Turkey Noodle Encore
A comforting baked casserole featuring tender turkey, broccoli, creamy cheese, and crispy fried onions, perfect for a hearty family dinner with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles as directed on package; drain and place noodles in a buttered 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Cover with diced, cooked turkey and cooked and drained broccoli. Sprinkle half of the shredded American cheese over the top.
- Blend the cream of chicken soup and water until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the noodles, turkey, and broccoli in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Top with French fried onions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute the processed American cheese with shredded mozzarella or cheddar. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or carrots for variety, similar to options in Creamed Chicken And Noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread. It also complements well with creamy dishes like Duchess Soup, making for a satisfying spread that guests will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Noodle Encore contains roughly 582 calories, with 17g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1363mg per serving (59% 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 make Turkey Noodle Encore ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold.
Can I freeze Turkey Noodle Encore?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking, adding extra time as needed.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or replace it with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream can also work well, providing a similar creamy consistency for the dish.
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).