If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious way to use up your holiday leftovers, this creamy turkey casserole is the perfect solution. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish transforms ordinary turkey into something extraordinary. Packed with flavor, creamy texture, and a hint of holiday nostalgia, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey Casserole
This creamy turkey casserole is the ultimate way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy, and makes use of ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combination of tender turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a creamy mayo-cranberry sauce topping creates a cozy, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Not only is it a great way to reduce food waste, but it also brings the warmth and comfort of holiday flavors all year round.
Ingredients for the Creamy Turkey Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to make a flavorful and creamy turkey casserole:
- Prepared Stuffing: Adds a hearty base and delicious savory flavor.
- Coarsely Chopped Cooked Turkey: The star ingredient, making the casserole hearty and filling.
- Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise: This is the secret ingredient that brings moisture and creaminess to the dish.
- Fresh Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Provides a touch of sweetness and holiday flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: Adds a smooth and creamy texture to the casserole.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully to create a rich and gooey topping.
- Fresh Dried Cranberries (optional): For garnish and an added pop of color.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you need alternatives or have dietary preferences, here are a few suggestions:
- Gluten-Free Stuffing: Opt for gluten-free stuffing if you’re making this dish for someone with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Mayo: Swap Hellmann’s mayonnaise for a plant-based version to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Sweet Potatoes: For a twist, use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a slightly sweet and savory casserole.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Choose a dairy-free mozzarella alternative if you want to make the casserole dairy-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your creamy turkey casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spoon half of the prepared stuffing into the baking dish, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
- Layer the coarsely chopped turkey over the stuffing.
- In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce with ¼ cup of Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly over the turkey.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining mayonnaise with the mashed potatoes and shredded mozzarella. Mix well until creamy.
- Spread the mashed potato mixture over the turkey and cranberry sauce layers in the baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining stuffing.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly in the center.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried cranberries if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Check for Doneness: Be sure to check the center of the casserole to make sure it’s heated through before removing it from the oven.
- Add More Cheese: For extra creaminess, sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This creamy turkey casserole is a standalone meal, but you can also pair it with other dishes to complete the meal. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots make a great side dish.
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side to complement the creamy casserole.
- Green Salad: A light and fresh salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add a layer of diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian take on this creamy casserole.
The Secret Ingredient: Mayonnaise
One of the key elements that make this creamy turkey casserole stand out is Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise. It adds moisture, a smooth texture, and an unexpected richness that turns a simple dish into something extraordinary. It’s the secret ingredient that keeps the casserole from becoming dry and gives it a wonderfully creamy finish.
Whether you’re using leftover turkey from the holidays or preparing a fresh batch, this casserole offers a delicious way to make the most out of your ingredients. By incorporating a few simple tricks and swapping ingredients as needed, you can create a variety of versions that suit your taste and dietary needs.
Conclusion: A Perfect Way to Enjoy Leftovers
This creamy turkey casserole is a wonderful way to turn your holiday leftovers into a comforting and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s the perfect dish to prepare after a big family gathering or holiday feast. The creamy texture, combined with the hearty stuffing and turkey, creates a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers or craving something rich and indulgent, this casserole checks all the boxes. Give it a try, and you’ll soon discover why it’s a family favorite!
FAQ
1. Can I make this creamy turkey casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before putting it in the oven. This will help it heat more evenly.
2. Can I use different meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! While turkey is the star of this casserole, you can easily swap it out for chicken or even leftover ham. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the meat you’re using, but the rest of the recipe remains the same.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the turkey with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. The creamy mayo and mashed potatoes will still create that comforting texture, and the stuffing will provide the hearty base.
4. Can I freeze creamy turkey casserole for later?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Prepare the casserole as instructed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it as directed. You may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
More Relevant Recipes
- Turkey Sweet Potato Chili: This hearty and flavorful chili combines ground turkey and sweet potatoes for a satisfying meal. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish with a slight sweetness to balance the savory turkey flavor, similar to the creamy turkey casserole.
- Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing: A cozy, comforting meal that features tender chicken and flavorful stuffing. Perfect for using up leftovers or making a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe shares a similar comforting vibe to the creamy turkey casserole.
- Baked Tortellini Comfort Food Recipe: If you love creamy, cheesy casseroles, this baked tortellini is a must-try. It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender tortellini with a rich sauce, making it a perfect meal to pair with the creamy turkey casserole for variety and flavor.
Creamy Turkey Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy turkey casserole is a perfect way to turn your holiday leftovers into a hearty, delicious meal. With tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a creamy topping, this casserole is simple to make and bursting with flavor. It’s the ideal comfort food for any time of year, especially after a big family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups prepared Stuffing
- 1 lb coarsely chopped cooked Turkey (about 4 cups)
- ¾ cup Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup fresh whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 cups Mashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella
- Fresh dried cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spoon half of the prepared stuffing into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the stuffing with coarsely chopped turkey.
- In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce with ¼ cup of Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise and spread it evenly over the turkey.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining mayonnaise with mashed potatoes and shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the mashed potato mixture over the turkey and cranberry sauce layers in the baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining stuffing.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly in the center.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried cranberries if desired.
Notes
- Check the center of the casserole to ensure it’s heated through before serving.
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- For a twist, consider adding some green beans or other vegetables to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg