This Turkey & Leek Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It combines tender, pre-cooked turkey with sweet, caramelized leeks and savory smoked ham, all bound together in a rich, nutmeg-spiked white sauce. The dish is layered with hot noodles and baked until the Swiss cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. It is a hearty, protein-packed meal that feels luxurious yet comes together quickly using simple pantry staples.
Turkey & Leek Casserole
Description
This Turkey & Leek Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It combines tender, pre-cooked turkey with sweet, caramelized leeks and savory smoked ham, all bound together in a rich, nutmeg-spiked white sauce. The dish is layered with hot noodles and baked until the Swiss cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. It is a hearty, protein-packed meal that feels luxurious yet comes together quickly using simple pantry staples.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Heat margarine or butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
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Add leeks (or sliced onions) and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
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Stir in flour, salt, nutmeg, and pepper.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and fragrant.
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Remove from heat and stir in chicken broth and milk.
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Return to heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
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Boil and stir for 1 minute to thicken the sauce.
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Stir in the cooked turkey, chopped ham, and drained pimientos.
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Spread about half of the turkey mixture into an ungreased 9x9x2 inch square pan or a 2-1/2-quart casserole dish.
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Spread the hot cooked noodles evenly over the turkey mixture.
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Top with the remaining turkey mixture.
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Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and light brown.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 681.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.4g26%
- Saturated Fat 5.0g25%
- Cholesterol 178.8mg60%
- Sodium 2744.2mg115%
- Total Carbohydrate 31.2g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3.4g14%
- Sugars 11.4g
- Protein 73.8g148%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through.
Substitutions: You can use cooked chicken instead of turkey. If you don't have leeks, sliced onions work well. For a lighter version, use skim milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Variations: Add other vegetables like peas or carrots to the sauce for extra nutrition. Try using different cheeses like Gruyre or Havarti for a different flavor profile.
Tips: Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente before adding them to the casserole, as they will soften slightly during baking. Clean leeks thoroughly to remove any sand trapped in the layers.
