Turkey vegetable casserole dish (Printable View)

Tender turkey and vegetables baked in creamy sauce topped with cheddar and breadcrumbs.

# Ingredient List:

→ Protein

01 - 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen peas
03 - 1 cup carrots, diced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 cup celery, diced

→ Sauce

06 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

→ Topping

14 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
16 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
03 - Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour.
04 - Gradually whisk in broth and milk, stirring until mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Add garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt, stirring to combine.
06 - Stir in cooked turkey and peas, mixing thoroughly; simmer for 2 minutes.
07 - Transfer turkey mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
08 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the turkey mixture.
09 - Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
10 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
11 - Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off baking while you breathe.
  • The creamy turkey filling with buttery breadcrumb topping hits that perfect comfort-food sweet spot without feeling heavy.
  • You can make it ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it later—which means less stress on busy nights.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flour or skimp on the whisking—a lumpy sauce will ruin the whole dish, so take your time building it.
  • If your sauce seems too thick, whisk in a little more milk; if it's too thin, let it cook another minute—it'll thicken as it cools slightly in the baking dish.
  • Taste the turkey mixture before it goes into the oven; once it bakes, you can't adjust the seasoning, so season generously.
03 -
  • Brown the breadcrumb topping an extra minute or two under the broiler if you like it extra crispy—just watch it so it doesn't burn.
  • Use a slotted spoon to serve so the filling stays cohesive and the topping stays golden, not soggy.

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