Marie Callender’s Roasted Turkey Breast & Stuffing: A Thanksgiving Favorite Any Time of Year

When you think of indulgent, homestyle Thanksgiving dinner, Marie Callender’s famous turkey, stuffing, and gravy meal probably comes to mind. This popular frozen dinner delivers all the nostalgia of a holiday feast in each hearty portion Keep reading to learn why Marie Callender’s turkey dinner is a go-to comfort food favorite you can enjoy any time of year

Turkey Dinner History and Origins

Marie Callender’s restaurants started out as a single pie shop in Long Beach, CA in 1948. Founder Marie Callender quickly expanded into full-service dining focused on hearty American comfort foods. The brand’s growth skyrocketed after launching its line of frozen meals in 1969.

The classic Marie Callender’s turkey dinner has been a signature menu item from the beginning It captures the essence of a traditional Thanksgiving meal any day of the year with tender sliced turkey breast, hearty stuffing, brown gravy, and sides. It’s not just popular around the holidays – it’s one of the brand’s top-selling meals year-round!

What’s in Marie Callender’s Turkey and Stuffing Dinner?

This filling frozen entree contains:

• Sliced turkey breast – The star of the meal! Real roasted turkey breast meat.

• Bread stuffing – Known as “dressing” in some regions. Made with cubes of bread, broth, onions, celery, sage, thyme, and other seasoning.

• Brown gravy – Thick, savory traditional gravy made from pan drippings.

• Green beans – Fresh green beans lightly seasoned. A Thanksgiving staple.

• Cranberry sauce – Tart cranberry sauce adds classic holiday flavor.

• Mashed potatoes – Creamy real mashed russet potatoes.

• Pumpkin pie – What’s Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? A mini pie is included.

All the traditional Thanksgiving favorites are packed into one meal for hearty comfort any day.

Nutrition Facts and Information

The full nutrition facts for the Marie Callender’s turkey dinner are:

• Calories: 490
• Total fat: 18g
• Saturated fat: 4.5g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Total carbs: 63g
• Protein: 29g

One dinner provides nearly a third of the recommended daily value for important nutrients like protein, niacin, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and more.

So while it is a high calorie, moderately high sodium meal, you are getting substantial nutrition in each serving. It’s designed to be an indulgent, special occasion style dinner.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking this frozen dinner at home is simple:

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Remove film cover and place tray on baking sheet
• Heat for 40-45 minutes
• Check temperature (165°F minimum)
• Let stand 2 minutes before enjoying

The entire meal can be prepared directly from frozen in under an hour with no work. Much faster than roasting a whole turkey yourself!

Why People Love Marie Callender’s Turkey Dinner

There are several reasons this turkey dinner is a cherished favorite for so many:

• Indulgent comfort food – It’s deliciously rich and comforting. You can taste the homemade quality.

• Convenience – Complete Thanksgiving meal with zero work – just heat and eat!

• Great value – At under $5 per generous portion, it’s affordable everyday luxury.

• Tastes like Thanksgiving – Brings back memories and nostalgia for the holidays.

• Family tradition – Many grew up enjoying it at holiday dinners and continue the tradition.

When you want all the warm, cozy feelings of a homemade Thanksgiving feast without the hassle, Marie Callender’s has you covered.

Tips for Enjoying Marie Callender’s Turkey Dinner

Here are some tips to make the most of this frozen dinner:

• Microwave single servings for a quick lunch.

• Add cranberry sauce to the stuffing or mashed potatoes.

• Drizzle gravy over everything!

• Pair with a fresh side salad for extra veggies.

• Enjoy with a glass of wine or hot apple cider.

• Customize your sides – swap in roasted veggies instead of beans.

• Top stuffing with fried onions for crunch.

• Add a dash of fresh herbs to brighten the flavors.

The possibilities are endless for making this comfort food your own!

Alternatives to Marie Callender’s Frozen Turkey Dinner

While Marie Callender’s remains the gold standard, other brands offer similar frozen turkey meals:

• Stouffer’s – Also makes a classic Thanksgiving-style turkey dinner.

• Hungry-Man – Select varieties include turkey dinners with fixings.

• Healthy Choice – For a lighter option with fewer calories.

• Trader Joe’s – Budget-friendly basic turkey meal.

• Freshly – Turkey meals delivered, just reheat.

But for many Thanksgiving traditionalists, the true nostalgia is tied to the Marie Callender’s original.

The Verdict? A Tasty Vacation from Everyday Meals

At the end of the day, Marie Callender’s turkey dinner is an indulgent treat that provides the comfort of Thanksgiving any time. Is it healthy eating? Not exactly, given the high sodium and calories. But we don’t eat it daily. Enjoyed in moderation, it’s a delicious temporary vacation from everyday meals.

So next time you’re feeling that cozy, nostalgic longing for the holidays, forget roasting an entire turkey. Just pop a Marie Callender’s frozen dinner in the oven! With minimal effort, you can relax and savor the flavors of Thanksgiving.