After Holiday Casserole
A comforting turkey and rice casserole layered with peas, green peppers, and cheesy crackers, perfect for a quick, hearty family meal after the holidays.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to directions on the box, adding minced onion to boiling water.
- Fluff rice with a fork and spread in a 1 1/2-quart utility dish.
- Defrost peas and drain.
- Sprinkle peas and green pepper over rice.
- Lay slices of turkey over the vegetables.
- Mix cheese soup with milk and pour over the turkey.
- Combine crushed cheese crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Cover dish with plastic film and microwave for 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a little extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or diced celery to the rice while cooking. You can substitute the turkey with leftover chicken or even ham for a different twist. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the turkey with more vegetables like mushrooms or diced zucchini. Experiment with different types of cheese soup to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a hearty main dish that pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside garlic bread. If you enjoy breakfast for dinner, consider serving it with a side of scrambled eggs, making it reminiscent of the Sausage Egg And Cheese Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of After Holiday Casserole contains roughly 1583 calories, with 29g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1332mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the microwave step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and microwave as directed, adding a minute or two if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cheese soup?
If you don't have cheese soup on hand, you can use a mixture of cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese as a substitute. This will provide a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Just mix in a little milk to reach the desired consistency.
How do I freeze the casserole?
To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely after cooking. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).