Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There’s just something so warm and cozy about gathering with loved ones, enjoying a feast of delicious comfort foods, and creating lasting memories. And one dish that’s always been a staple on my family’s holiday table is the Turkey & Stuffing Casserole.
I can still remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make it. I must have been around 10 years old, and I was so excited to help out in the kitchen. She walked me through every step, from sautéing the aromatic vegetables to perfectly seasoning the Turkey & Stuffing Casserole. The rich, savory flavors, the tender turkey, and the soft, flavorful stuffing – it was an absolute delight. To this day, the smell of that Turkey & Stuffing Casserole baking in the oven takes me right back to those special moments with my grandma.
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected the recipe and it’s become my go-to Thanksgiving dish. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and the ultimate in comfort food. I just can’t imagine a holiday feast without it!
Why This Turkey & Stuffing Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
The secret to this Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is in the balance of flavors and textures. I’ve found that using a combination of both white and dark turkey meat creates the most juicy and flavorful result. And by sautéing the aromatics before adding them to the stuffing, you develop a depth of flavor that really makes this dish shine. But the real magic comes from the perfect ratio of bread to broth – it’s what gives the stuffing its fluffy, yet hearty texture.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Turkey: A mix of white and dark meat works best for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Bread: Use a crusty sourdough or French bread for the stuffing.
- Onions: Yellow onions provide a sweet, aromatic base.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and savory flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley brighten up the stuffing.
- Broth: Chicken or turkey broth keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Eggs: Help bind the stuffing together for a delightfully fluffy texture.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the Turkey & Stuffing Casserole.
Step-by-Step Turkey & Stuffing Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
This Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish. It takes about 1 hour to prepare, and then you just need to bake it for 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve. All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, a casserole dish, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Begin by tearing the bread into bite-sized pieces and letting them dry out for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help the stuffing hold its shape.
2- In a large skillet, sauté the onions and celery in butter until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Add the fresh herbs and cook for 2-3 minutes more, until the aromas are released.
4- Transfer the sautéed veggies to a large mixing bowl and let cool slightly. Then, add the dried bread cubes, turkey, eggs, and chicken broth. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to overmix.
5- Spread the Turkey & Stuffing Casserole mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter.
6- Bake at 375°F for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is hot and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to a truly outstanding Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is to not overmix the stuffing. You want to maintain those lovely soft, pillowy pockets of bread. Also, be sure to let the sautéed veggies cool a bit before adding them to the bread – this will prevent the bread from getting soggy. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs and seasonings to make it your own!
Serving and Storing Your Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
This Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate Thanksgiving main dish, but it also makes a delicious comfort food dinner any time of year. Serve it alongside classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce for a truly festive feast. Or, keep things simple with a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread. And don’t forget the gravy – it’s an absolute must for soaking up every last bit of flavor!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is that it reheats beautifully. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and simply reheat it in the oven before serving. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. It also freezes wonderfully – simply let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
Creative Turkey & Stuffing Casserole Variations
While the classic Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is always a hit, there are so many ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding chopped apples or cranberries for a festive twist, or swap in wild rice or cornbread for a different texture. You could even make it in individual ramekins for a fun presentation. And for a meatless version, use diced butternut squash or mushrooms in place of the turkey.
Making Turkey & Stuffing Casserole Diet-Friendly
To make this Turkey & Stuffing Casserole a little lighter, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free bread, low-sodium broth, and swap the butter for olive oil. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the butter and use plant-based milk or broth. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of bread and add more veggies like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use a good quality store-bought stuffing mix. Just follow the package instructions for preparing it, and then proceed with assembling and baking the casserole as directed.
Q: How do I know when the Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is done?
A: The Turkey & Stuffing Casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is hot and bubbly. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I make this Turkey & Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish is perfect for making in advance! You can assemble the casserole up to 3 days ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Q: How many people does this Turkey & Stuffing Casserole serve?
A: This Turkey & Stuffing Casserole recipe will feed 8-10 people as a main dish. If you’re serving it as a side, it can easily serve 12-14 people.
Q: What if my Turkey & Stuffing Casserole comes out dry?
A: If your casserole turns out a bit dry, you can try adding an extra 1/2 cup of broth before baking, or covering it with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to keep the moisture locked in.
Scrumptious 20-Minute Turkey & Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Turkey & Stuffing Casserole in just 20 minutes! This easy family-style dish is perfect for busy weeknights and captures the flavors of Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
– 3 cups stuffing or bread cubes
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, stuffing/bread cubes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
3. – Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
4. – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a heartier meal, you can add diced onions, celery, or mushrooms to the casserole. Leftover turkey can be used instead of cooked turkey. Adjust the baking time as needed if using a different sized baking dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just nothing quite like a comforting, homemade Turkey & Stuffing Casserole, especially around the holidays. This recipe is the perfect balance of tender turkey, fluffy stuffing, and rich, savory flavors. It’s sure to become a new family favorite that you’ll turn to year after year. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to create the ultimate Thanksgiving masterpiece! And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear all about your Turkey & Stuffing Casserole experience.