Oh, let me tell you about my Thanksgiving noodles recipe! This dish has become a beloved staple in my home during the holiday season. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with all those wonderful flavors we crave around Thanksgiving. I love how the tender egg noodles soak up the creamy mushroom sauce and the juicy turkey, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey! Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Noodles Recipe
- 8 ounces egg noodles: These are the star of the dish, providing a delightful base that holds all the flavors together.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded: Leftover turkey works perfectly here, but feel free to use rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Fresh or frozen, they add a nice crunch and brighten up the dish.
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup: This creamy goodness binds everything together and adds a rich flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer, just to control the saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that lovely garlic aroma that makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor without the hassle of chopping onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This melty topping is what makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For a crispy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Noodles Recipe
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, let’s get those egg noodles cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until they’re al dente. You want them to have a slight bite since they’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Trust me, no one likes mushy noodles! Once they’re done, drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Combining Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded turkey, chopped green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. I like to sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder at this point for an extra flavor boost. Give everything a good stir, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with that creamy goodness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking! This step is crucial because you want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
Baking Instructions
Ready to bake? Transfer your delicious noodle mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, it’s time for the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the dish in for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Oh, it’s going to be hard to wait, but trust me, it’ll be worth it when you dig in!
Tips for Success
- Make it ahead: This Thanksgiving noodles recipe can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It saves you time on the big day!
- Vegetable extras: Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Adding peas, corn, or even bell peppers can really elevate the dish and add some extra color and flavor.
- Cheese choices: While I love cheddar, experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can change the flavor profile completely. Go with what you love!
- Crunch factor: If you want an even crunchier topping, try adding crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. It will add a delightful twist!
- Seasoning: Don’t hold back on the salt and pepper! Taste as you go to ensure the flavors are just right. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick!
- Gluten-free option: If you’re making this for someone who needs to avoid gluten, just swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free too.
Variations on Thanksgiving Noodles Recipe
This Thanksgiving noodles recipe is so versatile, and I just love how you can mix it up based on what you have or what you’re craving! Here are a few fun ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Veggie overload: Want to pack in more nutrients? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or even spinach. They’ll blend beautifully with the creamy sauce!
- Different proteins: Not a turkey fan? No problem! Shredded chicken, ham, or even a mix of sautéed mushrooms can be delicious substitutes. You could even try adding some crumbled sausage for a savory twist!
- Cheesy goodness: If you’re feeling indulgent, why not mix in some cream cheese or sour cream with the mushroom soup? It’ll make the dish even creamier and richer.
- Herb it up: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to give your dish an aromatic lift. Just a teaspoon or two can elevate the flavors to a whole new level!
- Spicy kick: For those who like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’ll add a fun zing to the comforting flavors.
- Seasonal flair: Embrace the fall vibe by adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. They add a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of this dish is that it can be tailored to your taste and whatever you have on hand. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this Thanksgiving noodles recipe are a fantastic treat for the next day! To store, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well sealed to prevent it from drying out.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is key to keeping all those flavors intact. I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the noodles in a baking dish. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of cream to keep it moist. Cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too much and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it from drying out), and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed to your liking.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving noodles with all their cheesy, creamy goodness just as much as the first time around!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this Thanksgiving noodles recipe, it’s good to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust them according to your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing what’s going into your comforting holiday dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried egg noodles?
Absolutely! Fresh noodles will work beautifully in this Thanksgiving noodles recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster than dried noodles.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can make your own by mixing sour cream with sautéed mushrooms and a bit of chicken broth for creaminess. Alternatively, a cream of chicken or celery soup can also work well!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also include more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils for added protein.
Can I freeze the Thanksgiving noodles?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should hold up well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake until heated through. This keeps the noodles creamy without drying them out. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Thanksgiving Noodles Recipe: 5 Cozy Flavors to Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious thanksgiving noodles recipe that combines flavors of the season.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, turkey, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- You can substitute turkey with chicken if preferred.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: thanksgiving noodles recipe, turkey noodle casserole, holiday pasta dish
