Creamy Turkey Noodle Bake
This Creamy Turkey Noodle Bake is a delightful and comforting dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight or to repurpose leftover holiday turkey. Inspired by Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals, this casserole combines tender egg noodles, savory ground turkey, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with gooey melted cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, this dish not only satisfies the whole family but is also flexible enough to accommodate your personal taste. Whether using a variety of cheeses or adding your favorite vegetables, this recipe is a winner for all occasions.
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Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
wide egg noodles
8 ounces (cooked until al dente)
salt
to taste (used for boiling water and seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
bacon
3 slices (chopped)
ground turkey breast
1 1/3 lbs (fresh or used leftover turkey)
white button mushrooms
16 ounces (trimmed & sliced)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
poultry seasoning or dried thyme
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
chicken stock
1 cup (for sauce)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated or ground)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened for greasing)
gruyere cheese
2 cups (grated)
plain breadcrumbs
1 cup (for topping)
fresh parsley leaves
2-3 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2
2. Preheat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and chopped bacon to the skillet, rendering the fat for about 2-3 minutes until crispy.
3
3. Add the ground turkey breast to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned.
4
4. Once the turkey is browned, move it to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened and translucent, then mix everything together.
5
5. Season the mixture liberally with salt, pepper, and your choice of poultry seasoning or dried thyme, adjusting according to taste.
6
6. Pour in the dry white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes.
7
7. Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle bubble. Then add the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low.
8
8. Incorporate the freshly grated nutmeg and give the sauce a taste, adjusting seasonings if needed.
9
9. Preheat your broiler to high. Combine the drained noodles with the turkey sauce until well-mixed.
10
10. Lightly grease an oblong casserole dish with softened butter or cooking spray, then transfer the turkey noodle mixture into the dish evenly.
11
11. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese (or cheese of your choice) on top, followed by the plain breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
12
12. Place the casserole about 8-10 inches under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld.
13
13. Once done, let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Turkey Noodle Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish featuring egg noodles, turkey, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, finished with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover holiday turkey as an alternative to ground turkey breast.
How long should I cook the wide egg noodles?
Boil the noodles in salted water for about 4 minutes until they are al dente.
What is the first step in preparing the skillet base?
Begin by rendering the fat from three slices of chopped bacon in extra virgin olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
How much turkey does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 lbs of ground turkey breast or an equivalent amount of leftover turkey.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe recommends 16 ounces of white button mushrooms, trimmed and sliced.
How long do I sauté the onions and mushrooms?
Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What seasonings are used for the turkey mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning or dried thyme.
What liquid is used to deglaze the pan?
1/2 cup of dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan and scrape up flavorful bits from the bottom.
What provides the base for the creamy sauce?
The sauce base consists of 1 cup of chicken stock and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
Why is nutmeg included in the recipe?
1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg is incorporated to add warmth and depth to the cream sauce.
What type of cheese is suggested for the topping?
2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese are recommended for a rich and gooey topping.
How do I get a crunchy topping on the casserole?
Sprinkle 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs over the cheese before placing the dish under the broiler.
How should the casserole dish be prepared?
Lightly grease an oblong casserole dish with 2 tablespoons of softened butter or cooking spray.
What are the broiling instructions?
Place the dish 8-10 inches under a high broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and breadcrumbs turn golden.
Can I bake this dish instead of broiling?
Yes, you can bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
What garnish is used for the finished dish?
Garnish the bake with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed as a quick, one-dish meal inspired by Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the bacon.
What if I don't have Gruyere cheese?
The recipe is flexible, allowing you to use any cheese of your choice as a substitute.
Do I need to let the wine reduce?
Yes, allow the wine to simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes after deglazing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients including seasonings and garnishes.
What size of onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1 medium onion, chopped.
How do I prepare the ground turkey?
Cook it in the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it is completely browned.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, the recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your favorite additional vegetables.
Should the sauce be simmered before adding the noodles?
Yes, bring the chicken stock to a bubble and then add the cream over low heat before mixing with the noodles.
Is the breadcrumb topping seasoned?
The recipe uses plain breadcrumbs, but they absorb flavor from the cheese and sauce below.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is creamy and tender on the inside with a crunchy, cheesy crust on top.
How much poultry seasoning should I use?
Use 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning or dried thyme, or adjust to your personal taste.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to ensure the egg noodles are seasoned while cooking.