Turkey & Green Bean Casserole Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm casserole coming out of the oven, bubbling with creamy goodness and golden on top. Turkey & Green Bean Casserole is one of those dishes that brings together everything we love about home-cooked meals — hearty protein, fresh vegetables, and rich, savory flavors all baked together in one dish. Perfect for using up leftover turkey after a holiday feast or as a cozy family dinner any night of the week, this casserole is a delicious way to stretch ingredients and create something truly satisfying.

Inspired by the classic green bean casserole that graces many Thanksgiving tables, this version adds tender chunks of turkey to make it more filling and wholesome. It’s nostalgic, creamy, and loaded with flavor — the kind of recipe that gets everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re gathering around the table with loved ones or simply craving a comforting dinner on a chilly evening, this turkey and green bean combination is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half (or use 2 cans drained green beans)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup milk

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided — for topping and mixing)

• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or fresh thyme

Directions

1. Preheat the oven.
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Cook the green beans.
   If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook for 5–6 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain them well.

3. Sauté the onions and garlic.
   In a skillet, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Prepare the creamy mixture.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.

5. Add the turkey and green beans.
   Stir in the cooked turkey, green beans, and sautéed onions and garlic. Add about ½ cup of the crispy fried onions into the mix for extra crunch and flavor.

6. Assemble the casserole.
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

7. Bake the casserole.
   Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.

8. Add the topping.
   Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.

9. Serve and enjoy.
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme if desired.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

Notes

• Make it lighter: Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

• Add more veggies: Mix in corn, mushrooms, or diced carrots for extra texture and nutrition.

• No cream of mushroom? Substitute with cream of chicken or homemade white sauce.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

• Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the fried onions) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey & Green Bean Casserole

This dish checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make — perfect for busy families who want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender turkey and creamy mushroom sauce creates an irresistible flavor base, while the crisp green beans add freshness and balance.

One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can make it after Thanksgiving to use up leftover turkey, or prepare it anytime with rotisserie chicken as a substitute. The familiar flavor of green bean casserole gives it that nostalgic holiday feeling, yet the addition of turkey transforms it into a complete meal on its own.

And let’s not forget the golden layer of crispy fried onions — that crunchy finish makes every bite even more addictive. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side dish, this recipe will easily become a staple in your home.

Serving Suggestions

1. As a main course:
Pair this casserole with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to create a complete, balanced meal. A slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls also complements the creamy texture beautifully.

2. As a holiday side:
This dish fits perfectly on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that guests of all ages will enjoy.

3. As a weeknight dinner:
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. It’s an easy solution for busy weeknights when you still want a wholesome, comforting meal.

4. For potlucks or gatherings:
This casserole travels well and can be reheated easily, making it ideal for sharing at potlucks, family reunions, or church dinners. Just cover it with foil to keep it warm and crispy.

Variations to Try

1. Turkey & Broccoli Casserole:
Swap out green beans for broccoli florets. The flavor pairs wonderfully with cheddar cheese and gives a vibrant pop of color.

2. Turkey & Rice Casserole:
Stir in 2 cups of cooked rice before baking to make the dish even heartier.

3. Cheesy Turkey & Green Bean Bake:
Add an extra layer of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.

4. Turkey & Mushroom Casserole:
Add 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms to the skillet when sautéing onions for an earthy, savory flavor boost.

5. Turkey & Potato Casserole:
Layer thinly sliced cooked potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish before adding the turkey mixture for a casserole-meets-gratin twist.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Don’t overcook the green beans.
If you’re using fresh beans, blanch them until just tender — they’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to turn mushy.

2. Balance the creaminess.
The combination of sour cream and soup creates the ideal creamy texture. If it feels too thick, add an extra splash of milk before baking.

3. Keep the onions crispy.
Add the fried onions toward the end of baking to prevent them from burning. This gives you the perfect golden crunch.

4. Use quality turkey.
If you’re using leftover roasted turkey, make sure it’s moist and well-seasoned. Dry turkey can make the casserole less enjoyable. You can mix in a little broth to refresh it before adding it to the mixture.

5. Adjust seasoning before baking.
Taste the creamy base before combining everything. Once it’s baked, it’s harder to adjust salt or spice levels.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator:
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
To freeze, assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. Add fresh fried onions on top if you want to restore the crunch.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

What makes this Turkey & Green Bean Casserole a true winner is its balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce ties everything together — savory turkey, crisp-tender green beans, melted cheese, and crunchy onions — creating layers of comfort in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for holidays and gatherings.

Another reason this recipe shines is its flexibility. You can make it with whatever ingredients you have on hand, from leftover Thanksgiving turkey to canned green beans. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and family-approved. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

This is one of those recipes that reminds us why comfort food is timeless — it brings people together, fills the kitchen with warmth, and delivers that satisfying feeling that only a homemade meal can provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole (except for the fried onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. Add the fried onions during the last few minutes for that perfect crispy finish.

2. Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely. Frozen green beans work very well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the mixture before baking. They’ll cook perfectly in the oven and maintain their texture.

3. How can I make this dairy-free?

You can easily make this casserole dairy-free by using a plant-based cream soup, dairy-free sour cream alternative, and vegan cheese. Coconut milk or oat milk also work well as a substitute for regular milk in the creamy base.

4. What can I serve with Turkey & Green Bean Casserole?

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a light salad. For holidays, it complements stuffing, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce beautifully.

Turkey & Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm casserole fresh out of the oven, bubbling with creamy goodness and topped with crispy onions. Turkey & Green Bean Casserole brings together tender turkey, crisp green beans, and a rich mushroom sauce to create a meal that’s both hearty and nostalgic. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey after the holidays or for any cozy family dinner during the week. Simple to make, full of flavor, and sure to satisfy, this dish delivers everything you love about classic comfort food in one easy bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half (or 2 cans, drained)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup milk

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided — for topping and mixing)

• Optional: chopped parsley or fresh thyme for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5–6 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned green beans, drain well.

• In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

• In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• Stir in cooked turkey, green beans, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Add ½ cup of crispy fried onions to the mixture for added crunch.

• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly around the edges.

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle remaining crispy fried onions on top. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes until golden brown.

• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.

• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or homemade white sauce if preferred.

• Add extra veggies like corn, mushrooms, or carrots for more color and nutrition.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

• To freeze, assemble without the fried onion topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Michelle Davis