THE Turkey Casserole for 50 - a Guest Post By MiMi

Pops and I got married in November 28, 1981. His side of the family hosted a bridal shower for me and made this very casserole. I don’t believe I have had it since, but think of it often. Everybody really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it enough to still remember it all of these years later.

This first recipe that I thought that I would love to share when Carlee started her blog in January was this recipe. We have been trying to share family favorite recipes both new and old. The ones that are important to me are the ones that have a special memory attached to them. We have made hamburger surprises, homemade noodles, lasagna, Cavanaugh’s noodles and now this. All of these recipes are very dear to me. It’s been a lot of fun remaking them and sharing them on the blog.

-MiMi

THE Turkey Casserole

Makes 3 9×13″ pans, serves 50

Ingredients:

25 pound turkey, cooked and cut into bite sized pieces

1 pound Uncle Ben’s rice

6 ounce diced pimentos

1 cup chopped celery

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

2 quarts chicken broth

1 quart milk

8 eggs, beaten

1 pound loaf of bread, cut into small cubes

For the gravy;

2 quarts chicken broth (it’s even better if you use some pan drippings as part of this)

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 cans of mushrooms

Kitchen boquet to flavor, or use 1 tsp sage, onion powder and thyme. I used a little less sage than suggested because some people in my family don’t like the flavor it adds.

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix all ingredients together and divide among 3 greased 9×13″ pans.
Bake for about an hour.
Cut into squares and serve with the gravy on top.
To make the gravy, mix the broth and starch together so you don’t get lumps. Pour into a saucepan along with the mushrooms and seasonings. Cook, stirring often until it is the consistency of gravy.

Fran Farr

Wednesday 5th of January 2022

Hi Carlee, Do you think this is a good recipe to make ahead and freeze? Do you cook the rice ahead of time?

I am cooking for a retreat of teenagers. Do you have experience with teenagers reactions to this dish? It looks wonderful. My family would love it, however we are all older now.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Fran

Carlee

@Fran Farr, we ate it growing up, so I don't see why teenagers wouldn't love it. You put the rice in uncooked and it cooks in the broth and milk. I don't see why you couldn't freeze it. Just be sure to give it lots of time to defrost so you don't end up with raw rice in the middle. I hope everyone love it. Now I want to make a batch myself!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home

Saturday 5th of November 2016

Looks like a wonderful pot luck recipe for using leftovers!

Monday 7th of November 2016

It is a great way to use leftovers and still feed a crowd! Thank you!

Joanne

Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you!

Beverly @Across the Blvd

Tuesday 1st of November 2016

This turkey casserole recipe looks delicious. What a great family recipe. Thanks for sharing at Thankful Thanksgiving Link Party. Pinned.

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

Thank you! It's one you definitely need a crowd for, but is always a hit when we make it!

Unknown

Wednesday 20th of January 2016

Wow, Carlee...what a great recipe! It sounds delicious and I'll definitely have to try it. I may have to make a smaller version of it though...LOL! Thanks For sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday...I always love to see what you link up! xoxo Lisa

I suppose 3 full 9x13" pans might be a bit much for a regular dinner! It was fun to try a recipe that hold such special memories for my mom. Thanks for hosting!