Imagine walking into a home filled with the warm, savory aroma of Turkey and Rice Casserole, where every bite is a hug from the inside. This dish is like your favorite comfort blanket, cozying up your taste buds with tender turkey, fluffy rice, and a melody of spices that dance together in perfect harmony.
I remember the first time I made this delightful casserole. It was one of those chilly autumn days, and my family gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly anticipating dinner. As soon as I pulled it from the oven, the bubbling cheese and golden crust had everyone swooning. That night became a cherished memory, forever linked to this mouthwatering recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Turkey and Rice Casserole makes meal prep effortless while delivering an explosion of flavors in every bite
- The creamy texture and rich aroma will captivate everyone at your dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to potluck gatherings
Sharing this dish with friends led to laughter-filled evenings and requests for seconds. Everyone left satisfied and happy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey works wonders here; just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Long-Grain White Rice: Use uncooked long-grain rice for a fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the turkey.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth; choose low-fat if you want to lighten things up a bit.
Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still infusing flavor into the casserole.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen vegetables work great; they add color and nutrition without much prep time.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates that golden crust we all crave; feel free to use your favorite variety.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Turkey and Rice Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, vegetable broth, and mixed vegetables. Stir until everything is well-coated and evenly distributed.
Season It Up: Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings add layers of flavor; mix thoroughly so every bite is seasoned perfectly.
Add to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula; this helps everything cook uniformly.
Top It Off With Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top before placing it in the oven. Creamy cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes.
Bake It Right: Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The smell will drive you wild as you wait—trust me!
This Turkey and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
You Must Know
- This Turkey and Rice Casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level
- Its creamy texture and savory aroma will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug
- Perfect for family dinners, it’s also a great way to utilize leftovers in a deliciously creative way
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add turkey until browned. Prepare rice separately while the turkey simmers with broth and veggies for ideal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap turkey for chicken, add broccoli, or sprinkle cheese on top before baking for extra creaminess and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil to maintain moisture and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Turkey and Rice Casserole, ensure your turkey is well-seasoned; it makes all the difference in flavor
- Use leftover cooked rice for a quicker prep time, saving you precious minutes
- Always taste before serving; a pinch of salt can work wonders!
I remember the first time I made this casserole; my kids devoured it so fast that I barely had time to take a picture! Their smiles were priceless, and it became an instant family favorite.
FAQ
Can I freeze Turkey and Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to two months in an airtight container.
What type of rice works best in this casserole?
Long-grain rice or brown rice provides great texture and flavor for the casserole.
How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Turkey and Rice Casserole
Turkey and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, delivering warmth and flavor in every bite. This creamy dish combines tender turkey, fluffy rice, and a medley of spices, all topped with melty cheese for a golden crust. Perfect for utilizing leftovers or impressing guests at family gatherings, this casserole is both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, vegetable broth, and mixed vegetables; mix well.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, sauté onions and garlic before mixing in other ingredients. - You can substitute turkey with chicken or add broccoli for a nutritious twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
