Cheddar Turkey Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender turkey, peas, and creamy cheese soup, topped with crunchy crackers—perfect for a cozy family dinner or leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the rice and add minced onion to it.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with frozen peas.
- Add diced turkey over the peas.
- Mix cheese soup with milk until smooth, then pour over the rice, turkey, and peas in the casserole.
- Sprinkle finely crushed cheese crackers on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the minced onion in butter before adding it to the rice. You can substitute leftover chicken for turkey if needed. If you want a crunchier topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10 minutes. This dish is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddar Turkey Casserole is perfect for a comforting family meal. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread for a hearty touch. Consider topping with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Turkey Casserole contains roughly 1816 calories, with 52g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (103% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1700mg per serving (74% 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 use brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook. It's best to pre-cook the brown rice according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole for even texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and cheese soup for a creamy base while keeping it vegetarian. Just make sure to check the cheese crackers for any animal-derived ingredients.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, Cheddar Turkey Casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 30-40 minutes.
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).