Ground Turkey Casserole ( Perfect Thanksgiving Recipe )

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This easy ground turkey casserole is a simple, delicious, and family-friendly meal that is perfect for busy weeknights! It is packed with ground turkey, corn, and potatoes, and a rich, flavorful bechamel sauce. This casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

marble table and gray napkin underneath white baking dish of turkey thanksgiving casserole

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Ground Turkey Casserole
Ingredients
Useful Kitchen Tools
How to Make Ground Turkey Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Casserole Recipes
Thanksgiving Ground Turkey Casserole

Ground Turkey Casserole

If you are wanting all of the flavors of Thanksgiving in one bowl, then this is the casserole for you. This easy ground turkey casserole is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It’s loaded with all of your favorite holiday flavors in every bite. A perfect dish the entire family will enjoy.

If you like this recipe, then you might want to add a few sides to this as well. The green bean casserole and corn casserole are both excellent sides that fit the holiday meal theme well.

thanksgiving ground turkey casserole in white baking dish on gray and white marble table

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (500 g)
2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (500g)
⅔ cup whole kernel corn (110 g)
1 cup prepared bechamel sauce (250ml)
2 cups cubed ciabatta bread (140g)
4 tablespoons butter (57g)
4 tablespoons dried cranberries (50g)
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (6g)

Note: You can use a prepared bechamel sauce, or make your own homemade bechamel if desired for this recipe. Instant mashed potatoes can also be used if you want to skip making homemade.

brown bowls of ingredients for ground turkey casserole sitting on marble table

Useful Kitchen Tools

white baking dish of ground turkey casserole topped with toasted bread cubes

How to Make Ground Turkey Casserole

To start, prepare your mashed potatoes if not using leftovers. Instant mashed potatoes are great for this recipe and can add flavor if you choose a flavored option. Prepare these and set them aside.

Then, preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray then set it aside.

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat, then add the ground turkey. Cook this for around 8 to 10 minutes, stirring and breaking up the mat, regularly.

raw ground meat in black skillet on hot plate

Once the meat is no longer pink and cooked through, add salt and black pepper as well as any other spices desired. Then, stir in the drained whole-kernel corn and prepared bechamel sauce. Once combined, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

bechamel sauce being poured into skillet with ground turkey and corn

Spread the prepared potatoes onto the bottom of your baking dish so they are in an even layer.

mashed potatoes being spread over bottom of white baking dish

Then, pour the turkey and corn mixture over the top of the potatoes and spread evenly.

white rectangular casserole dish of ground turkey with corn and sauce

To top the casserole, you will then toss the cubed bread, melted butter, Italian herbs, and dried cranberries together until the bread is coated.

Pour this over the top of the casserole, then spread evenly.

Bake the Thanksgiving ground turkey casserole for around 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the bread cubes are now golden brown and crisp on the edges.

white 9x13 baking dish filled with ground turkey casserole on marble table

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Add to Ground Turkey For Flavor?

There are so many things you could do to change up the flavors in this ground turkey casserole recipe. You could easily change up this recipe.

While it is initially a Thanksgiving-flavored dish, you may want to make it a bit different. Rather than Italian herbs, you can easily add taco seasoning, cumin, or even curry for a different flavor.

Sprinkle the top with cheese for added richness. A pepper jack or cheddar can both accent this well.

For more flavor, diced green chiles or diced and cooked onions and bell peppers never disappoint. A can of drained black beans, kidney beans, or even pinto beans can all be added to this for extra protein and flavor.

And, for serving, add some freshly diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Sour cream is always a good idea. It adds creaminess and tanginess, two flavors that can really make a recipe pop.

How Do I Cook Ground Turkey Without Drying it Out?

First, if you are using ground turkey unless you need to watch the fat in the recipe, do not use ground turkey breast. It is very lean and it can easily taste dried out because there is no fat in it. I like a mixture of ground turkey meat. If I am trying to keep it lean, I will use mostly ground turkey breast with added ground turkey thighs or dark meat in it. Otherwise, I will use the already mixed ground turkey.

The key to juicy, flavorful ground turkey is to not overcook it. Ground turkey should be cooked to a temperature of 165°F. I like to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the meat, just to be sure, but when using ground turkey that will also be cooked in the oven for a bit, I just make sure it is no longer pink.

Can I Use Packaged Stuffing instead of Bread On Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole?

Of course, you can use stuffing mix in this recipe instead of bread cubes if you’d like. Just be sure to use a good quality brand that you like the taste of. If you are using packaged stuffing instead of bread, you will need just one average package of stuffing. Stir it with the melted butter and cranberries, then pour over the top of the casserole as directed.

small white plate of Thanksgiving casserole sitting on white table next to baking dish of casserole

More Easy Casserole Recipes

Whether you want to add something unique to your menu or just have a classic casserole, below are a few of our family's favorite options. Delicious flavors, easy directions, and budget-friendly are all sure to please! Make sure that you bookmark them, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon.

Yield: 6

Thanksgiving Ground Turkey Casserole

A fun spin on classic flavors, this Thanksgiving ground turkey casserole has all of the richness you want with an easy assembly and ready in less than 1 hour!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (500 g)
2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (500g)
⅔ cup whole kernel corn (110 g)
1 cup prepared bechamel sauce (250ml)
2 cups cubed ciabatta bread (140g)
4 tablespoons butter (57g)
4 tablespoons dried cranberries (50g)
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (6g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray then set it aside.
If making homemade or Instant mashed potatoes rather than using leftovers, do so now. Mash and set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground turkey and cook, stirring regularly to break up the meat, for around 8 to 10 minutes. If needed, add olive oil to the pan to keep it from sticking.
Once the turkey is done cooking, season with salt and black pepper, then add in the drained corn and bechamel sauce. Stir this together until combined.
Spread the mashed potatoes onto the bottom of the baking pan you prepared earlier.
Top the potatoes with the turkey and vegetables.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with melted butter, cranberries, and dried herbs. Toss until coated nicely.
Pour the bread and berry mixture over the top of the casserole in an even layer.
Bake for 25 minutes or until heated through and the bread cubes are golden brown and crisp on top.