Wild Turkey Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender turkey, pasta, vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce, topped with crunchy crackers—perfect for a comforting family meal or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. macaroni ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked and chopped turkey ⓘ
- 3 eggs boiled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup onion diced ⓘ
- 1 cup celery thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 4 oz. jar diced pimentos drained ⓘ
- 1 small can evaporated milk
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 cans soup broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 16 oz. jar cheese whiz ⓘ
- 10 ritz crackers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook and drain 16 oz. of macaroni.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chopped cooked turkey, chopped boiled eggs, diced onion, sliced celery, sliced carrots, drained diced pimentos, evaporated milk, mushroom soup, and broth.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of margarine and add to the mixture, stirring well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers and cheese whiz evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. You can substitute the turkey with shredded chicken or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables like peas or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Wild Turkey Casserole is a hearty main dish that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. It also makes a fantastic potluck dish, similar to other comforting casseroles like Gretchen Fayhey's Quick Breakfast Casserole or Ice Cream Pies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave in individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Turkey Casserole contains roughly 1594 calories, with 50g protein, 248g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), and protein (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2048mg per serving (89% 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 leftover turkey from a holiday meal for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this casserole, making it a great way to utilize holiday leftovers. Just ensure the turkey is fully cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the dish.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare meals ahead of time.
What can I substitute for the cheese whiz?
If you prefer not to use cheese whiz, you can substitute it with shredded cheddar cheese or a creamy cheese sauce. Just mix it into the casserole before baking, or sprinkle it on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a deliciously melty finish.
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).