This Amish Turkey Casserole is a warm and cozy dish made with tender turkey, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings. It’s perfect for a family dinner that everyone will love!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a hearty casserole that’s easy to make? I enjoy serving it with some fresh veggies on the side. It’s comfort food at its best! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Shredded turkey is the star here. Leftover turkey works great, but you can also use rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have. It keeps the prep super easy!
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery add flavor and texture. If you want, you can swap out any vegetable for what you have on hand—peas or green beans are good alternatives too!
Potatoes: Shredded potatoes or hash browns form the base. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice instead!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds creaminess. If you prefer, mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of spice can be used instead. Dairy-free cheese is also a fantastic substitute!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Casserole Sauce?
The creamy sauce is a key part of this casserole’s charm. Making a roux is essential to achieve that smooth texture. Simply combine melted butter with flour and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the milk. Here’s how:
- In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook it slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps and the sauce thickens.
Keep stirring as it cooks! Adding salt and pepper will enhance the flavor, so taste as you go.
Amish Turkey Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and shredded (or hash browns)
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or sage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious casserole will take around 15 minutes to prep and about 40 minutes to bake, making for a total of about 55 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, be sure to grease your 9×13 inch casserole dish so nothing sticks!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes until they are nice and tender.
3. Create the Roux:
Next, stir in the flour. Cook this roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken your sauce later on.
4. Make It Creamy:
Now, slowly whisk in the milk while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. It should look smooth and velvety!
5. Season the Sauce:
Add the salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning (or sage) to your creamy sauce. Don’t forget to taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking!
6. Combine All Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, shredded potatoes, and sautéed vegetables along with the creamy sauce. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
7. Pour Into Dish:
Transfer the mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top!
9. Top with Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter if you’d like extra crunch. Then sprinkle this over the casserole for a delicious golden crust.
10. Bake:
Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is a lovely golden brown.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. If you want, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm and comforting Amish Turkey Casserole!
It’s perfect for family dinners and sure to become a favorite!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or chop the cooked turkey, and you’re good to go. It gives the casserole great flavor and makes it a fantastic way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for Milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be great substitutes in this recipe. Just ensure that they are unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Enjoy the cozy goodness again!