Turkey and Rice Casserole

The Turkey and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you have leftover turkey on hand! Blending tender turkey, nutty wild rice, creamy sauces, and a buttery cracker topping, this dish is a cozy hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to reinvent holiday leftovers into something completely irresistible. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish has you covered!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded

• 1 cup cooked wild rice

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cooked wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, peas and carrots, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

5. In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.

6. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Turkey and Rice Casserole

When the holidays pass and you’re left with an abundance of turkey, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. One of the best ways to repurpose your leftovers into a satisfying, cozy meal is by making a Turkey and Rice Casserole.
This creamy, hearty dish is a perfect combination of tender turkey, flavorful wild rice, creamy soups, and a buttery cracker topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into why this casserole should be your go-to leftover recipe, the benefits of incorporating wild rice, variations to suit different tastes, serving suggestions, and why it’s a family favorite all year round.

Why You’ll Love Turkey and Rice Casserole

There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about casseroles. They are synonymous with family dinners, cozy evenings, and effortless cooking. The Turkey and Rice Casserole offers everything you love about comfort food:

• Ease: It’s a true one-dish meal where you mix everything in a bowl, transfer it to a baking dish, and let your oven do the magic.

• Flavor: The combination of creamy soups, savory turkey, and earthy wild rice creates a rich and complex flavor profile.

• Texture: The soft, creamy base contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cracker topping, giving you that perfect bite every time.

• Resourcefulness: Instead of letting leftover turkey go to waste, you transform it into a dish that feels brand new.

This casserole is not just about leftovers it’s about creating a second celebration meal with minimal effort!

The Magic of Wild Rice

Wild rice plays a crucial role in this recipe. Unlike traditional white rice, wild rice is technically a grass seed and offers a nutty, earthy flavor that beautifully complements turkey.
It’s also a nutritional powerhouse packed with:

• Protein

• Fiber

• Antioxidants

• Essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc

The chewy texture of wild rice stands up well to the creaminess of the soups, ensuring that the casserole doesn’t turn mushy. Plus, wild rice brings an elevated touch to a humble casserole, making it feel gourmet without any extra work.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

Another major advantage of the Turkey and Rice Casserole is how well it holds up for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s also freezer-friendly!
Here’s why it’s a meal-prepper’s dream:

• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

• Baking from Frozen: When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Or, bake it straight from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Having a hearty, home-cooked meal ready to pop into the oven on a busy night is priceless.

Easy Variations to Customize Your Casserole

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tailor it to suit your family’s preferences or simply based on what’s available in your pantry. Here are some ideas:

Protein Substitutes

• Chicken: Swap leftover turkey for rotisserie or shredded cooked chicken.

• Ham: Diced ham can offer a saltier, savory twist.

• Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or tofu for a meatless version.

Vegetables

• Add mushrooms, broccoli florets, green beans, or spinach to boost the veggie content. Frozen or fresh, both work!

Toppings

• Instead of buttery crackers, try a topping of crushed Ritz crackers, fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, or even a layer of extra shredded cheese.

Soup Substitutes

• If you want to control the sodium or preservatives, you can make homemade cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. It’s easier than you think and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to create a more festive or well-rounded dinner, consider these sides:

• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus pair beautifully.

• Fresh Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or homemade rolls are perfect for mopping up any creamy goodness left on the plate.

You can also add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the casserole before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Why Turkey and Rice Casserole is a Family Favorite

Families love this dish because it checks all the important boxes:

• Kids love it because it’s creamy, cheesy, and not overly spicy or complex.

• Parents love it because it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and a great way to ensure leftovers don’t go to waste.

• Hosts love it because it feeds a crowd and is perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting post-holiday meal.

This casserole brings everyone to the table and makes leftovers feel exciting again, not like the same meal on repeat.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re looking for a way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers or simply want a hearty, easy meal to serve your family, the Turkey and Rice Casserole is a guaranteed winner.
It delivers creamy, savory goodness in every bite, is endlessly customizable to fit your tastes, and offers the kind of comforting nostalgia that only a casserole can provide.

Next time you find yourself wondering what to do with leftover turkey, remember this recipe it’s not just about using leftovers, it’s about creating a meal your family will request again and again. Cozy, hearty, and full of love, this Turkey and Rice Casserole deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.