Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of stuffing mix
- 1 stick of melted butter
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- Leftover turkey or shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cans of green beans
- 1 can of milk (use an empty cream of mushroom can)
- French’s fried onions (to taste)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare the Stuffing Base:
- In a large bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to the instructions on the packages.
- Typically, you’ll add the stuffing mix, melted butter, and chicken broth. Mix well until the stuffing is moist.
- Layer the Base:
- Spread the prepared stuffing as the base layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the Protein:
- Layer the leftover turkey or shredded chicken over the stuffing layer.
- Prepare the Green Bean and Mushroom Mix:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of mushroom soup.
- Add Green Beans:
- Drain the two cans of green beans and add them to the cream of mushroom soup mixture.
- Adjust Consistency:
- Fill one empty can of cream of mushroom with milk and mix it into the green bean and mushroom mix. This helps to create a creamy sauce.
- Layer the Green Bean and Mushroom Mix:
- Pour the green bean and mushroom mixture over the layer of turkey or chicken.
- Top with Fried Onions:
- Sprinkle French’s fried onions on top of the casserole. You can use as many or as few as you like, depending on your preference.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Casserole!
Popular Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned? A1: Yes, you can certainly use fresh green beans. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Q2: Can I use a different cream soup instead of cream of mushroom? A2: Absolutely, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer. It will slightly alter the flavor but can be delicious.
Q3: Can I make this casserole in advance and reheat it? A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it as instructed in the recipe. Adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
Q4: Can I freeze the Thanksgiving Casserole for later? A4: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to three months. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed stuffing mix? A5: Certainly, homemade stuffing can be used for a more personalized touch. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and moist before using it as the base layer.
Q6: What can I serve as a side dish with this casserole? A6: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or cranberry sauce can be nice side options.
Q7: Can I use a different type of protein besides turkey or chicken? A7: You can use other proteins like ham, roast beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version, depending on your preference.