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Quick Savory St Patrick’s Day Turkey Casserole

Quick Savory St Patrick’s Day Turkey Casserole - featured image

A quick, savory, and comforting turkey casserole perfect for St Patrick’s Day, combining browned turkey, herbs, peas, and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty yet light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 2 cups (150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (gluten-free options available)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked turkey mixture and stir well to coat.
  6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
  7. Stir in the frozen peas and nutmeg (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until peas are heated through.
  8. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture into your casserole dish. Spread evenly.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
  10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon to avoid watery casserole. Resist stirring casserole while baking to get a crispy topping. Leftover cooked turkey can be used instead of ground turkey by adding it in step 7. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers, panko, or gluten-free options. For low-carb, skip breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey casserole, St Patrick’s Day recipe, quick dinner, savory casserole, ground turkey, easy casserole, comfort food