Turkey Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Turkey Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Rich, cheesy, and packed with vegetables, it’s a family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection.

A white bowl filled with a creamy, layered casserole dish is shown. The top layer has melted, lightly browned cheese with golden patches, mixed with tender green broccoli florets and chunks of pale chicken. Beneath the top, there is a thick, creamy sauce that covers cooked broccoli and light brown mushrooms, with small bits of green herbs sprinkled throughout. A silver fork held by a woman's hand lifts a portion, showing the soft, rich textures and mixed layers of cheese, chicken, broccoli, and sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with hints of green herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 395 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Slice the mushrooms if not already sliced.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add mushrooms, broccoli, and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in shredded turkey, sea salt, black pepper, and minced parsley. Then add 1 cup of shredded cheese and the heavy cream. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a richer cheese flavor.
  • Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce calories, though the casserole will be less rich.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
  • Include cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling casserole.
  • Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just steam it briefly before adding.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. This casserole does not freeze well because of the cream and cheese texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy layered dish showing melted cheese in golden yellow and light brown colors on top, mixed with green broccoli florets and pieces of light beige chicken, all coated in a smooth white sauce, with small bits of green herbs scattered throughout, a woman's hand holding a silver fork lifting a bite from the bowl, the background a white marbled surface with a hint of green herb on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast instead of shredded cooked turkey?

Yes, you can use turkey breast. Just cook and shred it before mixing into the casserole. Leftover roasted turkey works best for convenience and flavor.

What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?

This casserole is versatile—you can add diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Just cook them with the mushrooms and broccoli to ensure everything is tender before baking.

Print

Turkey Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This Turkey Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender turkey, nutritious broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, this casserole balances protein, vegetables, and rich flavors in an easy-to-make, oven-baked meal.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Proteins

  • 3 cups shredded cooked turkey (about 1 pound)

Dairy

  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (use your favorite cheese)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

Others

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 395°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms evenly for uniform cooking and flavor integration in the dish.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms, frozen broccoli florets, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add turkey and seasonings: Stir in the shredded cooked turkey, sea salt, ground black pepper, and minced parsley to the skillet. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Then add 1 cup of shredded cheese along with the heavy cream, stirring continuously and allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer so flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Assemble casserole: Transfer the creamy turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese on top for a rich, golden crust after baking.
  6. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top melts fully and turns golden brown, indicating that the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with additional minced parsley for freshness and color, and serve hot as a comforting main dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute frozen broccoli with fresh broccoli florets if preferred; just blanch them briefly before sautéing.
  • Feel free to use any type of shredded cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend according to your taste.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a lower-fat option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese.
  • If you want extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary when sautéing the vegetables.

Keywords: Turkey Broccoli Casserole, Chicken Substitute Casserole, Creamy Turkey Bake, Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Easy Oven Dinner

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