ULTIMATE CREAMY TURKEY STROGANOFF

I can almost smell the holidays just thinking about this. Every year after Thanksgiving, we’re left with a mountain of leftover turkey, and while turkey sandwiches are delicious, they can get old fast. My mom always had the perfect solution: a Creamy Turkey Stroganoff Recipe that transformed those humble leftovers into a comforting, gourmet meal. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Turkey Stroganoff Recipe you’ll ever make! It’s so good, you might even roast a turkey just to have leftovers!

Creamy Turkey Stroganoff: A Family Favorite

Creamy Turkey Stroganoff isn’t just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s that warm, comforting dish you crave on a chilly evening, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey, but honestly, it’s so delicious you might be tempted to cook a turkey specifically for this dish! What makes it so special? It’s the rich, creamy sauce, the tender pieces of turkey, and the perfectly cooked noodles, all coming together in a symphony of flavor.

I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, and I’m excited to share it with you. I’ll guide you through each step, offering tips and tricks to ensure your stroganoff turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, this will become a staple in your household, just like it is in mine.

Why This Recipe Works

You might be wondering, what makes this particular Turkey Stroganoff recipe stand out? Here’s why:

• Flavor Depth: We’re not just relying on cream for flavor. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a complex and savory base for the sauce.
• Perfectly Cooked Noodles: No one wants mushy noodles! I’ll show you how to cook your noodles al dente, so they hold their shape and texture in the creamy sauce.
• Tender Turkey: Whether you’re using leftover roasted turkey or cooking turkey specifically for this dish, I’ll share tips on how to keep the turkey moist and tender.
• Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: The sauce is the star of the show. We’ll use a combination of sour cream and cream cheese to achieve the perfect balance of richness and tang.

Let’s Get Cooking: Creamy Turkey Stroganoff Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the recipe! Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; it’s all pretty straightforward, and I promise you, the results are worth it. I’m going to walk you through each step, so you can create a truly amazing Creamy Turkey Stroganoff.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Remember, al dente means slightly firm to the bite. We don’t want mushy noodles!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The onions should be fragrant and starting to turn a golden color.
3. Add the Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The mushrooms should be nicely browned and tender. The garlic should smell amazing!
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be sure to cook the flour long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste.
5. Whisk in the Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those browned bits are where a lot of flavor is hiding, so don’t skip this step!
6. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings add depth and complexity to the sauce. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Add the Turkey: Stir in the cooked turkey and heat through. Make sure the turkey is heated through evenly. You don’t want any cold spots.
9. Stir in the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. The cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Make sure it’s fully incorporated for the best texture.
10. Add the Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. It’s important to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the sour cream, as high heat can cause it to curdle.
11. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and creamy Turkey Stroganoff!

Success Tips for Perfect Creamy Turkey Stroganoff

Want to make sure your Creamy Turkey Stroganoff is a home run every time? Here are some golden tips to guarantee success:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles are key! Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the sauce, ruining the texture of the dish.
• Brown the Mushrooms Properly: Take the time to brown the mushrooms properly. This step adds a ton of flavor to the dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese will ensure that it melts smoothly into the sauce without leaving any lumps.
• Don’t Boil the Sour Cream: High heat can cause sour cream to curdle, so it’s important to remove the skillet from the heat before adding it.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Salt, pepper, and a little extra Dijon mustard can make a big difference.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this Creamy Turkey Stroganoff recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Different Noodles: Use any type of pasta you like, such as fettuccine, pappardelle, or even gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey with sautéed tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the stroganoff for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to add a unique flavor profile.
• Wine Substitution: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

This Creamy Turkey Stroganoff is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later. Here’s how:

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the stroganoff sauce (without the sour cream) up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce over medium heat, then stir in the sour cream and cooked noodles. Add the turkey at the end of the reheating process.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Creamy Turkey Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

Reheat the stroganoff in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Turkey Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the richness of the stroganoff.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Creamy Turkey Stroganoff!

There you have it! My all-time favorite Creamy Turkey Stroganoff Recipe. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover turkey and create a comforting and delicious meal that everyone will love. Remember to follow my success tips and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!

Ultimate Creamy Turkey Stroganoff

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Transform leftover turkey into a gourmet, comforting meal with this creamy turkey stroganoff recipe. Featuring a rich sauce made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this dish is perfect for a chilly evening and sure to become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Large pot
• Colander or strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk
• Spatula or spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine optional
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
• Stir in the cooked turkey and heat through.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream.
• Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality chicken broth and fresh ingredients. To prevent the sour cream from curdling, ensure the skillet is removed from heat before adding it. This dish can be made ahead of time; store the sauce (without sour cream) separately from the noodles and turkey. Reheat the sauce, then add the sour cream, noodles, and turkey before serving. To make a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with sautéed tofu or tempeh.