Keto turkey casserole: Easy low-carb Leftover recipe

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Hey there, my wonderful low-carb loving friends! I hope you're all having an absolutely delightful time, especially with the holiday season in full swing. Today, I'm about to share something extra special that I've been holding onto just for this time of year. So, did you ever wonder what the perfect way to use all that extra leftover turkey from your holiday feasts is? Well, buckle up because I'm about to unveil my ultimate keto turkey casserole. Yes, you heard me right!

Reinventing Leftovers

As a keto food lover and blogger, I must say, turkey leftovers are often my favorite part of the post-Thanksgiving aftermath. Now, I'm sure many of you are on the same page. Why let such a good protein source go to waste? That's why I came up with this simple, mouthwatering leftover turkey casserole recipe.

With the creamy goodness of cream cheese, the hearty feel of cauliflower rice, the comforting touch of heavy cream, and of course, our star ingredient, ground turkey, this casserole is the ultimate low-carb comfort food. And what's more? It's a great way to keep our keto commitments even during the holiday season!

Keto turkey casserole

The Ingredients

I must confess, the beauty of this recipe lies in the incredible symphony of flavors. And the best part? You've probably got most of these in your pantry right now!

• For the Casserole:
  • Leftover turkey, diced
  • Cream cheese, at room temperature
  • Heavy cream
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Olive oil
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Topping:
  • Pork rinds, crushed
  • Extra cheese (because who doesn't love that extra cheesy touch, right?)

Directions

Now, we get to the really fun part: creating our masterpiece! Grab your casserole dish and large skillet, and let's get to work:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In your large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your cauliflower rice, stirring occasionally until it gets nice and toasty.
3. Mix in your garlic and onion powder, along with a little bit of sea salt and black pepper.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover turkey, cream cheese, heavy cream, and half of your shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
5. Now, add your seasoned cauliflower rice into the mix, stirring once more to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Spoon the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top off with your remaining cheese and crushed pork rinds for that extra crunch!
8. Pop your casserole in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Trust me, the heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen!
9. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, garnish with some fresh parsley and green onions, and serve warm. Delicious!

Now, wouldn't you agree this is the perfect dish to put those turkey leftovers to use? Plus, it's an excellent addition to your collection of low-carb recipes.

Nutritional Breakdown

I know, I know, you're wondering about the nutritional information. Well, here it is:

Per serving, this casserole provides:

• Calories: 389
• Total Carbs: 9g
• Net Carbs: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 30g

Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on exact measurements and specific brands of ingredients used.

Leftover Turkey: 10 Other Keto Recipes to Try

1. Keto Turkey Soup: Simmer turkey bones to create a flavorful broth, then add leftover turkey, low-carb veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower. Season with herbs and spices for a comforting and hearty soup.
2. Turkey Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats: Halve a spaghetti squash, scoop out the seeds, bake until tender. Mix leftover turkey with a creamy Alfredo sauce and spoon into the squash boats. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
3. Low Carb Turkey Taco Skillet: Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in olive oil. Add ground cumin, chili powder, and leftover turkey. Serve this savory mixture in lettuce wraps for a tasty low-carb taco experience!
4. Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of leftover turkey, cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, and spices. Top with shredded cheese and bake until peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
5. Keto Turkey Enchiladas: Use low-carb tortillas to make these enchiladas. Fill with leftover turkey, roll up, and place in a greased baking dish. Pour over enchilada sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden.
6. Turkey Salad with Avocado and Bacon: Combine leftover turkey, crispy bacon, ripe avocado, and fresh green onions in a bowl. Drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Toss to combine.
7. Low Carb Turkey Club Wrap: Use a low-carb tortilla to create a club wrap. Layer with leftover turkey, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and a smear of mayo for a keto-friendly version of the classic sandwich.
8. Keto Turkey and Cauliflower Cheese Bake: Combine leftover turkey and cooked cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Stir in a creamy cheese sauce, pour into a casserole dish, and top with shredded cheese. Bake until golden and bubbling.
9. Turkey Broccoli Casserole: Mix leftover turkey with lightly steamed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese. Pour into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
10. Keto Turkey Pizza Crust: Mix leftover turkey with an egg, cheese, and a bit of almond flour to form a dough. Flatten into a pizza shape on a baking sheet, bake until golden, then top with your favorite low-carb pizza toppings and bake again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

FAQ

Is this keto turkey casserole a good option for those on a low-carb diet?

Absolutely! This recipe is specifically tailored for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The key to success on these diets is finding a balance of high-quality proteins, fats, and low-carb veggies - all of which are found in this recipe. With just 5g of net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly within your daily carb limit, making it an excellent choice. Moreover, as this recipe uses cauliflower rice, a low carb alternative to traditional rice, it offers an additional source of fiber and nutrients without the carb overload.

Can I substitute the ground turkey with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can! This recipe is incredibly flexible and both leftover chicken and rotisserie chicken make excellent alternatives. The great thing about using chicken is that it's readily available and would still offer a similar texture and protein content as turkey. You can add in leftover chicken (or even rotisserie chicken) in the same quantity as the turkey. If the chicken is already seasoned, you might want to adjust the seasoning in this recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.

Can I freeze this low carb turkey casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This can be a fantastic way to have a ready-to-go keto-friendly meal for those days when you just don't have the time to cook!

What can I serve alongside this casserole?

A fresh green salad or some steamed fresh green beans would make excellent sides, offering a vibrant, crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole. You could also consider other low-carb vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. And if you're feeling adventurous, a side of keto cranberry sauce could add a lovely tangy contrast! The slight sweetness and tartness of the cranberry sauce would complement the rich, savory flavors of the casserole wonderfully.

Can I add other veggies to this casserole?

Absolutely. Adding vegetables can be a fantastic way to boost the nutritional profile and add more fiber to the meal. Low-carb veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, spaghetti squash, or even spinach would work perfectly. You can either mix them in with the casserole or layer them in between for extra texture and flavor!

Keto turkey casserole: Key Takeaways

So, there we have it, folks. This keto turkey casserole is not just a fantastic way to transform those turkey leftovers into a low-carb feast, but also:

• It's rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. The combination of the cream cheese, heavy cream, and turkey creates a rich, hearty dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. The added cheeses add a creamy, gooey texture that's just irresistible!
• It's versatile, meaning you can tweak the recipe to your liking. Whether you're adding in different vegetables, switching up the cheeses, or using chicken instead of turkey, this recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize.
• It's high in protein and low in carbs, making it perfect for those on a ketogenic diet. With 24g of protein per serving, it's a great way to meet your protein needs. And with only 5g net carbs, it fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto diet.
• It's comforting and warming, making it the perfect dish for this time of year. The combination of the creamy base, the cheesy topping, and the aromatic spices makes it a truly comforting dish that's perfect for the colder months.

Truly, this casserole ticks all the boxes for a keto-friendly, delicious, and satisfying meal!

Conclusion

Whether you're new to the low-carb lifestyle or a seasoned keto veteran, this keto turkey casserole is a must-try. Not only does it offer a great way to utilize those Thanksgiving leftovers, but it also keeps you on track with your healthy lifestyle goals during the holiday season. So, get your casserole dish ready, and let's turn those turkey leftovers into a keto culinary delight!

Until next time, stay low-carb and keep on cooking!

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