This dish will put a spell on you! This Magical Noodle Bake is cheesy, sharp, tender, and delicious, the perfect incantation for instant first-bite happiness! Notes of parmesan, nutty poppy, rich butter, and bright green peppers enhance the flavor of the creamy sauce, the bouncy noodles, and the juicy, savory turkey. This is no illusion; it’s the Magical Noodle Bake and it’s about to make your dinner feel wizardly!
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package medium-size egg noodles, uncooked
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated, divided
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper
- 3 cups turkey, cooked and diced
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained
Directions
Step 1 –Lightly grease an 8×12-inch baking dish.
Step 2 –Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
Step 3 –Drain the noodles well and set them aside.
Step 4 –In a Dutch over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 5 –Add the onion and the green pepper to the melted butter and sauté until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 6 –Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 7 –Gradually add the milk and cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Step 8 –Stir in the cooked noodles, 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, the poppy seeds, the salt, the red pepper, and the cooked turkey.
Step 9 –Add the pimientos and stir gently to incorporate.
Step 10 –Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 11 –Cover and chill the casserole for at least 8 hours and up to overnight.
Step 12 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 13 –Let the dish stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake the casserole, covered, for 45 minutes.
Step 14 –Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Step 15 –Bake again, uncovered, until thoroughly heated, about 10 minutes.
Step 16 –Serve.
