Ah, the joy of Thanksgiving casseroles! There’s something so heartwarming about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and diving into a dish that brings together all those comforting flavors of the holiday season. My Thanksgiving casserole is a delicious blend of turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and vibrant green beans, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese. Trust me, this dish has become a staple in my family’s holiday celebrations. I remember the first time I made it—everyone was raving about how it combined all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner in one cozy casserole. It’s perfect for using up leftovers, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day. So, let’s get cooking and bring some warmth to your holiday table with this delightful Thanksgiving casserole!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Casserole
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded (perfect for using up those holiday leftovers!)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed (fresh or frozen works great)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought, no judgment here!)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (adds a nice sweetness)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (for that creamy goodness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better)
- 1/2 cup milk (to keep things nice and moist)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for that delicious savory kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (a little flavor boost)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, this is where you can adjust to your liking)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to make sure your casserole cooks evenly and gets all warm and cozy.
- Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your shredded turkey, trimmed green beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed together. I like to use a spatula for this—it helps to really get in there and blend it all!
- Now, it’s time to spread this delicious mixture into a greased casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly; this helps with cooking and ensures every bite is just as tasty as the last!
- Once that’s done, take your creamy mashed potatoes and dollop them on top of the turkey mixture. Then, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread them out so they cover everything. It’s like a fluffy blanket for your casserole!
- Now for the best part—sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. I mean, who doesn’t love melty cheese, right?
- Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all melty and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. Oh, the smell will be amazing!
- Once it’s done baking, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it allows everything to set a bit, making it easier to serve. Trust me, no one wants a hot cheesy mess!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Casserole
- It’s a one-dish wonder that combines all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
- Using up leftover turkey is a breeze, so you can reduce waste and enjoy the deliciousness all over again!
- The creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese create a comforting, satisfying texture that everyone loves.
- It’s super easy to prepare—just mix, spread, and bake! No complicated techniques here.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
- It’s customizable! Feel free to swap out vegetables or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day—just pop it in the microwave and you’re good to go!
Tips for Success with Your Thanksgiving Casserole
- Even Spreading is Key: Make sure to spread your turkey and veggie mixture evenly in the casserole dish. This ensures all parts cook uniformly and everyone gets the same deliciousness in every bite!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on that cheese! You want it bubbly and just golden around the edges, which usually takes about 30-35 minutes. If you’re unsure, a quick poke with a fork can help you check if everything is heated through.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions. Plus, it won’t burn your tongue—trust me!
- Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a little extra flavor punch. Just a pinch can make a world of difference!
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavors really shine through when you use good-quality ingredients. If you can, opt for fresh green beans and real cheese—it’s worth it for that ultimate comfort food experience!
Variations of Thanksgiving Casserole
One of the best things about this Thanksgiving casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or even to use up what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the green beans for other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts. Just make sure they’re cooked or par-cooked before adding them to the mix!
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture for a little heat. It’s a great way to spice things up if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage into the turkey mixture. These classic Thanksgiving flavors will elevate the dish and give it a cozy aroma.
- Cheesy Variations: Instead of just cheddar, try mixing in some mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. You could even throw in some cream cheese for extra creaminess!
- Sweet and Savory: For a twist, add some diced apples or cranberries to the turkey mix. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory elements and adds a festive touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free casserole, just make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check your other ingredients. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!
- Stuffing Twist: Layer some prepared stuffing between the turkey mixture and the mashed potatoes. This adds a nice texture and brings all those classic Thanksgiving flavors together in a new way!
Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own! No matter how you choose to personalize it, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table.
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Casserole
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Thanksgiving casserole! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a solid idea of what you’re serving up. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This casserole packs a punch with a nice balance of protein from the turkey and cheese, combined with comforting carbs from the mashed potatoes and corn. Plus, with some veggies in the mix, it’s a great way to sneak in those nutrients. So, you can indulge a bit while still feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While turkey is the star of this casserole, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken, ham, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer. Just make sure whatever you use is cooked and shredded or diced before adding it to the mix.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing together some milk, flour, and sautéed mushrooms with a bit of seasoning. Alternatively, any creamy soup can work in a pinch—like cream of chicken or even a cheese soup for a different flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
To store your Thanksgiving casserole, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to adjust the baking time a bit since it’ll be cold from the fridge. It might need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven.
How do I reheat the casserole?
To reheat your Thanksgiving casserole, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just be careful not to overdo it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Casserole
Now that you’ve enjoyed this delicious Thanksgiving casserole, you might be wondering what to do with any leftovers—if there are any! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some simple storage and reheating tips to keep that flavor going.
To store your casserole, let it cool down to room temperature first. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super easy! If you’re reheating from the fridge, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the casserole in for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You’ll want to cover it with foil for the first part of reheating to keep the moisture in, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to let the cheese get nice and bubbly again.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just place your serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it from drying out), and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s warm all the way through. Just be careful—it can get hot quickly!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the comforting flavors of this Thanksgiving casserole long after the holiday is over. Enjoy every bite!
Drucken
Thanksgiving casserole: 7 Heartwarming Reasons to Indulge
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious Thanksgiving casserole that combines traditional flavors in one dish.
Zutaten
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together turkey, green beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover turkey for this recipe.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving casserole
