Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the heartwarming and incredibly delicious world of Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole. This recipe is the ultimate answer to transforming your leftover turkey into a sensational, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, and a brilliant way to extend the life of your holiday feast. Get ready to turn humble leftovers into culinary gold with this easy-to-follow guide!
Key Ingredients for Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced: The star of our casserole! Make sure it’s packed with flavor.
- 2 cups cooked broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, but cooked tender-crisp. Don’t overcook it!
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Or cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk works best for richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground preferred.
- 1 (6 ounce) package herb-flavored stuffing mix (such as Stove Top): The secret to that crispy, flavorful topping.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Essential for crisping up the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping): Adds a delicious cheesy layer.
How to Make Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole
This Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole is an effortlessly delicious and satisfying dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a culinary delight. Its simplicity lies in combining pre-cooked turkey and tender broccoli with a creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy, savory stuffing. What makes it truly stand out is its comforting, rich texture and the harmonious blend of flavors. The preparation time is minimal, making it an ideal choice for a hearty meal ready in just about 45 minutes of active work and baking.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked turkey and the cooked broccoli florets. Ensure both are evenly distributed.
- Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This is your creamy binder that brings all the flavors together.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy soup mixture over the turkey and broccoli in the large mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together until the turkey and broccoli are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the turkey and broccoli mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Prepare the Stuffing Topping: In a small bowl, combine the dry herb-flavored stuffing mix with the melted butter. Use a fork to toss until the stuffing crumbs are evenly coated with the butter. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy topping.
- Add Optional Cheese: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the turkey and broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
- Top with Stuffing: Carefully spoon the buttered stuffing mixture over the cheese (or directly over the turkey and broccoli if omitting cheese), creating an even layer across the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the stuffing topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes for easier serving. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole for its incredible ability to transform holiday leftovers into a brand new, exciting meal. The main highlight is undoubtedly the harmonious blend of savory turkey, tender-crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with a delightfully crispy, herb-infused stuffing topping. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels both familiar and special.
Beyond the taste, this casserole offers fantastic cost-saving benefits; it’s an ingenious way to utilize leftover turkey, minimizing food waste and maximizing your budget after a big feast. The flavorful toppings, especially the buttery herb stuffing and optional melted cheddar cheese, elevate this dish from simple comfort food to something truly extraordinary. If you enjoy this, you might also like our “Creamy Chicken and Biscuits Casserole” – another one-pot wonder perfect for easy dinners! Don’t just take our word for it; give this irresistible Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole a try and experience the magic of delicious, budget-friendly home cooking today!
What to Serve Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole With
This hearty Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole stands beautifully on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the turkey.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes roasted alongside the casserole for added depth and nutrition.
- Warm Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- White Wine: A light-bodied Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair well.
Top Tips for Perfecting Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it until it’s tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will turn to mush in the casserole. If using frozen, simply follow package directions for thawing and cooking, ensuring it’s not waterlogged.
- Moist Turkey is Key: If your leftover turkey is a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth to the creamy soup mixture to ensure the casserole remains moist and flavorful. Dark meat turkey tends to stay moister than white meat.
- Customize Your Creaminess: While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or even cream of celery for a different flavor profile. For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Amp Up the Herbs: Don’t stop at thyme! A pinch of dried sage, rosemary, or a poultry seasoning blend can further enhance the savory notes of the casserole and complement the turkey.
- Crispy Stuffing Every Time: Ensure the melted butter is thoroughly mixed with the dry stuffing mix. This coats each crumb, leading to a beautifully golden and crispy topping rather than a soft or soggy one. For extra crispiness, you can dot the top with a few more small pats of butter before baking.
- Cheese Please!: The cheddar cheese topping is optional but highly recommended. For extra flavor, consider a sharp cheddar, gruyere, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Don’t add the cheese too early if you want a distinct layer; add it about 10-15 minutes before the casserole is done baking for perfect meltiness without burning.
- Avoid a Dry Casserole: Make sure there’s enough liquid in the soup mixture. If your turkey is particularly lean, or if you prefer a very saucy casserole, consider adding an extra splash of milk or chicken broth.
- Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to open the oven door frequently, as this can lower the oven temperature and prolong baking time, potentially drying out the casserole.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole remains as delicious as when it was first made, proper storage and reheating are essential.
- Storage: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the flavors fresh.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! After allowing it to cool completely, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. For the entire casserole, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. For individual portions, transfer them to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating from Refrigerator: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the stuffing topping.
- Reheating from Freezer: If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the instructions for reheating from the refrigerator. If reheating directly from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until hot in the center, removing foil for the last 15 minutes to crisp the topping.
- Keep it Moist: When reheating, especially in the oven, you can add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or milk to the leftovers before heating to help maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a magnificent Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole that proves delicious meals don’t always require starting from scratch. This dish is a testament to the magic of leftovers, transforming what could be mundane into a vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying feast. Whether you’re looking to make the most of your post-holiday turkey or simply seeking an easy, hearty family meal, this casserole delivers on all fronts. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy topping are sure to make it a cherished addition to your recipe rotation. So go ahead, whip up this casserole, share it with loved ones, and savor every delightful bite!
try also :
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
- Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
- find more in Pinterest
Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole FAQs
- Can I use fresh stuffing instead of boxed?
Absolutely! If using fresh stuffing, ensure it’s already cooked and crumbled. You might need to adjust the amount of melted butter to achieve the desired crispiness for the topping. - What if I don’t have leftover turkey?
No problem! You can cook two chicken breasts, shred them, and use them as a delicious alternative. Roasted chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. - Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Cooked green beans, corn, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms would make excellent additions or substitutions. Just ensure they are cooked tender-crisp before adding to the casserole. - How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup and a gluten-free stuffing mix. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. - Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the stuffing topping) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Right before baking, add the buttered stuffing topping and bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled. - My stuffing topping isn’t crispy enough. What went wrong?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and that the stuffing mix is adequately coated with melted butter. If it’s still not crisp, you can brown it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. - Can I add cheese directly into the casserole mixture?
Yes, you can certainly mix some shredded cheese into the turkey and broccoli mixture for an even cheesier casserole. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup would work well.
Turkey Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked turkey and the cooked broccoli florets. Ensure both are evenly distributed.2 cups cooked turkey, 2 cups cooked broccoli florets
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the creamy soup mixture over the turkey and broccoli in the large mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together until the turkey and broccoli are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Pour the turkey and broccoli mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a small bowl, combine the dry herb-flavored stuffing mix with the melted butter. Toss until the stuffing crumbs are evenly coated.1 package herb-flavored stuffing mix, 1/2 cup butter
- If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the turkey and broccoli mixture in the baking dish.1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Carefully spoon the buttered stuffing mixture over the cheese (or directly over the turkey and broccoli if omitting cheese), creating an even layer across the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the stuffing topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.