Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This British-inspired Turkey and Leek Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food that promises to warm hearts, satisfy hunger, and impress even the pickiest eaters. With a perfect blend of tender ground turkey, silky leeks, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with gourmet flavor in just one hour of cooking time.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbs. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a golden color, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add sliced leeks to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the leeks become soft and slightly translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add frozen peas to the mixture and stir, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the turkey and leek mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top of the casserole, creating a uniform layer that will become golden and crispy.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning into four equal servings as a hearty main course.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, ensure you brown the ground turkey thoroughly, developing a golden color that adds depth to the dish.
- When sautéing leeks, slice them thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and distribution throughout the casserole.
- Use fresh thyme if possible, as it will provide a more vibrant herb flavor compared to dried thyme.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps the casserole set and makes serving much easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the cream provides a richer texture.
- If you want extra crunch, consider mixing some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb topping before sprinkling.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
