Roast Turkey With Wild Rice Stuffing
A hearty roast turkey stuffed with a flavorful wild rice mixture featuring mushrooms, celery, and green peppers, seasoned with herbs and baked to perfection. This dish is ideal for festive occasions, family gatherings, or holiday dinners, offering a comforting combination of tender turkey and savory stuffing.
Ingredients
- 10 to 12 lb. turkey ⓘ
- 1-1/2 c. wild rice ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1-1/2 c. thickly sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced green bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1-1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed thyme ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Remove giblets from turkey and set aside for gravy.
- Wash and dry turkey inside and out.
- Wash and drain wild rice.
- Cook and stir celery and onions in butter in a large saucepan until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in mushrooms and green pepper, cook and stir for 3 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, add 2 cans of chicken broth and remaining ingredients except egg.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about one hour or more.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the beaten egg.
- Spoon stuffing into the turkey's neck cavity, bring skin of neck back over and fasten with a poultry pin.
- Spoon stuffing into the body cavity, do not pack.
- Place turkey in a roaster and roast according to package directions for its weight.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 195°F if used.
- When turkey is done, remove from pan and use pan drippings to make gravy.
- Let stand for 20 minutes before carving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the stuffing. If wild rice isn't available, brown rice can be a suitable substitute. To save time, prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
This roast turkey pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce and a side of Hash Brown Potatoes Casserole for a festive meal. Consider serving roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for added color and nutrition. For a complete holiday feast, include warm dinner rolls or cornbread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Once the turkey has cooled, carve any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the turkey in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. The stuffing can be reheated separately in a microwave or oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roast Turkey With Wild Rice Stuffing contains roughly 711 calories, with 16g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1394mg per serving (61% 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
How long should I roast a 10-12 lb. turkey?
A 10-12 lb. turkey typically requires about 3 to 3.5 hours of roasting at 325°F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh for safe consumption.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. After cooking, allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. On the day of roasting, stuff the turkey just before it goes in the oven to maintain food safety.
What should I do with the turkey drippings?
The turkey drippings are perfect for making gravy! After roasting, pour the drippings into a saucepan, skim off excess fat, and simmer with flour or cornstarch to thicken. This creates a deliciously rich gravy to accompany your turkey.
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).