Turkey Casserole (Light)
A comforting turkey casserole featuring savory mushrooms, crunchy water chestnuts, and almonds, all baked in a creamy sauce—perfect for a hearty family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer until water is absorbed.
- In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms in margarine.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, chicken bouillon granules, and pepper, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add cooked turkey, water chestnuts, and cooked rice to the skillet, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture into a 7 x 11-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions and garlic with the mushrooms. If you don't have turkey, shredded chicken works well as a substitute. You can also use brown rice for a healthier twist, but increase the cooking time. For a creamier texture, replace some of the skim milk with a low-fat cream. This dish is reminiscent of other comforting American recipes, like Supper Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken With Fruit And Rice Pilaf for a delightful combination. You can also add a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Casserole (Light) contains roughly 468 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of skim milk?
If you're looking for alternatives to skim milk, unsweetened almond milk or low-fat soy milk can work well in this recipe. For a richer flavor, consider using 1% or 2% milk, but be mindful that this may increase the calorie count.
Can I freeze the turkey casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).