Creamy Turkey & Stuffing Bake
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion! Packed with hearty turkey, vibrant vegetables, and creamy sauce, this dish is a delightful way to savor those festive flavors all year round. Ideal for serving up family-style, this casserole also doubles as a great option for meal prep; simply assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when hunger strikes. Whether it's June or November, each bite offers nostalgia and satisfaction, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prepared stuffing
6-8 cups (Prepare according to package instructions or homemade.)
Cooked turkey
2 cups (Shredded or cubed.)
Frozen mixed vegetables
16 ounces (Thawed and slightly cooked.)
Green onions
3-4 (Diced.)
Reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup (Any brand, like Hellmann's.)
Plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup (Plain and unsweetened.)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground.)
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 ounce) can (Use condensed soup.)
Whipping cream or milk
1/4 cup (Choose your preference.)
Shredded cheese
2 cups (Divided.)
Tarragon
1/4 teaspoon (Optional for added flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spray the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
3
Evenly distribute 3/4 of the prepared stuffing across the bottom of the baking dish to create a hearty base.
4
Layer the cooked turkey and thawed mixed vegetables over the stuffing.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, whipping cream (or milk), diced green onions, yogurt, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well-blended.
6
Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the turkey and vegetable layer, ensuring it coats everything.
7
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
8
Take the remaining stuffing and dot it over the top as a crunchy topping.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
11
Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Turkey & Stuffing Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that transforms Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey and stuffing into a hearty family meal.
What kind of turkey should I use for this recipe?
You should use two cups of cooked turkey that has been either shredded or cubed.
How much stuffing is required?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 cups of prepared stuffing, which can be made from a package or homemade.
Can I substitute the turkey with another protein?
Yes, cooked chicken works as an excellent substitute for the turkey in this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It takes about 40 to 45 minutes total: 25 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 to 20 minutes uncovered.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is the ideal size for these ingredients.
Do I need to cook the frozen vegetables before adding them?
The frozen mixed vegetables should be thawed and slightly cooked before being layered into the casserole.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one 10.5 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
Can I use milk instead of whipping cream?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either whipping cream or milk depending on your preference.
What is the purpose of the yogurt in this recipe?
Plain low-fat yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce while keeping it lighter.
Is the tarragon a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of tarragon is optional but recommended for added flavor.
How is the cheese distributed in the dish?
Half of the cheese is mixed into the creamy sauce, and the other half is sprinkled on top before baking.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish for the first 25 minutes ensures the casserole heats through without the stuffing topping burning.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is common, you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or any shredded cheese you prefer.
What if I don't have green onions?
You can substitute green onions with finely diced white onions or chives.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge before putting it in the oven.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling and heated through.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, its familiar ingredients and comforting texture make it very kid-friendly.
Can I add more vegetables to the mix?
Absolutely, you can increase the amount of vegetables or add specific ones like peas or corn to suit your taste.
What should I serve as a side dish?
It pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce, a light green salad, or roasted green beans.
Can I make this if I don't have leftovers?
Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie turkey or chicken and boxed stuffing mix.
How should I store leftovers of this bake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warm.
What is the role of reduced-fat mayonnaise?
It adds richness and helps bind the sauce components together for a smoother consistency.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh tarragon or parsley; just remember that you generally need more fresh herbs than dried ones.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, since it contains protein, starch, and vegetables, it serves as a complete meal in one pan.
Can I use plain Greek yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used and will provide a slightly thicker consistency and higher protein content.
What makes the topping crunchy?
Dotting the top with the remaining stuffing and baking it uncovered for the final 15-20 minutes creates the crunch.