Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for feasts and family, but what happens when the feasting is done, and you’re looking at a fridge full of delicious leftovers? While turkey sandwiches are a go-to, there are so many more exciting ways to repurpose that holiday bird. Enter the turkey noodle casserole, a dish that embodies the spirit of resourceful home cooking. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate – a true pioneer woman style recipe for transforming leftovers into something truly special.
Overhead shot of a baking dish filled with turkey noodle casserole, golden brown and bubbly.
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both comforting and practical, look no further. This turkey noodle casserole is the perfect answer to the question of “what to do with leftover turkey?”. It’s a dish that resonates with the pioneer woman ethos – making the most of what you have, creating delicious meals with simple ingredients, and feeding your family with love. Forget about food waste and embrace this opportunity to create a new family favorite.
Why Turkey Noodle Casserole is the Ultimate Leftover Transformation
After the grand Thanksgiving dinner, even the most dedicated turkey lovers might find themselves a bit tired of plain roasted turkey. That’s where the magic of the turkey noodle casserole comes in. It’s a brilliant way to reinvent those leftovers, adding creamy textures, savory flavors, and comforting warmth. Think of it as a culinary makeover for your turkey, turning it into a completely new and exciting dish.
This recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome cooking – qualities often associated with the pioneer woman spirit. It’s about creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to your family’s preferences and use whatever leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Close-up shot of a spoonful of turkey noodle casserole, showing the creamy noodles, turkey, and carrots.
Simple Ingredients for a Hearty Turkey Noodle Casserole
Just like many pioneer woman recipes, this casserole relies on simple, readily available ingredients. The beauty of it is its adaptability – feel free to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting turkey noodle casserole:
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are ideal for capturing the creamy sauce and hearty turkey.
- Leftover Turkey: Diced or shredded turkey from your Thanksgiving feast is the star of the show.
- Turkey Gravy: Leftover gravy adds richness and flavor. Store-bought gravy works perfectly well too if you’re running low on leftovers.
- Carrots: Diced cooked carrots provide a touch of sweetness and color. Leftover carrots are perfect, but you can also quickly steam or sauté fresh carrots.
- Dried Thyme: This herb adds a warm, savory note that complements turkey beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Optional additions to consider, embodying the resourceful spirit of a pioneer woman, include:
- Leftover vegetables: Peas, green beans, corn, or any roasted vegetables you have on hand.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top adds a delicious cheesy crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a satisfyingly crunchy topping.
Making Your Turkey Noodle Casserole: Step-by-Step
Creating this turkey noodle casserole is as easy as pie, making it a perfect weeknight meal even after the holiday rush. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain them well and return them to the pot.
Image of drained egg noodles in a pot. -
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced or shredded leftover turkey to the pot with the noodles.
Image of diced turkey being added to the pot of noodles. -
Add Vegetables: Pour in the diced cooked carrots.
Image of diced carrots being added to the pot. -
Stir in Gravy: Add the turkey gravy to create a creamy sauce.
Image of gravy being poured into the pot. -
Seasoning: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Image of seasonings being added to the pot. -
Mix and Bake: Stir everything together until well combined. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Image of casserole mixture being spooned into a baking dish. -
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly around the edges. If desired, add a topping of cheese or breadcrumbs during the last few minutes of baking.
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Turkey Noodle Casserole
To make your turkey noodle casserole even more exceptional, consider these helpful tips, inspired by the resourceful cooking of a pioneer woman:
- Saucy Casserole: If you prefer a very saucy casserole, feel free to double the amount of gravy.
- Vegetable Variety: Don’t hesitate to add other leftover cooked vegetables you have on hand. Peas, green beans, corn, or roasted root vegetables would all be delicious additions.
- Crunchy Topping: For a delightful textural contrast, add a crunchy topping. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole before baking. For an extra golden and crispy top, broil for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cheese Please: A layer of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese melted over the top adds extra flavor and gooeyness. Add it during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Finished turkey noodle casserole in a white bowl, garnished with parsley.
Beyond Casserole: More Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
While this turkey noodle casserole is a fantastic way to use leftover turkey, there are many other delicious options to explore, in true pioneer woman fashion, making the most of everything:
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Crockpot Turkey Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly day. Slow cook your leftover turkey with noodles, vegetables, and broth for a hearty soup.
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Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Turkey: Elevate your mac and cheese by adding diced turkey for a protein-packed and flavorful twist.
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Turkey Salad Sandwiches: Mix diced turkey with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings for a classic turkey salad. Serve it on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
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Turkey Pot Pie: Use your leftover turkey in a comforting pot pie with vegetables and a flaky crust.
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Turkey Chili: Add diced turkey to your favorite chili recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal.
This turkey noodle casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to resourceful cooking and the joy of transforming leftovers into something new and delicious. Embrace the pioneer woman spirit and create this comforting casserole for your family – they’ll thank you for it!
Ingredients
- 12 ounce pkg Egg Noodles, extra wide
- 3 cups leftover turkey, diced or shredded
- 1 cup leftover carrots, diced
- 2 (12 ounce) jars Turkey Gravy
- 1 teaspoon dried Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and place back into cooking pot.
- Add into egg noodles: turkey, carrots, gravy, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake approximately 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
