"Goodbye" Turkey
A comforting casserole combining tender turkey, rice, vegetables, and cheesy sauce, baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners and holiday gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, half of the salt, and onion salt into melted butter.
- Stir in milk and cook over hot water, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Pour Minute rice into a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Combine broth with remaining salt and pour over rice.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the rice.
- Top with cooked asparagus or sweet peas, then turkey.
- Pour the sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
- Top with almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade turkey or chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer, you can substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. To save time, precook the rice and use leftover turkey from a previous meal like Country Fare Turkey for added convenience. Adjust the seasonings to your preference for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a comforting main course and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra crunch, top with sliced almonds just before serving. Consider serving alongside hearty American recipes like Sausage And Creamed Potatoes for a filling family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Goodbye" Turkey contains roughly 1533 calories, with 30g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2140mg per serving (93% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of turkey?
If you don't have turkey, shredded chicken works well as a substitute. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to keep the dish hearty.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative in place of regular milk or cream. Additionally, reducing the amount of butter and cheese will help lower the calorie count while still keeping it delicious.
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).