Turkey 'N Stuffing Bake
A comforting baked turkey and stuffing casserole with tender turkey, crispy onions, peas, and creamy soup, perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash thawed turkey with warm water inside and out.
- Tie wings and legs tight to the body.
- Rub skin of turkey with margarine.
- Shake 1 tablespoon flour in a Reynolds oven bag (turkey size).
- Insert turkey into the bag and tie the end, leaving a hole in the end of the bag to prevent bursting.
- Place turkey with the bag breast side down in a microwave dish.
- Microwave approximately 4 to 5 minutes per pound on High.
- Divide the total microwave time into quarters, turning the bird every quarter of the time.
- Turn the bird 270° each time to let the juice run over the turkey, ending with breast up.
- Use oven gloves when handling the hot bag and turkey.
- Make sure the hole at the end of the bag stays open during cooking.
- Remove the turkey when cooking time is over; let it cool and then carve.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare stuffing by combining seasoned crumbs with boiling water, cream of celery soup, milk, and cooked turkey.
- Mix in thawed peas and half of the fried onions into the stuffing mixture.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
- Top with remaining fried onions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or sage to the stuffing mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked turkey can be used instead of preparing it from scratch. You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or any other cream soup you prefer. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with mashed potatoes or gravy. Leftover turkey can be transformed into a delicious sandwich or added to soups. Consider serving with a slice of Caramel Pecan Cheesecake for dessert to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the crispy topping from the fried onions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey 'N Stuffing Bake contains roughly 842 calories, with 11g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of soup in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the soup you choose complements the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the fried onions before baking to keep them crispy. Bake the dish when you're ready to serve.
What can I do with leftover turkey from this recipe?
Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of ways! You can add it to salads, sandwiches, or soups. Alternatively, try using it in a comforting Herbed Turkey Loaf for a delicious twist on dinner.
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).