Ultimate Turkey Chow Mein Casserole: A Beloved Thanksgiving Leftovers Tradition
There’s something truly magical about Thanksgiving. The gathering of loved ones, the festive decorations, and, of course, the grand feast itself. A couple of weeks ago, Canadian Thanksgiving passed, and while I was far from my immediate family, my thoughtful partner, Adarsh, whisked me away for a delightful weekend in the breathtaking Okanagan Valley. Nestled deep within the mountains, this incredible desert landscape offered a unique backdrop for our celebration. We enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at a beautiful winery, complete with all the trimmings. It was a wonderful escape, filled with delicious food and cherished moments, but I must admit, it didn’t entirely satisfy one crucial craving: the coveted Thanksgiving leftovers!
For many, the post-Thanksgiving meals are as anticipated, if not more so, than the main event itself. The joy of repurposing that magnificent roasted turkey into new, equally delectable dishes is a tradition ingrained in our culinary DNA. That longing for the familiar comfort of leftover creations led me to an impromptu decision: the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I found myself in the kitchen, cooking a completely spontaneous turkey dinner. After all, what’s Thanksgiving without the promise of next-week turkey sandwiches, hearty Turkey Pot Pie, and my mom’s legendary Turkey Chow Mein Casserole?
This particular casserole holds a special place in my heart and in our family’s post-Thanksgiving ritual. It makes a regular appearance in the days following most, if not all, turkey dinners at my mom’s house. She has a way of whipping it up effortlessly, typically using a couple of cans of Cream of Chicken soup as the base, tossed together with the other ingredients. The result is always a scrumptious blend of creamy and crunchy textures, where a luscious sauce beautifully coats crisp celery, crunchy chow mein noodles, succulent shredded turkey, and tender bean sprouts. It’s the quintessential comfort food – warm, satisfying, and brimming with nostalgic flavors that transport you straight back to childhood.
Over the years, as I’ve grown more interested in cooking from scratch and understanding the ingredients in my food, I decided to adapt my mom’s beloved recipe. My goal was to create a version that was just as delicious, if not more so, while minimizing processed ingredients. I opted for a really simple sauce, building it from basic components like milk and broth, thickened with a classic butter and flour roux. This homemade approach doesn’t take significantly more time than opening a can, and it offers the peace of mind that comes with avoiding a handful of questionable additives often found in store-bought soups. The flavor, too, is richer and more nuanced, allowing the natural goodness of the turkey and vegetables to shine through.
Crafting the perfect Turkey Chow Mein Casserole is all about balance – the freshness of vegetables, the savory depth of turkey, and the delightful crunch of the noodles. During my recipe research, I discovered variations that include water chestnuts, and I wholeheartedly recommend them! They add an extra layer of crispness and a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the dish beautifully. When it comes to preparing the turkey, “shredding” is key. The easiest method is to place a chunk of cooked turkey on a cutting board and use two forks to pull it apart in opposite directions. For larger pieces, a quick chop ensures every bite is perfect. This hands-on preparation ensures tender, flavorful turkey distributed throughout your casserole, ready to absorb all the delicious sauce.
If you’re as passionate about chow mein as I am, you might also be interested in discovering the best chow mein noodles for this recipe and other stir-fries. The right noodle can truly elevate the experience, providing that perfect texture contrast against the creamy sauce.
This Turkey Chow Mein Casserole isn’t just a way to use up leftovers; it’s an opportunity to extend the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. It’s an ideal meal for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or even a potluck. Its make-ahead potential also makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade comfort food with minimal effort on busy days. Whether you’re making it for the first time or rekindling a family tradition, this casserole promises to be a hit, bringing smiles and satisfying appetites with every flavorful bite.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes to Explore:
- Juicy Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer: A quick and healthy meal option for any time of year.
- Ground Turkey Soup: A comforting and nourishing soup perfect for chilly days.
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Turkey Chow Mein Casserole
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk or part milk, part cream for extra richness
- 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cups shredded leftover cooked turkey (both white and dark meat work well)
- 8 oz bean sprouts
- 1 14- oz bag crispy chow mein noodles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- (Optional: 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced, for extra crunch)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and achieves that desirable golden-brown topping.
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In a medium-large sized pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sliced celery, and sauté for about 1 minute until they begin to soften slightly. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for another minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Gradually pour in the milk (or milk and cream mixture) in a slow stream, stirring constantly with a whisk to incorporate it smoothly and prevent lumps. Stir in the chicken or turkey broth and soy sauce. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer and thickens to a rich, creamy consistency, which should take approximately 6 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked turkey, fresh bean sprouts, and three-quarters of the crispy chow mein noodles. If using, add the sliced water chestnuts at this stage. Pour the warm, creamy sauce over these ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
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Transfer the mixture into a baking dish with a capacity of 2 1/2 – 3 quarts (or liters); a standard 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly. Spread the casserole mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining one-quarter of the chow mein noodles over the top to create a crunchy crust. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you prefer an even crispier topping. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting leftover masterpiece!
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