If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that turns leftover turkey into something magical, you’ve got to try this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe. It’s warm and hearty but brightened up with fresh lemon zest and dill that give it a surprising twist. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the tangy, fresh flavors married perfectly with that comforting biscuit topping. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to way to use turkey beyond sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Comforting: The lemon and dill add a fresh zing that balances perfectly with the creamy turkey filling.
- Easy to Make: You’ll find the steps straightforward—even if you’re new to making casseroles.
- Great for Leftovers: It’s a fantastic way to use up extra turkey without getting bored of the usual recipes.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe come together beautifully to make a creamy, flavorful filling with a light, fluffy biscuit topping. When shopping, look for fresh dill and a good-quality cooked turkey to boost the flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you better control over the seasoning.
- Yellow Onion: Adds essential sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Carrot: Brings subtle sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Celery: Classic in casseroles for its aromatic crunch.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs in that delicious savory flavor.
- All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling and also forms the biscuit base.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the filling moist and flavorful without being salty.
- Whole Milk: Makes the filling luxuriously creamy.
- Dry Mustard & Dijon Mustard: These add complexity and a gentle tang to the sauce.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to make everything pop.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty umami boost to the filling.
- Fresh Dill: The star herb that brings that lovely lemony, grassy note.
- Lemon: Both zest and juice brighten the entire dish.
- Cooked Turkey: Use leftover or freshly cooked turkey, cubed for easy layering.
- Frozen Peas: Sweet bursts of freshness that add color and texture.
- Sugar, Baking Powder, and Milk (for Biscuits): These help create the soft, fluffy biscuit topping you’ll adore.
Variations
I love how flexible this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet dinner, there’s something here for everyone.
- Herb Swap: I’ve tried parsley instead of dill, and while dill is my go-to, parsley makes a nice mild alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter to make this casserole dairy-free without losing creaminess.
- Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms or spinach to the filling if you want extra greens or earthiness.
- Spicy Fix: For a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño.
How to Make Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies for a Flavorful Base
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, carrot, and celery, and cook them slowly until they soften—about 8 minutes. This slow sauté releases their natural sweetness, which is the secret behind that irresistible, comforting base in the casserole. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much, or it can get bitter.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Turkey Filling
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir to coat the veggies. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk. Be patient here so you get a smooth, lump-free sauce. Then, add dry mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything melds together. Now, fold in fresh dill, lemon zest, and juice—which is where this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe really shines with its bright flavor. Finally, toss in the cubed turkey and frozen peas, letting the heat gently thaw the peas and warm the turkey through.
Step 3: Prepare the Dill-Infused Biscuit Topping
While the filling cools a bit, mix the biscuit ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, fresh dill, milk, and chilled, diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then add the milk and gently stir until just combined—you want soft dough, but don’t overmix or the biscuits will turn tough! This biscuit dough adds the perfect fluffy, buttery layer on top.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Casserole
Spoon the turkey filling into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Then dollop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the top, leaving a little space between each. This helps the biscuits bake evenly and puff up beautifully. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. You’ll want to watch the edges so the biscuits don’t overbrown, but a little crust adds great texture.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Dairy: I learned that milk and butter at room temp mix better, giving your biscuits a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Mixing just until moistened keeps the biscuits tender, which I discovered after a few too-dense batches.
- Fresh Dill Makes a Difference: Dried dill just can’t compare—I always grab fresh dill for that punch of bright green flavor.
- Watch the Oven Door: Opening it too often can cause biscuits to deflate; I now rely on the oven light and window to check progress.
How to Serve Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill and a little extra lemon zest right before serving. It adds a lovely fresh aroma and a splash of color that makes the casserole feel even more inviting. Sometimes a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds that little extra shine and richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty complete on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add vibrancy and crunch. Roasted root vegetables or a simple cucumber-dill salad also complement the lemony dill flavors wonderfully, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins, which makes serving feel extra cozy and personal. Another fun trick is sprinkling a little more grated Parmesan on the biscuit topping before baking to get a cheesy, golden crust that wow guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day. Just cover it tightly to keep the biscuits from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole, either fully assembled or just the turkey filling. I recommend freezing before adding the biscuit topping because biscuits freeze better that way. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh biscuits on top and finishing in the oven for that just-baked goodness.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you want to refresh the biscuits, I pop the casserole in uncovered the last 5 minutes so they crisp back up. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to soften the biscuits.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey from the holidays for this casserole?
Absolutely! This Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe is perfect for using up your cooked turkey. Just cube the meat and add it to the filling as directed. It’s a delicious way to make the most of your leftovers.
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Can I substitute canned biscuits instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use canned biscuits to save time. Just arrange them on top of the turkey filling in the casserole and bake according to the biscuit package instructions. Homemade biscuits add a nicer texture and flavor, but canned works in a pinch.
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Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It sure is! You can freeze the filling and bake later with freshly made biscuits on top. I like to freeze the filling in a sealed container, then assemble and bake the biscuits fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
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Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute the butter and milk with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk. You might want to check seasoning to adjust flavors accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe turns simple ingredients into a comfort meal that feels fresh and special. The combination of creamy turkey filling with tangy lemon and fragrant dill surprises your taste buds in the best way. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers, I’m confident you’ll enjoy making—and eating—it as much as I do. So next time you’ve got turkey on hand, give this recipe a try; I’m betting you’ll want to make it again and again.
PrintTurkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for using leftover turkey. It features a creamy casserole filling made with cooked turkey, fresh vegetables, fragrant dill, and bright lemon zest and juice, all topped with tender homemade dill biscuits. The dish is baked to golden perfection, offering a satisfying combination of savory and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Casserole Filling:
- 5 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Divided
- 1 c. Chopped Yellow Onion
- 1 c. Peeled and Chopped Carrot
- 1 c. Chopped Celery
- 3 large cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1/3 c. All-purpose Flour
- 1/3 c. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 2 c. Whole Milk
- 1 tsp. Dry Mustard
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp. Kosher Salt, or More to Taste
- 1/4 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp. Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 whole Lemon, Zested
- 2 tbsp. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 4 c. Cubed Cooked Turkey
- 1 c. Frozen Peas
For the Biscuits:
- 1 c. All-purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp. Sugar
- 2 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp. Minced Fresh Dill
- 1/3 c. Milk
- 3 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Chilled and Diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, peeled and chopped carrot, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux. Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and whole milk to the roux, making sure to avoid lumps.
- Season and Thicken the Sauce: Add the dry mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-8 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Add Flavor and Protein: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cubed cooked turkey, and frozen peas. Mix gently to combine the filling evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Biscuits Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and minced fresh dill. Cut the chilled and diced unsalted butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk to Form Dough: Pour in the milk and stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the turkey filling evenly in a baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the surface of the casserole, covering the filling as much as possible.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to portion. Enjoy this comforting dish warm.
Notes
- When you’re in charge of the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, do you pick out a bird that is bigger than you actually need? This casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey and vegetables.
- Using fresh dill and lemon zest brightens the rich and creamy flavors of the casserole.
- If you prefer, substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative to make it suitable for low lactose diets.
- You can add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or green beans for more texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 594 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg