Turkey Noodle Casserole

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Turkey noodle casserole is a cozy dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. This creamy, comforting meal combines tender egg noodles, juicy turkey chunks, and mixed veggies in a rich sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

You can whip up this tasty casserole in about 50 minutes from start to finish. It serves 12 people and has just 258 calories per serving. The recipe calls for simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it great for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss dinner.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty turkey noodle casserole:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk

For the seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Don’t forget these key ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Make sure you have all these items ready before you start cooking. This recipe serves 12 and takes about 50 minutes total to make.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the egg noodles in salted water until they’re al dente, about 1 minute less than the package says. Drain them well.

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft. This takes about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the broth and half-and-half. Keep stirring until it’s smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer and thicken, stirring often. Take it off the heat and mix in the seasonings.

In your greased baking dish, combine the noodles, sauce, thawed veggies, and turkey. Mix the last tablespoon of melted butter with the breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle this over your casserole.

Bake the dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Let it cool for 5 minutes before you serve it. Enjoy your comforting turkey noodle casserole!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out ingredients in this turkey noodle casserole to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some tasty options:

Pasta: Try penne, rotini, or fusilli instead of egg noodles.

Meat: Use chicken, ham, or even tuna in place of turkey.

Veggies: Swap the mixed vegetables for:

• Broccoli florets
• Diced carrots and peas
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauce: Replace the homemade sauce with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a quicker version.

Topping: Use crushed potato chips or French’s fried onions instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Cheese: Add a cheesy twist by mixing in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking.

Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to change up the flavor profile.

Remember, these swaps may slightly alter the cooking time or texture, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this turkey noodle casserole more diabetes-friendly, try these easy swaps:

Use whole wheat egg noodles instead of regular ones. They have more fiber and a lower glycemic index.

Replace half the noodles with extra veggies. This cuts carbs and adds nutrients.

Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour. It’s lower in carbs and adds healthy fats.

Use unsweetened almond milk instead of half-and-half. It’s much lower in calories and carbs.

Skip the breadcrumb topping. Try crushed almonds or pork rinds for crunch without extra carbs.

Add more lean turkey and reduce the noodles. This boosts protein and lowers the carb content.

Use less butter and try olive oil instead. It’s heart-healthy and diabetes-friendly.

These simple changes can make a big difference. They lower the carbs and calories while keeping the yummy flavors you love. Your blood sugar will thank you!

Remember to watch your portion sizes too. Pair a small serving with a big salad for a balanced meal.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make this casserole even tastier by adding some shredded cheese to the sauce. About 1 cup of cheddar or Swiss will give it an extra creamy kick.

You can use any type of cooked pasta instead of egg noodles. Try rotini or penne for a fun twist.

Don’t have leftover turkey? No problem! Cooked chicken works just as well in this recipe.

To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or turkey from the store. Just shred or cube it before adding to the casserole.

For a crunchier topping, mix some crushed potato chips with the breadcrumbs.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.

You can freeze this casserole too. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat the whole casserole, bake it covered at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

For a healthier version, try using whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk instead of half-and-half.