Goodbye Turkey Casserole
A comforting casserole combining rice, turkey, and melted cheese with a creamy sauce, perfect for a hearty family meal or leftovers, with a savory, cheesy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the melted butter, sifted flour, salt, and onion salt in a saucepan and cook over hot water, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Pour Minute rice into a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Combine turkey or chicken broth and salt.
- Pour the broth mixture over the rice.
- Sprinkle half of the grated American cheese over the rice.
- Top with asparagus, then turkey.
- Cover with the prepared sauce.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
- Top with almonds, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. If you're out of American cheese, cheddar or mozzarella can work as substitutes. To add more flavor, try incorporating cooked vegetables like peas or bell peppers. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with toasted almonds for added crunch. A fresh green salad, like a French Salad, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes that complement the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light dessert like Good Lemon Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well; just ensure it's tightly wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Goodbye Turkey Casserole contains roughly 1461 calories, with 41g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 leftover turkey for this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using leftover turkey, making it a great post-holiday dish. Just ensure the turkey is shredded or diced into small pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
What can I substitute for Minute rice?
If you don't have Minute rice, you can use regular long-grain rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and add additional liquid. Regular rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more broth for proper texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the turkey with cooked mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
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).