Turkey Broccoli Casserole – Easy Creamy Leftover Turkey Dinner

Turkey Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, comforting way to turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into an easy family meal. Tender cooked turkey and broccoli are combined with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, heavy cream, and plenty of shredded cheese, then baked until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. With just 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, this turkey casserole is a practical option for using leftover turkey without making another complicated meal.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Pan: 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven Temperature: 395°F
• Main Method: Stovetop and oven

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Broccoli Casserole

• A simple way to use leftover cooked turkey.
• Ready in 35 minutes.
• Combines turkey and broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce.
• Mushrooms and garlic add extra savory flavor.
• The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 cups shredded cooked turkey, about 1 pound
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheese, using your favorite cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon minced parsley

How to Make Turkey Broccoli Casserole

1. Prepare the oven and baking dish

Preheat the oven to 395°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Cook the mushrooms, broccoli, and garlic

Slice the mushrooms.

Heat a large skillet with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, frozen broccoli florets, and minced garlic.

Cook for 5 minutes.

3. Add the turkey and creamy ingredients

Stir in the shredded cooked turkey, sea salt, black pepper, and minced parsley.

Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Transfer to the baking dish

Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake

Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is golden.

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are beginning to brown.

Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Important Cooking Tips

• Use leftover cooked turkey: The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded cooked turkey, making it especially useful after Thanksgiving.
• Fresh broccoli works too: The recipe notes that fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen.
• Watch the cheese: The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.
• Don’t skip the simmer: Bring the turkey, cream, cheese, and vegetables mixture to a simmer before transferring it to the baking dish.
• Reserve cheese for the top: One cup is mixed into the casserole, while the remaining cheese creates the melted topping.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole can be prepared ahead of time.

Assemble the casserole according to the recipe, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and continue with the recipe as directed.

Simple Variations

The recipe notes several ways to change up the casserole:

• Fresh broccoli: Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen.
• Chicken: Cooked chicken can be used instead of turkey.
• Extra add-ins: Stir in cooked bacon or diced bell peppers.
• More heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes. The recipe notes that this casserole also works well with chicken.

Can I use fresh broccoli?

Yes. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of the frozen broccoli florets listed in the recipe.

Can I make turkey casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are beginning to brown.

What size baking dish should I use?

Use a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Nutrition

Per serving:

• Calories: 698 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 44g
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 31g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0.01g
• Cholesterol: 227mg
• Sodium: 898mg
• Potassium: 707mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 2104 IU
• Vitamin C: 41mg
• Calcium: 449mg
• Iron: 2mg

Nutrition facts are estimates, as provided with the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Broccoli Casserole turns leftover turkey into a creamy, cheesy baked dinner with very little effort. Mushrooms, broccoli, garlic, and parsley round out the tender turkey, while the melted cheese creates a golden topping. Since it can also be assembled up to 24 hours ahead, it’s a convenient recipe for using holiday leftovers or preparing a simple meal in advance.

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