Turkey Noodle Casserole

Turkey Noodle Casserole: A Simple, Hearty Classic

Turkey noodle casserole is the kind of dish that feels like home, especially when you’re faced with a fridge full of leftover turkey and the need for something warm and filling. This casserole brings together tender turkey, egg noodles, a velvety sauce, and colorful vegetables in a single baking dish—perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Whether you’re new to casseroles or looking to up your game, this comprehensive guide takes you through each step, from ingredient choices to reheating leftovers.

Why Make Turkey Noodle Casserole?

A turkey noodle casserole is comfort food at its core. It lets you turn simple, inexpensive ingredients into a meal that satisfies the whole family. Using leftover cooked turkey means less waste and more value from your holiday bird, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or even ham in this recipe. The ingredients are flexible, and the steps straightforward. The result is a creamy, flavorful casserole finished with a golden, crisp topping.

Casserole Ingredients and Their Roles

Every ingredient brings something unique to the dish. Let’s break down the basics and a few swaps you can make based on what you have:

Cooked Turkey: Diced or shredded, white or dark meat—whatever’s on hand works. The turkey gives the casserole a savory, meaty foundation.
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles soak up the sauce without turning mushy. Cook them just until al dente for the best texture. Wide, curly noodles hold the most sauce, but any shape will do.
Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and build the roux (the flour-butter base that thickens the sauce).
Onion and Garlic: These infuse the dish with a gentle, aromatic backbone. A medium yellow onion and two garlic cloves are ideal.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth, rich sauce that coats every noodle.
Chicken or Turkey Broth: Adds depth to the sauce. Homemade or boxed both work, though homemade lends a richer flavor.
Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: For creaminess. Half-and-half yields a richer result, but you can mix in some heavy cream or substitute whole milk for a lighter sauce.
Seasonings: A blend of dried thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper brings warmth and a classic savory profile.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Choose a blend with carrots, peas, corn, and green beans for color, texture, and nutrition without extra prep.
Breadcrumb Topping: Seasoned or plain breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a crisp, golden crust.
Optional Ingredients: For extra flair, add a handful of shredded cheese, a splash of white wine in the sauce, or swap in fresh herbs like sage and rosemary.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Turkey Noodle Casserole

Preparation

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles for one minute less than the package suggests. Drain and set aside, tossing with a dash of olive oil if you want to keep them from sticking.
Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt three tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about four minutes. Sprinkle three tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for one minute to make a roux.
Build the Creamy Base
Slowly pour in two cups of chicken or turkey broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add one cup of half-and-half or whole milk. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring often. Stir in the thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the Veggies and Turkey
Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in two cups of diced turkey and two cups of thawed frozen vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated in sauce.

Assembly

Combine All Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked noodles. Pour the turkey, veggie, and sauce mixture over the noodles. Gently toss to combine, ensuring noodles are evenly coated.
Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of melted butter with half a cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole. For a cheesy variation, add a half cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before the breadcrumbs.

Baking

Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let the dish stand five minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Table: Ingredient Swap Guide

Original Ingredient	Swap Ideas	Notes
Turkey	Chicken, ham, tofu	Adjust seasoning for different meats
Egg noodles	Rotini, penne, bowties	Cook 1 minute shy of package directions
Half-and-half	Whole milk, cream	Milk gives a lighter sauce
Frozen mixed veggies	Fresh, blanched veg	Pre-cook fresh to desired tenderness
Breadcrumbs	Crushed crackers, panko	Add a sprinkle of parmesan if desired
Poultry seasoning	Italian seasoning	Adapt to personal preference

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Achieving a Smooth Sauce: Whisk flour into the butter and aromatics until no dry patches remain. Add broth and milk slowly and keep stirring.
Customizing Seasonings: Taste the sauce before assembling. Add extra salt, black pepper, or fresh herbs to suit your palate.
Ensuring Crisp Topping: Bake uncovered and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly for a golden crust.
Cheese It Up: Mix cheese into the sauce or sprinkle on top for extra richness—cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey jack all fit well.
Making Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as instructed, adding 5-10 minutes to the time if baking straight from the fridge.
Family Add-Ons: Stir in chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for variety.

Serving Suggestions

A turkey noodle casserole stands alone as a hearty meal, but side dishes round it out beautifully:

Mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Soft dinner rolls or cornbread

Leftovers pack well in lunch containers and taste just as good reheated.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Keep your casserole tasting fresh with simple storage methods:

Storing: Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. Refrigerate for up to four days.
Freezing: Chill completely before freezing. Portion the casserole or freeze whole. Wrap in plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe lidded dish. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until hot, about 12-15 minutes for a portion, or up to 30 minutes for the whole dish. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Variations to Try

Feel free to adapt this casserole to what you have or what you crave:

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Tex-Mex Style: Stir in black beans, roasted corn, and cumin, then top with pepper jack cheese.
Mediterranean Touch: Use rotini pasta, add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with feta before baking.

A turkey noodle casserole is more than a way to use leftovers—it’s a meal that rewards a little effort with a lot of comfort. Its flexibility and homestyle flavor make it a reliable addition to any kitchen repertoire, whether served at the end of a holiday week or whipped up for a simple family dinner.

Turkey Noodle Casserole
Jump to Recipe