Gather your loved ones around the table this holiday season with a comforting and flavor-packed Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole. This dish is a delicious way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into a cozy and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Filled with tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
This Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for chilly weather. The combination of tender turkey, fluffy stuffing, and a rich, velvety sauce creates a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. It’s the perfect way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers and feed a crowd. Plus, with its festive flavors and cozy presentation, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To make this Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and a few seasonings. The combination of these ingredients creates a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy.
- 3 cups – Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups – Prepared stuffing
- 1 (10.5 oz) can – Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey: Cooked chicken or a combination of turkey and chicken (similar flavor and texture)
- Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend (for dietary preferences or taste)
How to Make Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
The steps for making this Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole are easy and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, shred or chop your cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spread the turkey in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with the creamy stuffing mixture, making sure to cover the turkey completely. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Crispy Topping: Top the casserole with a layer of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad and some crusty bread for sopping up the creamy sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The turkey provides a good source of lean protein, while the stuffing and cheese add a dose of complex carbohydrates and calcium. The creamy sauce also contains beneficial fats from the sour cream. Overall, this casserole is a well-balanced meal that’s sure to nourish and delight.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 428 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbs: 29 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 847 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Can I use fresh or frozen turkey instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh or frozen turkey in this recipe. Simply cook the turkey according to the package instructions, then shred or chop it to use in the casserole.
How can I make this casserole more figure-friendly?
To lighten up this dish, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat versions of the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. You can also use a lighter shredded cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan instead.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this casserole more family-friendly?
To make this casserole more appealing to children, you can try adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese or topping it with crispy fried onions for a kid-friendly crunch.
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Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. It’s rich, creamy, and topped with savory stuffing.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, cream of mushroom soup, milk, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Transfer the turkey mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine the stuffing mix and melted butter, then sprinkle it over the turkey mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown.
Notes
For added flavor, you can include some grated cheese on top before baking. This dish is great for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: turkey, casserole, comfort food