Cheddar Turkey Casserole Oamc

Creamy, comforting, and perfect for make-ahead meal prep, this Cheddar Turkey Casserole OAMC (Once-A-Month Cooking) is a hearty dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Loaded with tender penne pasta, juicy cooked turkey, vibrant peas and carrots, and a luscious homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this casserole is elevated with aromatic notes of garlic and thyme. Topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, every bite offers a delightful balance of textures. This freezable casserole is a time-saver, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal straight from the oven any night of the week. Whether served fresh or reheated from frozen, this family-friendly dinner delivers comfort food at its finest.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cooked turkey (chopped or shredded)
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, cooked turkey, frozen peas and carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 7

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer the turkey and pasta mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 11

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

For freezing: Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour, or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2740.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5147.6

Total Fat 214.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 1158.7mg	0%
Sodium 7873.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 405.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.2g	0%
Total Sugars 71.6g
Protein 404.1g	0%

Vitamin D 328.8IU	0%
Calcium 4362.0mg	0%
Iron 22.1mg	0%
Potassium 4787.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.4%

Protein: 31.3%

Carbs: 31.4%