Turkey Macaroni Bake 🦃🧀
Overview:
This Turkey Macaroni Bake is a quick and easy dish perfect for a family meal. Utilizing leftover smoked turkey from Thanksgiving adds a delightful flavor dimension to this comforting casserole. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 20 minutes, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This one-dish meal is kid-friendly and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 2 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, elbow macaroni, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sliced mushrooms, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. |
| 3 | Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. |
| 4 | Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the mixture is bubbling around the edges. |
| 5 | Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the foil from the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. |
| 6 | Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 7 | Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Turkey Macaroni Bake! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 490.3
- Fat: 23.7g
- Saturated Fat: 12.6g
- Cholesterol: 101.7mg
- Sodium: 776.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Protein: 36.2g
Recipe Notes:
- Leftover Turkey: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover smoked turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion. The smoky flavor adds depth to the dish.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can also work well in this recipe.
- Vegetable Additions: You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables. Peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions to boost the nutritional content.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Turkey Macaroni Bake as a satisfying meal for the whole family!
