Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole is the perfect dish to serve at your Kentucky Derby watch party. It is a take on the classic Hot Brown dish that was created in the 1920s at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

The original dish consists of an open-faced turkey sandwich topped with Mornay sauce, bacon, and tomatoes. It quickly became a regional favorite, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. This casserole version takes all the flavors of the classic dish and transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-make meal that requires minimal effort.

What I really love about this Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole is that it’s a dump-and-go recipe, making it ideal for busy days when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen making dinner. Unlike the traditional Hot Brown, which requires assembling and broiling each sandwich individually, this casserole simplifies the process by baking everything together in one dish.

With just a few minutes of hands-on prep, you can have a hearty meal that feeds a crowd with minimal effort, and even better in my book, minimal cleanup. The combination of pasta, Alfredo sauce, diced turkey, crispy bacon, and tomatoes creates a rich and savory dish that delivers all the classic flavors with much less work.

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole Ingredient Substitutions

Another great feature of this recipe is that it is very easy to use what you have on hand. For instance, while rotini pasta works well because its spirals hold onto the sauce, you can easily substitute other types of pasta based on what you have on hand. Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni would all work well in this dish.

In addition, if you don’t have any turkey on hand, you have options. Substitute leftover rotisserie chicken ham or pulled pork. And to take it one step further, if you prefer a different variety of cheese (like Italian blend or shredded provolone) you can change the flavor by using that instead.

As you can see this casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a classic (or modified) Kentucky Hot Brown dish with the convenience of a one-pan meal.

The History of the Kentucky Hot Brown Dish

The Kentucky Hot Brown is more than just a sandwich – it’s a piece of culinary history. Created in 1926 by Chef Fred Schmidt at the Brown Hotel, the original Hot Brown was designed as a late-night meal for hotel guests who wanted something hearty and indulgent.

The combination of turkey, cheese sauce, bacon, and tomatoes quickly became a signature dish of the region. Over the years, it has been adapted in various ways, from sliders to pizza and dips, and now, this easy-to-make casserole. (See my favorite Kentucky Hot Dip Recipe).

Many people serve Kentucky Hot Brown variations during Derby weekend, as it has become synonymous with Louisville’s famous horse race. So whether you’re hosting a Derby party or just looking for an easy meal to enjoy with family, this casserole is a great way to bring the flavors of the classic dish to your table.

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 16-ounce package rotini pasta, uncooked
• 22-ounce jar Alfredo sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups diced roasted turkey
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 pound cooked bacon, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, diced turkey, garlic, tomatoes, and bacon. Stir until well combined and smooth out the top with a spatula.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
5. Uncover and stir. Check the pasta—if it is al dente, proceed to the next step. If it is still too firm, cover and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until just slightly firm.
6. Once the pasta reaches an al dente texture, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
8. Optional: Turn the oven to broil for a minute or two to create a lightly golden-brown top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving and Storage Tips

This casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. It is a meal all on its own, but if you prefer you can start off with a side salad or serve it with a dinner roll. The bread is a great way to get all that sauce at the bottom of your plate. And of course, don’t forget to wash it down with derby classic beverage, like a Mint Julep!

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave. Or if you prefer, place the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Meal Prep Option

For those planning ahead, you can also prepare this dish in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

However, if you are baking straight from the refrigerator, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered cooking time to ensure the casserole is heated through the center.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the casserole a little heat.
• Use Different Cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for shredded Italian blend, Swiss, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
• Try a Different Protein: While turkey is traditional, you can use ham, chicken, or even pulled pork for a twist on the original.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers would all be great additions to this dish.

No matter how you prepare it, this Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole is an easy and delicious way to bring a classic flavors to your table just in time for the Derby. However, with minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite in your household like it has in mine!

Enjoy! Mary

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