Turkey And Macaroni Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender turkey, creamy mushroom soups, and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked and cubed turkey ⓘ
- 8 ounces uncooked macaroni
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of chicken and mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 small can chopped water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except paprika in a large bowl.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Chill, covered, overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or even some sour cream. If you want to lighten it up, substitute half of the Cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese. You can also use leftover chicken instead of turkey for a quick alternative. For added crunch, toss in some crushed crackers on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve with homemade garlic bread. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream on top just before serving for extra creaminess. It makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey And Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 959 calories, with 38g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (187% of the Daily Value), protein (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1466mg 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 other types of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the turkey with shredded chicken or even cooked ham. Each variation will give the casserole a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights or preparing for gatherings.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the turkey with diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also substitute the cream soups with a homemade béchamel or a plant-based cream soup to keep it creamy and delicious.
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).