Instant Turkey
A comforting, cheesy turkey casserole with rice, peas, and crispy cracker topping, perfect for family dinners and utilizing leftover turkey with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix rice, boiling water, and instant minced onion in a bowl.
- Cover the bottom of a greased 14 x 9-inch casserole dish with the rice mixture.
- Place cooked turkey pieces over the rice.
- Sprinkle frozen peas over the turkey.
- Combine cheese soup, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and milk; pour over the casserole.
- Mix crushed cheese crackers with melted butter; pour over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting fresh onions for instant minced onion or adding garlic powder to the rice mixture. You can also use leftover chicken instead of turkey for a different twist. If you prefer a healthier version, try using brown rice instead of instant rice and low-fat soups.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls. You can also try it alongside Chicken Salad With Twist for a delightful variation on your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to keep moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Instant Turkey contains roughly 1670 calories, with 21g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2021mg per serving (88% 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 uncooked turkey in this recipe?
It's recommended to use cooked turkey pieces for this recipe to ensure proper cooking time and flavor. Uncooked turkey may not cook thoroughly within the casserole timeframe.
What can I substitute for the cheese soup?
If you don't have cheese soup, you can blend cream cheese with a bit of milk and shredded cheese for a homemade alternative, or use a bechamel sauce with cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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).