Turkey Rice Casserole
A hearty turkey rice casserole combining tender roasted turkey, savory vegetables, crunchy almonds, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers comforting flavors with a touch of nuttiness and a hint of paprika. Easily adaptable and crowd-pleasing, ideal for using leftover turkey.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in margarine for 3 minutes.
- Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add canned chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Add diced pimentos, sliced almonds, pepper, cubed turkey, and cooked rice.
- Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese and paprika over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you don’t have turkey, shredded chicken or even canned chicken can work as substitutes. You can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, or try incorporating some frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey rice casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside crusty bread or a light soup to round out the dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover turkey rice casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Rice Casserole contains roughly 1108 calories, with 27g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 565mg per serving (25% 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 leftover turkey from Thanksgiving for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this casserole. Just ensure it’s cubed into bite-sized pieces. This dish is a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers while creating a new and delicious meal that's sure to please everyone.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the almonds?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer not to use almonds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a great alternative. They will add a nice crunch without the nutty flavor, or you can simply omit them for a nut-free dish.
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).