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Whip up this versatile Low-Carb Turkey Casserole for a comforting meal that is perfect for an easy family dinner. This keto-friendly casserole features a homemade cream sauce and can be adapted with your favorite veggies. It's ideal for using holiday leftovers or as a make-ahead meal. Freeze for later, or enjoy tonight!
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Transform Leftovers into a Comforting Delight: Try This Low-Carb Turkey Casserole Tonight!
Hey there, fellow food lovers! 🌟
Ever find yourself staring down a mountain of holiday leftovers, wondering if there’s more to life than turkey sandwiches? Well, I've got a savory solution that'll spice up your post-holiday meals! Introducing my Low-Carb Turkey Casserole—your new favorite way to keep the holiday spirit alive without the carb overload.
Last holiday season, my hubby and I found ourselves with an absurd amount of turkey left from our festive feast. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good turkey sandwich as much as the next person, but there's only so many you can eat before craving a change. That’s when inspiration struck—why not whip up a hearty, comforting casserole?
Drawing from my mom's classic tuna casserole, I crafted a dish that’s all about comfort with a healthy twist. This isn't just any casserole; it’s like Thanksgiving and Christmas joyfully danced into a bowl. Packed with savory turkey, a mix of your favorite low-carb veggies, and nestled in a creamy homemade sauce, it’s a feast for the senses.
We’ve tested it with everything from green beans to squash and even switched up the low-carb pasta for cauliflower or spaghetti squash on ultra-low-carb days. And if you’re not counting carbs, go ahead and toss in some regular pasta and breadcrumbs—everyone at your table will leave happy and satisfied.
What I love most about this casserole is its versatility and freezer-friendliness. Make a big batch and save the leftovers for a no-fuss dinner any night of the week. It’s perfect for meal prepping or when you just want a comforting meal without the hassle.
So, grab that leftover turkey (or chicken, or even a handy rotisserie chicken), and let’s turn it into something spectacularly tasty! Stay tuned for the full recipe below, and get ready to transform your leftovers into a low-carb masterpiece that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Remember, cooking is not just about feeding the body but also feeding the soul. Let’s make magic in the kitchen and create memories around delicious, wholesome food. 🍲💚
If you have a lot of turkey, try some of these recipes that use your holiday leftovers! Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette, Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew, Low Carb Old-fashioned Turkey Croquettes, or these Keto Leftover Turkey Enchiladas!
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
Why You'll Love This Low-Carb Turkey Casserole
- Versatility at Its Best: This casserole adapts beautifully, whether you're using leftover holiday turkey or a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. You can easily customize it with whatever low-carb veggies you have on hand or swap the low-carb pasta for cauliflower or spaghetti squash for an even lighter dish.
- Meal Prep Magic: This casserole isn't just delicious—it's also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and have it ready for several meals throughout the week. It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy a homemade dinner any night with minimal effort.
- Comfort Without the Carbs: Indulge in a traditional casserole's rich, creamy comfort without guilt. This recipe brings all the flavor and heartiness of a classic casserole but perfectly fits a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. It's a guilt-free way to satisfy those comfort food cravings.
In This Post
🥘Low-Carb Turkey Casserole Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make this Low-Carb Turkey Casserole.
- Cooked Turkey (or Chicken) - can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or even rotisserie.
- Low-Carb Pasta - this has been a lifesaver for a pasta lover like me! If you don't need your pasta fast you can buy from their website and save a little.
- Keto Breadcrumbs - I make homemade breadcrumbs by toasting keto bread and then tossing it in a food processor.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make this Low-Carb Turkey Casserole
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making this Low-Carb Turkey Casserole. The full directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Combine the melted butter, keto breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning to the skillet.
Add the sauteed mushrooms, cooked turkey, butternut squash, and cooked pasta to the sauce.
Place the turkey mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with the keto breadcrumb mixture.
Helpful Hint: 💡 To maximize the flavor of the flavors, try deglazing the skillet after sautéing. Once the mushrooms have browned, add a splash of white wine or broth to the pan. This not only lifts the flavorful bits stuck to the pan but also infuses the mushrooms with additional depth, enriching your casserole's overall taste profile.
Substitutions
- Keto Breadcrumbs - instead of keto breadcrumbs, you can use ground pork rinds. If you are not keto or low-carb, you can use regular breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb Pasta - you can use steamed cauliflower, spaghetti squash noodles, or zucchini noodles (please pan sear them and drain them to try to remove as much liquid as possible). You can also use gluten-free pasta or regular pasta if you are not low-carb or keto.
- Vegetables - feel free to use whatever vegetables your family prefers!
🍽Equipment Needed
This is the equipment you will need to make this Low-Carb Turkey Casserole.
Storage and Reheating Your Low-Carb Turkey Casserole
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain the best quality, make sure it's cooled to room temperature before covering and placing it in the fridge.
Freezer Storage:
- This casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, ensure it's wrapped tightly and minimize any air pockets.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if it is frozen. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F until it is heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- The time may be slightly less if it's from the refrigerator. For individual servings, you can microwave slices on high for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring (if possible) to ensure even heating.
For best results, cover the casserole with foil when reheating in the oven to keep it moist and prevent the top from burning or drying out. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to avoid splatters and also help retain moisture.
💭Top tip
If you want your topping a bit darker, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end, just long enough to brown the breadcrumbs. Make sure to keep a close eye on it because it can burn quickly!
FAQ about Low-Carb Turkey Casserole
This casserole is keto-friendly due to its low-carb ingredients, such as turkey, cream cheese, heavy cream, keto breadcrumbs, and low-carb pasta (or cauliflower), which replace traditional high-carb elements.
Absolutely! While this recipe is ideal for using leftover turkey, it's equally delicious with chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken. This flexibility makes it a versatile dish for using up what you have on hand.
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare it fully and allow it to cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Delicious Casserole Recipes...
Low-Carb Turkey Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 2/3 cup keto breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 8- ounces low carb pasta
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast or leftover turkey chopped into 1" cubes (can sub chicken)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed and room temperature
- 1 tsp pink salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp organic garlic powder
- 1 tbsp organic onion powder
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 6 ounces frozen butternut squash cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
- Boil the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in the microwave.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, keto bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Set aside until ready to use.
- In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat.
- As soon as the butter has melted, add the mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes, just until they begin to brown. Remove from the heat.
- Meanwhile, in a medium pot, add the heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning and whisk to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to thicken slightly whisking occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the sauce, cooked turkey, butternut squash, and cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with the bread crumb mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sides are bubbly.
- If you prefer a darker topping you can broil the casserole for a few minutes, watching it carefully so you don't burn it.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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