Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole: A Thanksgiving Leftover Masterpiece

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time filled with family, friends, and an abundance of delicious food. But what happens after the feast? Often, we’re left with mountains of leftovers, particularly turkey. While turkey sandwiches are a classic, they can get old quickly. That’s where Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole comes in – a creative, flavorful, and comforting way to transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into a completely new and exciting meal.

This casserole is more than just a way to use up turkey; it’s a celebration of autumnal flavors. The sweetness of butternut squash perfectly complements the savory turkey, while the addition of other vegetables, herbs, and a creamy sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a post-Thanksgiving meal or a comforting dish to enjoy any time during the fall and winter months, Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This recipe is specifically designed to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey and other vegetables, reducing food waste and saving you money.
* **Flavorful and Comforting:** The combination of butternut squash, turkey, and a creamy sauce creates a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences by adding or substituting ingredients based on what you have on hand.
* **Impressive Presentation:** This casserole looks beautiful on the table, making it a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
* **Nutritious:** Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this casserole is a healthy and balanced meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cooked Turkey:** The star of the show! You’ll need about 3-4 cups of cooked, shredded or cubed turkey. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is ideal, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey breast.
* **Butternut Squash:** About 2-3 cups of cubed butternut squash. You can roast your own butternut squash or buy pre-cut cubes to save time.
* **Onion:** One medium-sized onion, chopped.
* **Celery:** Two stalks of celery, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Frozen Peas:** About 1 cup of frozen peas.
* **Frozen Corn:** About 1 cup of frozen corn.
* **Chicken Broth:** About 1 cup of chicken broth. This adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This creates a rich and creamy sauce.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of butter. Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Used to thicken the sauce.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
* **Dried Sage:** 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage. Complements the turkey and butternut squash.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:**
* **Breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, use about 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, mixed with melted butter.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese would all be delicious.
* **Chopped Fresh Parsley:** For a fresh garnish.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For assembling and baking the casserole.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring and sautéing.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

**1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:**

* **Roasting (Recommended):** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
* **Steaming:** Alternatively, you can steam the butternut squash until tender. Peel, seed, and cube the squash. Place it in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.
* **Microwaving:** If you’re short on time, you can microwave the butternut squash. Peel, seed, and cube the squash. Place it in a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**3. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**4. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, roasted butternut squash, frozen peas, and frozen corn.
* Pour the cream sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture and stir gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
* Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

**5. Add Toppings (Optional):**

* **Breadcrumb Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a crispy and golden-brown topping.
* **Cheese Topping:** Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a cheesy and gooey topping.
* **No Topping:** If you prefer, you can skip the topping altogether. The casserole will still be delicious.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If you added a breadcrumb topping, bake until the topping is golden brown. If you added a cheese topping, bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

**7. Garnish and Serve:**

* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
* Serve hot. Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole is delicious on its own or with a side salad or crusty bread.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, mushrooms, or green beans. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Rosemary, oregano, or marjoram would all be delicious additions.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Try different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack, to create a unique flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this casserole. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Prepare it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

## Serving Suggestions

Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich and creamy casserole.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra comforting meal, serve with mashed potatoes.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes would be delicious additions.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Conclusion

Kristin’s Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole is a delicious and satisfying way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoy the flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, next time you find yourself with a pile of leftover turkey, don’t reach for the same old sandwich. Instead, try this recipe and discover a new favorite way to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast all over again. Enjoy!