If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that wraps you in comfort with a fresh twist, then this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the zesty lemon and fragrant dill brighten up the rich turkey and creamy sauce, topped off with fluffy homemade biscuits—it’s like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or craving something a little different for dinner, keep reading because you’re going to want to make this again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Comforting Flavors: The tangy lemon and fresh dill add a lively punch to the classic turkey casserole.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe transforms your turkey leftovers into something completely new and special.
- Easy Homemade Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits baked right on top make every bite irresistibly cozy.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for this one—always a dinner win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously—the savory turkey and veggie filling paired with buttery, dill-infused biscuits is a crowd pleaser. Note that using fresh dill and lemon zest really makes the flavor shine, so don’t skip those!
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish perfectly.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the casserole filling.
- Carrot: Brings subtle sweetness and color—feel free to grate finely for even cooking.
- Celery: Gives a mild crunch and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that rich, savory kick.
- All-purpose Flour: Key for thickening the sauce and also used in the biscuit dough.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps flavors full without being too salty.
- Whole Milk: Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Dry Mustard & Dijon Mustard: These bring a subtle tang and complexity to the filling.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste—you’ll want a good balance.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, umami richness.
- Fresh Dill: The star herb that brightens up the entire casserole.
- Lemon (Zest & Juice): Injects zing and freshness that balances the creamy filling.
- Cubed Cooked Turkey: Great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers or any roasted turkey.
- Frozen Peas: For a pop of sweetness and color.
- Sugar: Just a touch to enhance biscuit browning and balance flavors.
- Baking Powder: Makes biscuits light and fluffy.
- Minced Fresh Dill (for biscuits): Keeps the herb theme consistent and delicious.
- Milk (for biscuits): Helps bring the biscuit dough together while adding tenderness.
- Chilled and Diced Unsalted Butter (for biscuits): When mixed just right creates the flaky biscuit layers you’ll love.
Variations
I love tweaking this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe depending on what I have in my fridge or who I’m feeding. It’s super adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!
- Vegetarian Variation: Substitute the turkey with extra mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth—you won’t miss the meat!
- Herb Swap: If dill isn’t your favorite, fresh thyme or tarragon also work wonderfully and lend a different, yet delicious aroma.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle warmth that balances the citrusy flavors.
- Biscuits Upgrade: Try topping the casserole with cheddar or parmesan biscuits for an extra cheesy finish.
How to Make Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery and cook until tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes—this softens the veggies and forms a flavorful base. Toss in the minced garlic in the last minute to get that garlicky aroma just right, but be careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your softened veggies and stir constantly for about 2 minutes—the flour will absorb the butter and form a roux that thickens the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add dry mustard, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, then cook on low until the sauce thickens, around 5 minutes. This creamy, tangy base is what makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Brighten with Lemon and Dill, Then Add Turkey and Peas
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This fresh combo takes the sauce to another level. Stir in cubed cooked turkey and frozen peas—make sure the turkey is cut into bite-sized pieces so each scoop has a little bit of everything.
Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and minced fresh dill for the biscuits. Cut in the cold, diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Stir in milk until the dough just comes together—don’t overmix, or your biscuits might get tough. The dill in the biscuit dough adds such a lovely, consistent herb flavor throughout the dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the turkey filling to a buttered casserole dish and drop biscuit dough by spoonfuls evenly over the top. Pop it into a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the biscuits are golden, and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on those biscuits—the edges should be perfectly crisp. I’ve learned that placing a baking sheet on the rack below can catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Use Cold Butter for Biscuit Tenderness: Chilling and dicing the butter finely helps create those flaky, buttery layers you’ll adore in the biscuits.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: Adding zest, not just juice, gives your casserole a vibrant lemon flavor that brightens every bite.
- Fresh Dill is a Game Changer: Dried dill just can’t compare; fresh dill brings a delightful herbal punch to both filling and biscuit topping.
- Mind the Biscuit Placement: Space out the biscuit dollops evenly so they bake into lovely golden pillows without merging into one.
How to Serve Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh dill on top after baking for a fresh, green pop of color and flavor—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A few thin lemon slices on the side add a pretty touch and an extra zing for diners who want more citrus.
Side Dishes
To keep things light, I often serve this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. If you want to go heartier, roasted root vegetables or a simple carrot and beet salad complement the lemon and dill flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve used individual ramekins to make personal servings—it’s charming and serves beautifully. You can also top each portion with a tiny sprig of fresh dill and a lemon twist for an elegant touch that impresses your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The biscuits soften a bit but the flavors deepen overnight—which is a win in my book!
Freezing
I’ve frozen the turkey casserole (before baking the biscuits on top), tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and add the biscuit topping fresh, then bake. This keeps the biscuits delightfully fresh and flaky.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. About 15-20 minutes heats through without making the biscuits too tough. You can refresh the biscuit tops with a quick brush of melted butter before warming for extra yum.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover cooked turkey for this casserole?
Absolutely! This Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Just cube your cooked turkey, and toss it into the filling mixture as instructed. It’s a delicious way to transform leftovers into a brand-new meal.
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Can I substitute the fresh dill with dried dill?
While fresh dill really shines in this recipe and gives a vibrant flavor, you can use dried dill if needed—use about one-third the amount and add it during cooking to help release its flavors. Just know the flavor won’t be quite as bright and fresh.
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How do I make sure the biscuits bake evenly on top?
Drop the biscuit dough by spoonfuls spaced evenly across the casserole, leaving room for them to puff and brown without merging. Baking in the middle oven rack usually gives the best even heat. Watch for a beautiful golden top as your cue that they’re done!
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the biscuit topping and bake just before serving to keep the biscuits fresh and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe has become one of my go-to family dinners. It’s comforting yet fresh, easy to make but feels special enough for company. I love seeing everyone cozy up with a plate of this casserole, biscuits steaming and flavors singing with bright lemon and herb notes. I hope you’ll try it soon and find yourself loving it just as much as I do—here’s to many happy, delicious dinners ahead!
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, flavorful dish perfect for using leftover turkey. The savory turkey casserole filling is enriched with fresh dill, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard, creating a bright and herbaceous flavor profile. Topped with fluffy, herb-infused biscuits, this one-pot meal is ideal for family dinners or holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Casserole Filling:
- 5 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Divided
- 1 cup Chopped Yellow Onion
- 1 cup Peeled and Chopped Carrot
- 1 cup Chopped Celery
- 3 large Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 1/3 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 2 cups 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 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 whole Lemon, Zested
- 2 tbsp Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 4 cups Cubed Cooked Turkey
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
For the Biscuits:
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Minced Fresh Dill
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Chilled and Diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux. This will thicken your sauce.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and whole milk. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in dry mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add Herbs, Lemon, Turkey, and Peas: Stir in chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cubed cooked turkey, and frozen peas. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and minced fresh dill. Add the milk and diced chilled unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the turkey filling to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over the top of the filling.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty and comforting casserole with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables.
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 recipe helps make delicious use of those leftovers.
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas when in season for extra sweetness.
- For a richer biscuit topping, brush the biscuits with melted butter before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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