Turkey-Broccoli Casserole
This hearty turkey-broccoli casserole combines tender vegetables, savory turkey, and melted cheeses for a comforting meal. Featuring flavors of mushroom and hot pepper cheeses, it’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy a flavorful, wholesome dish with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen broccoli ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded hot pepper cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions, green pepper, and celery in butter until tender.
- Cook frozen broccoli and drain.
- Arrange the cooked broccoli in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables, cooked turkey, cooked rice, mushroom soup, sliced water chestnuts, shredded Cheddar cheese, and shredded hot pepper cheese.
- Spoon the mixture over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use leftover turkey for a more flavorful casserole. You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if you prefer, just adjust cooking time accordingly. If you want to add more creaminess, consider mixing in some sour cream or cream cheese. This dish can also be customized with other vegetables like bell peppers or peas. For a kick, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey-Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread complements the dish well. Consider serving it with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a comforting family dinner, this casserole is perfect alongside classic American recipes like Country Sausage Au Gratin.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey-Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 882 calories, with 25g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% 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 raw turkey instead of cooked turkey?
Using raw turkey is not recommended as it requires longer cooking times, which can affect the texture of the casserole. Instead, consider using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for ease and better flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Turkey-Broccoli Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free mushroom soup and ensure that your rice is certified gluten-free. Additionally, check that the cheese does not contain any gluten-based additives.
Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even cooked bacon for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the ingredients you choose to include.
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).