Ham Or Turkey Tetrazzini
A creamy, cheesy ham or turkey tetrazzini featuring tender pasta, mushrooms, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a medium to large saucepan and add flour.
- Stir well until blended.
- Gradually add milk and cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, cooked turkey or ham, cooked spaghetti, mushrooms (if using), and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of milk. You can also substitute turkey or ham with shredded chicken or even a vegetarian protein like tofu. If you want extra flavor, sauté the mushrooms in the margarine before adding the flour. To enhance the dish, try adding a dash of garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tetrazzini with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Barbecues for a hearty spread. For a comforting touch, consider offering garlic bread on the side. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and it also freezes well for future meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Or Turkey Tetrazzini contains roughly 452 calories, with 13g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (106% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked spaghetti in this recipe?
It's best to use pre-cooked spaghetti, as the baking time isn't long enough to fully cook uncooked pasta. If you prefer using uncooked spaghetti, you would need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid to ensure it cooks properly.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you don't have cheddar cheese, you can use mozzarella for a milder flavor or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Parmesan for added depth. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, ham or turkey tetrazzini freezes well. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).