Sometimes, a simple, warm, and comforting casserole is exactly what you need. This Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake is the perfect solution for transforming holiday leftovers into a brand new, family-friendly meal. It takes tender, savory turkey and combines it with a creamy, rich sauce and soft egg noodles, all topped with a crunchy, golden-brown topping.1 It's the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening and a surefire way to use up that leftover turkey.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. The creamy sauce is easy to make, and you can add any vegetables you have on hand to make it a one-pan meal. The crispy topping provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy interior, making every bite an absolute delight.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake

With Creamy Sauce & Crispy Topping

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Casserole:

    • 8 ounces egg noodles

    • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

    • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup

    • 1 ½ cups milk or chicken broth

    • ½ cup frozen peas

    • ½ cup frozen carrots

    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • For the Crispy Topping:

    • ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

    • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles & Preheat Oven

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until they are al dente. Drain well.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce & Assemble

  1. Whisk Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.

  2. Combine: Add the cooked egg noodles, shredded turkey, frozen peas, and frozen carrots to the bowl. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

  3. Transfer: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

3. Prepare the Topping & Bake

  1. Make Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.

  2. Sprinkle: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

  3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Bake

  • The Right Noodle: Egg noodles are a great choice because they are soft and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use other pasta shapes like rotini or penne.

  • Customize It! This is a great recipe for using up any leftover vegetables you have. Try adding chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.

  • The Crispy Topping: You can use a variety of toppings for a satisfying crunch. Crushed Ritz crackers, fried onions, or even crushed potato chips are all great options.

  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the bake time until the center is hot.

  • To Freeze: Assemble the casserole as directed, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.