Creamy Turkey Ham Green Bean Casserole (Print Version)

Creamy Turkey Ham Green Bean Casserole. Savory turkey, ham, green beans in a rich cream cheese sauce. A comforting, easy family meal!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
03 - 1 cup cooked ham, diced
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
05 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
08 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 small onion, chopped
11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 tsp dried thyme
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - Salt to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those green beans ready. I trim the ends, then blanch them in boiling, salted water for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp, not soft. This is where I always forget to salt the water, honestly, then I kick myself later! Immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. This step is crucial for that perfect texture in your Cream Cheese Turkey Ham Green Bean Casserole. Drain them well and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant – oh, that smell! Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This creates the roux that will thicken our luscious sauce. Don't let it brown too much unless you want a nutty flavor, which isn't what we're going for here.
03 - Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Now, here's the magic: add the cream cheese, cut into cubes, and stir until it's completely melted and smooth. Keep stirring, don't walk away! Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Taste it! Adjust seasonings as needed. This creamy base is what makes this Cream Cheese Turkey Ham Green Bean Casserole so ridiculously good.
04 - Stir in your cooked turkey, ham, and the blanched green beans into the creamy sauce. Make sure everything is nicely coated. Transfer this glorious mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. I usually give it a little shake to make sure it's evenly distributed. This is where the whole dish starts to come together, looking all warm and inviting. Sometimes I get a little messy here, spilling a bit, but that's just part of the cooking charm, right?
05 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. You want that slightly crispy, cheesy crust, honestly, it's the best part! Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn't burn, because that would be a tragedy.
06 - Once it's out of the oven, let your Cream Cheese Turkey Ham Green Bean Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set a bit and makes for easier scooping. The aroma will be incredible! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. It's truly a comforting meal that always brings smiles to the table.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip blanching the green beans; it keeps them vibrant and gives them a much better texture.
02 - Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best, creamiest sauce - I learned this the hard way.
03 - Reheating is best in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
04 - For an extra golden-brown topping, pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large skillet
03 - mixing bowls
04 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-500
Total Fat: 30-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-25g
Protein: 25-30g

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