is a perfect way to repurpose your cooked turkey and vegetables into a creamy, cheesy dish. Packed with hearty cornbread chunks, tender turkey, and mixed vegetables all baked in a rich mozzarella and gravy sauce, it’s an ideal family-friendly meal to enjoy any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 cup turkey gravy
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cornbread, cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 3 cups chopped cooked turkey meat
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped frozen green beans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Melt the butter and make roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1/4 cup flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux base for the sauce.
  3. Add liquids and cheese: Slowly whisk in 1 cup turkey gravy, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy without lumps.
  4. Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine 3 cups of cornbread chunks, 3 cups chopped cooked turkey, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 1 cup chopped frozen green beans evenly. Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the ingredients, making sure everything is coated well.
  5. Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
  6. Bake uncovered: Remove the covering and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top and achieve a slightly crispy texture on the surface.

Notes

  • Ensure the turkey is pre-cooked and chopped for easy assembly.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the milk slightly or add more flour to the roux.
  • Frozen vegetables can be substituted with fresh vegetables, but adjust baking time as needed.
  • Leftover cornbread works perfectly in this recipe, saving time and adding great texture.
  • Covering the casserole during the majority of baking keeps the moisture in, preventing dryness.

Keywords: leftover turkey, casserole, turkey recipe, cornbread casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, Thanksgiving leftovers