Description
A comforting and delicious Turkey Mac and Cheese Casserole that combines tender turkey, elbow macaroni, creamy cheddar cheese, and a savory cream of chicken soup base, topped with a crunchy toasted panko breadcrumb topping. Perfect for using leftover turkey and making a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
For the Crunchy Panko Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Turkey: Cut cooked turkey into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Heat a medium fry pan over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter. Once melted and sizzling, add diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread uncooked elbow macaroni evenly over the bottom. Layer cubed turkey over the macaroni.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and cream of chicken soup. Stir in the sautéed onions.
- Add Sauce: Pour the soup, milk, and onion mixture evenly over the turkey and macaroni in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow flavors to meld and macaroni to soften.
- Preheat Oven and Add Cheese: The next day, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Casserole: Bake uncovered for up to 1 hour or until bubbly and thoroughly heated through.
- Prepare Panko Topping: While casserole bakes, heat a medium fry pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted and sizzling, add panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Reduce heat to medium and toast bread crumbs, stirring constantly until golden brown.
- Add Topping and Serve: Once casserole is fully cooked, evenly sprinkle toasted panko bread crumbs on top. Serve warm, optionally paired with a tossed salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe is a wonderful way to use leftover turkey, transforming it into a hearty, family-friendly meal.
- Refrigerating overnight allows the macaroni to absorb the flavors and results in a creamier texture once baked.
- Constant stirring while toasting panko prevents burning and ensures even browning.
- A tossed green salad pairs excellently with this casserole for a fresh contrast to the creamy dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 261 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 306 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
