Amish Turkey Casserole: A Hearty & Comforting Recipe
Turkey casserole is a classic comfort food, and this Amish-inspired version takes it to a whole new level. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for using up leftover turkey (though you can certainly make it with freshly cooked turkey, too!). This recipe incorporates simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. The beauty of Amish cooking lies in its simplicity and focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, and this casserole perfectly embodies those qualities. This Amish Turkey Casserole is creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor – a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Turkey Casserole
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this Amish Turkey Casserole is a must-try:
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** Creamy, cheesy, and packed with turkey and vegetables, this casserole is the definition of comfort food.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Got leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey? This is the ideal way to use it up.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is a breeze to prepare.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this hearty and delicious dish.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
* **Freezes Well:** Perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for another day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable Amish Turkey Casserole. Note that quantities are approximate and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
* **Cooked Turkey:** 4-5 cups, diced or shredded. This is the star of the show. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works perfectly, but you can also use freshly cooked turkey breast or thighs.
* **Egg Noodles:** 1 pound. Egg noodles provide a delightful texture and hearty base for the casserole. Wide egg noodles are a good choice.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 2 (10.75-ounce) cans. Cream of mushroom soup adds richness and creaminess to the casserole. You can substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Milk helps to thin out the soup and create a smoother sauce.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup. Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the casserole.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Cheddar cheese provides a sharp and cheesy flavor. You can use a mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is also delicious.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion adds a savory flavor to the casserole.
* **Celery:** 1 cup, chopped. Celery adds a subtle crunch and flavor to the casserole.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup. Frozen peas add a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole. You can substitute with other vegetables like green beans or corn.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Butter is used to sauté the onion and celery and adds richness to the casserole.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the casserole with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional Toppings:** Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, fried onions, paprika
Equipment Needed
* **Large Pot:** For cooking the egg noodles.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For assembling and baking the casserole.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the vegetables and turkey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Amish Turkey Casserole! Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof result.
**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
**Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles**
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
**Step 4: Prepare the Turkey Mixture**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup). Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Add the sautéed onion and celery to the bowl and stir to incorporate.
**Step 5: Add Turkey and Peas**
Add the diced or shredded turkey and frozen peas to the bowl. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole gummy.
**Step 6: Assemble the Casserole**
Pour the turkey mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) over the top of the casserole.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the top to be more golden brown, you can broil it for a minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
**Step 8: Let it Rest (Important!)**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the Amish Turkey Casserole hot and enjoy! It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, cranberry sauce, or dinner rolls.
Variations and Tips for Success
Here are some variations and tips to help you customize this Amish Turkey Casserole and ensure a perfect result every time:
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like green beans, corn, carrots, or mushrooms. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, but be sure to drain canned vegetables well.
* **Add Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to add more flavor to the casserole. Try adding dried thyme, rosemary, sage, or garlic powder. A pinch of paprika can also add a nice color and flavor.
* **Use Different Cheese:** While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyere. A combination of cheeses can also be delicious.
* **Add a Topping:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle the casserole with bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions before baking. You can also drizzle it with melted butter.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles and cream of mushroom soup. You can also use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch to make your own cream sauce.
* **Use Different Protein:** If you don’t have turkey, you can use chicken, ham, or even ground beef in this casserole.
* **Adjust the Creaminess:** If you prefer a creamier casserole, add more milk or sour cream. If you prefer a thicker casserole, use less milk or sour cream.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the casserole. Cook them al dente, which means they should be slightly firm to the bite.
* **Don’t Overmix the Ingredients:** Overmixing the ingredients can make the casserole gummy. Gently stir to combine everything.
* **Let it Rest Before Serving:** Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows it to set and makes it easier to slice.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking. Baking time may need to be increased.
Serving Suggestions
This Amish Turkey Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich casserole.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to balance the savory flavors of the casserole.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans are a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs well with casserole.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an even more comforting meal, serve the casserole with mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* **Calories:** 450-550 per serving
* **Fat:** 25-35 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 15-20 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 100-150 milligrams
* **Sodium:** 800-1000 milligrams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Fiber:** 2-4 grams
* **Sugar:** 5-10 grams
* **Protein:** 25-35 grams
Recipe Card
**Amish Turkey Casserole**
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 8-10
**Ingredients:**
* 4-5 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
* 1 pound egg noodles
* 2 (10.75-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 cup celery, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, fried onions, paprika
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well. Add sautéed onion and celery.
5. Add turkey and peas. Gently stir to combine.
6. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
**Notes:**
* See variations and tips above for customization options.
Conclusion
This Amish Turkey Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or for a simple and satisfying weeknight meal. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and flavorful turkey, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Amish goodness!