Left Over Turkey

When Thanksgiving or Christmas rolls around, we often find ourselves with a surplus of leftover turkey. Instead of the same old sandwiches, why not try a delicious and comforting recipe that transforms your leftover turkey into a brand-new meal experience? This Leftover Turkey Casserole is a fantastic way to use up your holiday leftovers while creating a cozy and hearty dish that the whole family will love.

Left Over Turkey Casserole

Ingredients:
– 4 cups of cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
– 2 cups of cooked pasta, such as penne or rotini
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of carrots, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the carrots and peas to the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Stir in the cooked turkey, pasta, thyme, and rosemary, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the turkey may already be seasoned from your holiday meal.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

This Leftover Turkey Casserole is a delightful way to reinvent your holiday leftovers into a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of tender turkey, vegetables, pasta, and creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese, creates a dish that is both hearty and flavorful. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as a delicious lunch option the next day.

Leftover Turkey Casserole is a versatile recipe that allows you to customize based on your personal preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to add in extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or even throw in some herbs like parsley or sage for additional depth of flavor. Serve this casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete and filling meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Give this Leftover Turkey Casserole a try and turn your holiday leftovers into a fantastic new dish that will have your family asking for more. It’s a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a cozy and delicious meal that embodies the comfort of home cooking.