Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, and this Thanksgiving casserole is one of the reasons why! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that really captures the essence of a festive meal, all in one dish. I remember my grandma making a version of this casserole every year, filling the house with its savory aroma. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and transform it into something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you serve this up at your table, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your family gatherings too!
Ingredients List
For this delicious Thanksgiving casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Casserole
Making this Thanksgiving casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the star of your holiday table! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want everything to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, chopped green beans, drained corn, and cream of mushroom soup. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. I love mixing everything together until it’s well combined—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
- Next, transfer this flavorful mixture into a greased casserole dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly—you want every bite to be just as delicious as the last!
- Now, it’s time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. This is where the magic happens! And don’t forget the crispy fried onions; they add that perfect crunch!
- Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and has that lovely golden brown color on top. Wow, the smell will make your mouth water!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You want those layers to settle just a bit. Trust me, every scoop will be worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Casserole
- It’s hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food!
- Super easy to prepare—great for busy holiday cooking!
- A fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, minimizing waste.
- Loaded with veggies, it’s a delicious way to sneak in some greens.
- Everyone loves it—trust me, it’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!
Tips for Success
Here are some quick tips to ensure your Thanksgiving casserole turns out amazing every time!
- Use leftover turkey: It’s perfect for this dish! Shredding it helps it mix beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: A little extra salt and pepper can really elevate the flavors, so taste as you go!
- Grease your dish well: This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving; no one likes a casserole that clings to the dish!
- Cover with foil: If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during baking to prevent burning.
- Let it rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. It’ll make cutting and scooping a lot easier!
Variations
One of the best things about this Thanksgiving casserole is how adaptable it is! If you’re not a turkey fan or just want to mix things up, feel free to swap in shredded chicken instead. It works just as beautifully! You can also get creative with the veggies—try adding some diced carrots, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Want a kick? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper! And for a cheesy twist, mix in different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda to give it a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious Thanksgiving casserole! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole packs a good punch of protein, especially with that turkey, and it also sneaks in some veggies, which is always a bonus! Perfect for a hearty holiday meal that’ll leave everyone feeling satisfied.
FAQ Section
Can I make this Thanksgiving casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It’s a great time-saver for busy holiday cooking!
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream of mushroom soup or even a different cream soup like cream of chicken. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh veggies can add a nice crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again!
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make this Thanksgiving casserole gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your fried onions are also gluten-free. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Casserole: 5 Heartwarming Layers of Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and flavorful Thanksgiving casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, green beans, corn, soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.
Notes
- Can substitute turkey with chicken.
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables as desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: thanksgiving casserole
