Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole is a comforting, practical dish that turns holiday leftovers into a warm, satisfying meal. Creamy, savory, and baked until golden, this casserole feels familiar yet elevated—exactly the kind of recipe you want after a big feast. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding the family without repeating the same turkey dinner again.

What is Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole?

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole is a baked dish made with cooked turkey, vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a topping that turns crisp in the oven. It’s similar in spirit to classic comfort casseroles but with balanced flavors, gentle seasoning, and a smooth, well-structured texture that doesn’t feel heavy.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup
• Ina Garten Leftover Chicken Soup

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Smart use of leftovers – Gives leftover turkey a fresh purpose.
• Creamy and comforting – Perfect for cold days or relaxed dinners.
• Easy to assemble – No complicated steps or techniques.
• Family-friendly – Mild flavors everyone enjoys.
• Make-ahead option – Assemble earlier and bake when ready.
• Freezer-friendly – Ideal for meal prep and busy weeks.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• 3 cups cooked leftover turkey, chopped or shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
• ½ cup milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice, pasta, or egg noodles
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan or mild cheddar
• ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
• Sauté the vegetables – Melt butter in a pan, add onion, carrots, celery, and cook until soft.
• Add garlic and flour – Stir in garlic, then sprinkle flour and cook briefly to remove raw taste.
• Make the sauce – Slowly whisk in stock and milk, stirring until thick and smooth.
• Season the mixture – Add salt, pepper, thyme, and taste for balance.
• Combine turkey and base – Stir in turkey, peas (if using), and cooked rice or pasta.
• Assemble the casserole – Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly.
• Add topping – Sprinkle cheese, then breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top.
• Bake the casserole – Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbling and golden.
• Rest and serve – Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Simple green salad – Adds freshness and balance.
• Steamed green beans – Light and crisp on the side.
• Cranberry sauce – A touch of sweetness pairs well with turkey.
• Garlic bread – Great for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Compliments the baked flavors nicely.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Use cooked grains – Prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
• Keep the sauce slightly loose – It thickens as it bakes.
• Add turkey late – Keeps the meat tender, not dry.
• Season gently – Leftover turkey may already be salty.
• Don’t skip resting time – Helps the casserole set cleanly.
• Cover if browning too fast – Foil prevents over-browning.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs – They crisp better than boxed ones.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Cheesy upgrade – Add Gruyère or mozzarella for extra melt.
• Vegetable-packed – Add mushrooms, spinach, or corn.
• Creamier version – Stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
• Herb-forward – Add rosemary, sage, or parsley.
• Crunchy topping – Mix breadcrumbs with crushed crackers.
• Chicken swap – Works just as well with leftover roast chicken.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Refrigerator storage – Keeps well for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer option – Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
• Make-ahead prep – Assemble, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole

• Oven reheating – Warm at 325°F (165°C) for 20 minutes, covered.
• Microwave method – Reheat portions gently to avoid drying.
• Add moisture if needed – A splash of stock refreshes the sauce.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

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FAQs

How do I keep leftover turkey casserole from drying out?

Make sure the sauce is slightly loose before baking, as it thickens in the oven. Covering the casserole loosely with foil for the first half of baking also helps retain moisture and keeps the turkey tender.

Can I make Ina Garten’s leftover turkey casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding 5–10 extra minutes if it goes into the oven cold.

What’s the best base for turkey casserole: rice, pasta, or noodles?

Cooked rice, pasta, or egg noodles all work well. Rice gives a softer texture, while pasta or noodles add structure. The key is to use fully cooked grains so they don’t absorb too much sauce.

Can I freeze leftover turkey casserole before baking?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it without the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Casserole is the kind of recipe that makes leftovers feel intentional and comforting. Creamy, balanced, and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for relaxed family meals after the holidays. This casserole brings warmth, structure, and flavor back to leftover turkey—turning it into something everyone actually looks forward to eating again.