If it was a manic Monday and you are wishing it were still Sunday, there’s only one thing that’ll make it alright. Monday’s Turkey Bake is something to look forward to as you make your way through the hustle and bustle of the start of the week. Coming home to some warm and cozy noodles mixed with tender turkey, fresh veggies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce will really make everything feel right in the world. So, slow down and take a deep breath. Monday’s Turkey Bake is here to make everything better!
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package medium egg noodles
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons parmesan, grated, divided
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 3 cups turkey, cooked and diced
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained
Directions
Step 1 –Lightly grease a 12x8x2-inch baking dish.
Step 2 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the noodles to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the water.
Step 3 –In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add the onion, the green pepper, and the butter and cook until the veggies are tender.
Step 4 –Add the flour to the veggie mixture and stir until it is smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
Step 5 –Gradually add the milk to the veggie mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until it has thickened and is bubbly.
Step 6 –Stir the cooked noodles, 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, the poppy seeds, the salt, the red pepper, and the turkey into the sauce mixture.
Step 7 –Add the pimientos to the turkey mixture and stir gently.
Step 8 –Spoon the turkey mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Place it in the refrigerator and chill, about 8 hours.
Step 9 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 10 –Transfer the baking dish from the refrigerator and let the turkey bake stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 11 –Bake the turkey bake, covered, for 45 minutes.
Step 12 –Uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the turkey bake with the remaining parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, until it is thoroughly heated, about 10 minutes.
Step 13 –Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and let the turkey bake cool, about 10 minutes.
Step 14 –Serve.
