If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover turkey and craving something warm, cozy, and utterly comforting, then you’re going to love this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe. It’s the perfect way to reinvent your turkey into a dish that bursts with fresh citrusy brightness and herbaceous dill, all wrapped up under fluffy, tender biscuits. Trust me, this casserole is fan-freaking-tastic — it’s hearty but light, familiar but a little unexpected, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Fresh Flavor: The lemon zest and juice with fresh dill add a wonderful zing that livens up the classic turkey casserole.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy filling combined with buttery biscuits creates that perfect homey feel — like a warm hug in a dish.
- Great Use for Leftover Turkey: Instead of turkey fatigue, you’ll have a brand-new dinner that everyone actually asks for again.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Everyday pantry staples come together beautifully with just a few fresh additions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe are straightforward but clever. They work together to balance richness with freshness, and you’ll appreciate the little bursts of dill and lemon throughout. When shopping, try to pick the freshest lemon and dill you can find — it really makes a difference here!

- Unsalted Butter: I like separating it for the filling and biscuits because it helps control richness and flakiness perfectly.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness once sautéed, creating a savory base.
- Carrot: Brings a gentle natural sweetness and texture contrast.
- Celery: Gives a little aromatic crunch that pairs well with the turkey.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the savory notes without overpowering.
- All-purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the creamy filling and for the biscuit base.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The broth keeps the casserole moist and flavorful without being too salty.
- Whole Milk: Creates that luscious creamy sauce, but you could swap for a milk alternative if needed.
- Dry Mustard & Dijon Mustard: These add depth and a subtle tanginess I find very comforting.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season carefully; taste as you go to get the balance just right.
- Parmesan Cheese: Umami alert! It elevates the whole casserole with a salty, nutty flavor.
- Fresh Dill: The real star here — you’ll love how this herb brightens things up.
- Lemon (Zested and Juiced): Adding both zest and juice gives a fresh lemon punch that cuts through the creaminess.
- Cubed Cooked Turkey: Use your leftover turkey—it can be white meat, dark meat, or a mix.
- Frozen Peas: They add a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
- Sugar: Just a touch in the biscuits balances the savory flavors nicely.
- Baking Powder: This helps the biscuits rise perfectly fluffy.
- Minced Fresh Dill (in Biscuits): I love the continuity of dill in the biscuits matching the filling flavor.
- Milk (for biscuits): Helps get the biscuits tender and moist.
- Chilled, Diced Butter (for biscuits): Makes those biscuits flaky and irresistible.
Variations
One thing I love about this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to what you have on hand or your personal taste. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Swap Out the Protein: Sometimes I use leftover chicken instead of turkey; it works just as beautifully with the lemon and dill.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a delightful meatless version.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the filling and biscuits if you need to stay gluten-free — just adjust liquid levels accordingly.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have dill, tarragon or fresh parsley can add a lovely alternative bright note.
How to Make Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and let them soften until they’re tender—about 8 minutes. This slow sweat is what brings out the natural sweetness and builds a flavorful foundation. Add minced garlic last and cook another minute until fragrant, but be careful not to brown it; burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce with a Twist
Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir well to combine; this creates a roux that will thicken your sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the milk, making sure to keep stirring — you want a smooth, velvety sauce without any clumps. Stir in the dry mustard, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. This combination really pops and has that lovely balance of tang, creaminess, and depth.
Step 3: Fold in Turkey, Dill, and Peas
Once your sauce is thickened and bubbling gently, reduce the heat and add the cubed cooked turkey, chopped fresh dill, and frozen peas. Stir everything together gently so the turkey stays tender and doesn’t break apart too much. Let it all warm through on low heat while you prepare the biscuits.
Step 4: Whip Up the Dill Biscuits
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and minced fresh dill. Then cut in the chilled diced butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs — this is the secret to flaky biscuits! Stir in the milk until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay. This quick biscuit dough comes together in a flash and brings that tender, buttery finish right on top of your casserole.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake to Perfection
Pour the turkey filling into a buttered casserole dish, then drop dollops of biscuit dough evenly over the top — no need to spread it out too much, they’ll expand as they bake. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the biscuits puff up beautifully and soak up a bit of the sauce without getting soggy.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Use Fresh Lemon and Dill: I discovered fresh zest and dill really brighten the dish far beyond dried herbs or bottled lemon juice.
- Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Overworking the dough can make your biscuits tough — gentle folding is key to fluffiness.
- Low and Slow for Veggies: Taking your time to soften onions and carrots brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the tart lemon beautifully.
- Avoid Soggy Biscuits: Drop biscuit dough over the filling loosely, and bake uncovered to get that perfectly golden crust.
How to Serve Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of garnishing this casserole with a fresh sprinkle of chopped dill and a few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side. It adds a fresh look and reminds everyone of the bright lemon flavor inside, plus the herbs smell amazing while serving.
Side Dishes
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash are also great if you want to add a little more indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve spooned this casserole into individual ramekins and topped each with biscuit dough. It makes for a charming presentation and perfect individual servings. Adding a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream on the side gives it a lovely tangy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, bring it to room temperature before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! To freeze, I assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover it tightly, and pop it in the freezer. When defrosted, bake as usual, adding a bit of baking time if needed. It’s a lifesaver for quick meals after a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through — usually about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep the biscuits from drying out. Alternatively, single portions can be reheated in the microwave, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking the biscuits.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey from the holiday meal for this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole was actually born from leftover turkey. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into your cooked turkey and transform it into a comforting and flavorful new meal everyone will love.
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Is it possible to make the biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind you might need to adjust the liquid amount slightly, as gluten-free flours vary in absorption.
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Can this casserole be made ahead and refrigerated before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will start cold.
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What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?
While fresh dill is ideal for its brightness, dried dill can work in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated. You could also try tarragon or parsley as alternatives.
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Can I make the filling vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the turkey and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even tofu for protein. The creamy, flavorful sauce with lemon and dill shines just as well without the meat.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe turns out every time. It’s my go-to comfort food when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated. The bright lemon and fresh dill give it a lightness that keeps it from feeling heavy, which I really appreciate after the holidays or any big meal. If you’re sitting on some turkey leftovers, or just want a new twist on a classic casserole, give this a try — I promise you and your family will go crazy for it!
Print
Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
- Yield: 8 serving(s)
- 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 creamy turkey filling is infused with fresh dill and bright lemon zest and juice, topped with tender homemade dill biscuits for a delightful twist on a classic casserole.
Ingredients
Turkey Casserole Filling
- 5 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Divided
- 1 c. Chopped Yellow Onion
- 1 c. Peeled And Chopped Carrot
- 1 c. Chopped Celery
- 3 cloves (Large) 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
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 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour without browning it, which will thicken the casserole filling.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and whole milk until smooth. Stir in the dry mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Turkey and Peas: Remove the filling from heat, then stir in the cubed cooked turkey and frozen peas. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Prepare the Biscuits Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and minced fresh dill. Cut in the chilled diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the turkey filling to a large casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the top of the filling, covering the surface as much as possible.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, about 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly. Serve warm for a hearty and comforting meal.
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 is great for using up leftover turkey.
- The lemon zest and juice add a fresh brightness to the creamy casserole that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Fresh dill can be substituted with dried dill if necessary, but fresh dill provides the best flavor.
- Use chilled butter for the biscuits to ensure they turn out flaky and tender.
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