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A freshly baked Turkey Broccoli Casserole in a white dish, topped with melted, golden-brown cheese and fresh herbs.
Reda

Creamy Turkey Broccoli Casserole

A comforting and cheesy casserole loaded with tender turkey, fresh broccoli, and a rich, homemade cheese sauce. Topped with crispy golden-brown breadcrumbs, this is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 5 cups Broccoli florets fresh or frozen (thawed and patted dry)
  • 3 cups Cooked turkey shredded or cubed
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Whole milk warmed slightly
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
For the Topping
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika

Equipment

  • 9x13 Inch Casserole Dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Casserole Base
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  2. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain very well and pat dry to remove excess water. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
  3. Arrange the cooked turkey and prepared broccoli florets in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
  2. Gradually pour in the warm milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserving 1/2 cup for the top), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the turkey and broccoli in the casserole dish. Gently stir to ensure everything is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Use a fork to toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
  3. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Variations: Feel free to add 1 cup of cooked rice or egg noodles for a heartier casserole. Sautéed mushrooms or onions can also be added with the turkey and broccoli.
Tip: Using freshly shredded cheese from a block will result in a smoother, creamier sauce as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.