If you’re in the mood for a comforting, one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, look no further than turkey and rice casserole. This dish combines tender turkey with fluffy rice and a creamy, flavorful sauce, creating a warm and filling meal perfect for any day of the week.
The beauty of turkey and rice casserole lies in its simplicity. It’s an easy dish to throw together, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Cooked turkey (leftover roast turkey works perfectly!) is the star of the dish, offering lean protein and rich flavor. If you’re starting fresh, ground turkey is a great option as it cooks quickly and evenly, making preparation a breeze.
The rice serves as the perfect base for the casserole, soaking up all the savory goodness from the turkey and sauce. The sauce, typically made with cream of mushroom soup or cheese sauce, brings a rich and creamy texture that ties the whole dish together. The combination of creamy sauce, tender turkey, and fluffy rice creates a balanced meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
What makes this casserole so appealing is its versatility. You can add in a variety of vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to make the dish even more nutritious. For extra flavor, a sprinkle of cheese on top can add a deliciously cheesy, golden crust as it bakes. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
Turkey and rice casserole is the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family meals. It’s also a great way to use up leftover turkey from a holiday meal, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cooked rice, vegetable mixture, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
I dunno… I thought it was too bland. Maybe I should’ve added more spices? Not sure if I’d make it again.
I totally agree! It could definitely use some spices. I usually add paprika and cumin for extra flavor. Maybe give that a try next time!
Bland? Nah, I thought it was fine. But everybody’s taste is different, I guess. Just add hot sauce or something next time!
This is the best recipe ever! My family loved it!
I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Everyone loved it!
I’m skeptical about using cream of mushroom soup, but okay… it works. Mine came out kinda salty though, so next time I’ll cut the salt.
Sooo good! I used leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. Yum!
Using leftover turkey is a genius idea! I love how versatile this recipe is. Can’t wait to try it!
Turkey in casserole? Sounds weird. I guess food waste is a concern tho. But still not sure about the taste.
Turkey and rice is a classic! My grandma made this all the time, brings back memories!
Easy weeknight casserole. The combo of peas/carrots with the cream of mushroom soup tastes like classic home cooking. I baked mine closer to 40 mins and it was great.
Yummy and easy! I added some extra spices and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good, but I ain’t really into casseroles. They always seem mushy to me. 🤷♂️
I love that you added extra spices! It really makes a difference, doesn’t it? This recipe is a winner!
Is it really necessary to preheat the oven? I always skip that step.
Tasted alright but I prefer my turkey in a sandwich. Just my opinion.
Yummy! But can you really call this casserole? Idk seems more like a stew. And where’s the seasoning?
Easy peasy. I used leftover turkey and it worked fine. What’s not to love?
This was a great use of leftover turkey! My family loved it!
My kids loved it! They asked for seconds. Will make again for sure!
That’s awesome to hear! My kids love it too. It’s a win-win for both the parents and kids!
CHEESE!!! 😍 Love it, love it, love it! Best comfort food ever!
I don’t know about this. Turkey and rice? Seems kinda weird. Not sure I’d try it.
Absolutely delicious! My kids even asked for seconds. Love it!
Perfect for leftovers. I added more cheese! Cheddar rules!
What do you mean cream of mushroom? Can I use spaghetti sauce instead???
Spaghetti sauce ain’t the same as cream of mushroom! It won’t taste right. I’d stick with the recipe if I were you.
This dish is so comforting! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again.
This recipe is so easy and tasty! I love how simple it is. My kids devoured it!
Not a fan of casseroles. This one was no exception. 😂
I don’t know about this… I think it could use some spice or something.
Super easy recipe. My kids ate all of it, guess it was a hit!
Not bad but too much cheese, I would skip it next time.
What even is this? Casserole? So confusing. Just stick to burgers.
I don’t get it either. Why put all that stuff together? Just grill the turkey, it’s so much easier!
Casseroles can be great! You gotta embrace the changes. Try it out, you might like it!
So good! I added some spicy sausage and it really kicked it up a notch. Yum!
Spicy sausage? Now that’s a creative twist! I might try that next time. Thanks for the tip! 😊
Not sure about adding sausage. Isn’t turkey enough? 🤔
This looks so easy! Can’t wait to try it! 😊
I substituted brown rice for white rice, and it turned out great! Healthy option.
So good! I doubled it and meal-prepped—tastes even better the next day. I used sharp cheddar and it was like, wow.
My family is picky, but they gobbled this up! Who knew frozen veggies could taste good? 😍
This casserole is a lifesaver! My family loved it and it was so easy to make. I’ll definitely be making it again!
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! This recipe really does save time, doesn’t it? What modifications did you make?
Easy? I don’t know… I struggle with stuff like peeling onions. Is there a simpler version?
It was ok, but my kids didn’t like the peas. Maybe use corn instead?
I dunno, it was kinda dry. Maybe more broth next time? Just felt like it needed somethin.
Uhh… what’s the difference between thyme and rosemary? I always mix them up. 🤔
This turned out great! My whole family loved it! Will make again.
This casserole was a hit at our family dinner! The kids loved it. Will make again!
Delicious! Cheese just makes everything better! 😋
Hate this! Who puts peas in casserole? Gross. No thanks.
This didn’t turn out like the photo. Kinda sad about it.
I mean, it’s just food. Looks aren’t everything! As long as it tastes good, right?
Sorry to hear that! Sometimes it doesn’t look as good in reality. Did you follow all the steps?
I didn’t have turkey, so I used chicken. Is that okay??
I didn’t have cheddar so I used mozzarella—still decent. But cheddar really is the move here for flavor.
Good to know! I usually only have mozzarella on hand—glad it still worked. Cheddar really does add that sharper flavor, though.
Cheddar is the move? lol I used American cheese once and it was fine. Also I think the thyme is the main flavor—not the cheese. Either way, looks tasty!
Teeeerrible! My dog wouldn’t even eat it.
It was okay, but a bit bland for my taste. Needs more seasoning!
I totally agree! I added some cayenne pepper when I made it and it really kicked it up a notch! 🌶️
My husband thinks this is the best thing ever! He said it’s better than take-out!
Honestly, I’m skeptical about casseroles with rice, but this one was surprisingly good. The texture was better than expected.
Made this for dinner last night—super cozy. The thyme + cream of mushroom combo is great, and the cheddar on top actually browns a little. Will definitely cook again.
Kinda bland. Maybe add some hot sauce next time? 🤷♂️
So easy and actually tastes like you tried. The veggies stayed nice and the casserole held together well.
Mine was kinda bland though 😕 I think I needed more thyme or maybe extra salt. Also I accidentally cooked the rice too long and it got a little mushy, but it still held together. Easy recipe either way!
Seriously, this hits! I used leftover turkey and followed it pretty much exactly—cheese on top came out perfect and it didn’t turn into a watery mess like some casseroles. Will make again.
I accidentally put the peas in from frozen and didn’t thaw—still fine, but the texture was a bit watery. I’d drain them next time. Otherwise decent.
Peas from frozen should be fine though—maybe your chicken broth was a little too much? Still, texture can get watery with frozen veggies. I’d try less broth or cook them longer.
Good to know! I usually thaw stuff too, but I’ll try it your way. Draining peas next time makes sense if they’re watery.
Yum! Easy to make and delicious! Can’t wait to share it with friends.
5 stars, LOVE this recipe! Easy for dinner and feeds a crowd!
I totally agree! This recipe is amazing for big families! 😍
Good recipe for dinner with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. Would make again. 😊
Not a fan of mushrooms, so I used cream of chicken soup. It was alright but maybe too creamy?
My kids ate it all! Finally something they like. Thank you!
That’s awesome! Kids can be picky eaters. Glad they enjoyed it!
I threw in some spices. Was good, but I think it could use more flavor.
I agree, adding more spices could really enhance the flavor! Maybe try some paprika or a bit of cayenne for kick?
Can u make this with other meats?? Like beef or chicken? Asking for a friend.
I hate mushrooms, can I use something else instead of the cream of mushroom soup?
This was such a hit at my family dinner! Everyone loved it. I added some extra cheese for fun. 😋
Did you really add extra cheese? I think that makes it too rich. Maybe stick to the original recipe next time.
Sounds delicious! I love that you added more cheese, I’m a cheese lover too! 🧀
I don’t know about that cream of mushroom soup. Can’t it just be made from scratch?
Making it from scratch would taste way better! Why settle for canned soup? Plus, it’s healthier!
I don’t know, the canned stuff is quick and easy! Sometimes you just need a shortcut.
I subbed the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken and it was great!
This is so good! I added some hot sauce for a kick. Yum!
Not sure if hot sauce goes with turkey and rice. I like it plain, but to each their own.
Hot sauce sounds like a great idea! I bet it adds an awesome flavor. Can’t wait to try it! 😊
NGL I followed it but my casserole was dry after 35 min. Maybe I should’ve used more broth or covered it. Tasted good though.
Not really my style, I like my food more classic. This is too weird for me.
I get that! Some folks just love the basics. You can’t beat a good roast or classic soup.
Casserole? Is that even a real food? LOL. No thanks.
Casserole is totally a food! It’s just a mix of things baked together. This recipe sounds delicious to me! Yum!
Not sure about the cooking times, my cheese burned. Should I have kept an eye on it?
Not gonna lie, 350°F for 40 minutes felt a little long. I think my casserole was already hot at 30, and the top browned too much.
Totally get that—if your casserole was already hot, 40 minutes could easily over-brown the top. I usually aim for more like 25–30 minutes just to reheat through and melt the cheese. Next time you could loosely tent with foil after it looks browned so it doesn’t go too far.
Too many ingredients for a simple dinner. Ever heard of just turkey and rice?
5 stars! So easy and delish! Ha! Need more recipes like this.
Didn’t have chicken broth, used beef. Still tasted GOOD!
Glad it turned out good for you! Beef broth is a nice twist, I might try it too!
I made this for dinner. It was ok, but I’d rather just have plain rice 🤷♂️.
I get it, not everyone loves casseroles. But plain rice with this could be a little boring, don’t you think? It has some good flavors!
I don’t know about this recipe. Seemed kinda bland to me. Maybe I did something wrong?
I think the recipe could use more spices or maybe some herbs. It doesn’t sound very flavorful as is.
I tried this but it turned out dry. Didn’t know if I should add more broth or what.
Not bad at all, but I think it needs more flavor. I doubled the thyme and added a pinch of paprika and it made a noticeable difference.
Hmm I dunno. I usually follow it as written and it’s already pretty tasty. Maybe my thyme brand is stronger? Doubling thyme seems like it could get too herby for turkey + cheddar, but paprika would probably help. 🤷♂️
Totally agree—thyme can get a little flat in casseroles. Your paprika add-on sounds like it would bring some warmth and depth. I might try a pinch next time too (especially if the broth/soup is kind of mild).
My kids gobbled it up! They love cheese, so the more, the better!
I’m not a fan of mushrooms, but this didn’t taste too bad. Kinda watery tho.
I don’t like mushrooms either, but I think the cream in the soup really helps with the flavor! Just maybe add less broth next time to avoid the watery texture.
Is it really supposed to be 30-40 mins? Mine burnt at 35! 😩
Best casserole I’ve ever made!! 👏👏 Will definitely make again!!
It was ok, but a bit too dry for my taste. Maybe add more broth next time?
Could use more flavor. Maybe I’ll throw in some chili powder next time?
Way too oniony for my taste. I’d recommend less onion or maybe sauté it until it’s just softened. Otherwise good texture.
Totally agree—there’s a lot of onion for this kind of casserole. Next time I’ll cut it in half or sauté longer until it’s super mellow.
I’m not sure it’s “way too oniony” though. I used the full 1/2 cup and it tasted fine to me—maybe my rice covered it. Did you use sweet onions?
This is one of those “looks plain, tastes good” meals. I like that it’s not complicated and uses stuff most people have. Cheesy top = win.
Totally agree—this sounds like one of those no-fuss casseroles that still delivers. The cheesy top is basically mandatory 😄
Plain? maybe. But I’m always a little skeptical of “1 cup chicken broth” with canned soup… usually I end up needing more liquid so it doesn’t dry out. Still, I’d try it with an extra splash.
Easy to make! I will definitely make it again. Thanks!
Great flavor. Just adjusted it a little bit. Used more turkey and veggies than it called for and less rice. A whole bag of sharp cheddar cheese. Would make again. I also make another version of this to cook in crock pot.
Why do people keep using canned soup? Just make your own, it’s way better!
Making your own is great, but sometimes canned soup is just so convenient! Plus, it saves time when you’re busy!
Didn’t turn out as I expected. Found it a bit bland. Needs more spices!
I hear ya! I added more spices like paprika and cumin, and it was way better! Give it a try next time!
Who uses turkey? Just get a rotisserie chicken, much easier!
Could you use chicken instead of turkey? I have some leftover chicken.
Yum! I used leftover chicken instead of turkey & added some spices. Super rich flavor!
Made it with leftover Thanksgiving turkey and it turned out great. I added a little extra pepper and it had a nice savory punch.
Love this idea—using leftover Thanksgiving turkey is perfect. Extra pepper for a savory punch sounds spot on! Do you think it needs more broth at all if the turkey is a bit drier?
So easy to make! I am not much of a cook but this helped me feel like a chef!
Just okay, honestly. Needs more flavor or something.
I think it could be better too! Maybe try adding some herbs or spices, like paprika or cayenne for a kick!
Best recipe ever! Easy and quick, 10/10 recommendation!!
Okay, I used leftover chicken instead of turkey because that’s what I had. Still worked and tasted almost the same to me. Easy recipe.
Uhh, what’s the deal with the cream of mushroom soup? Can I use something else?
I dunno, I don’t really like peas, so I swapped for corn. It was good, but not sure if it was a good idea.
Had to omit the peas ’cause my husband hates them. Still turned out pretty good!
But like, how can you make a casserole without peas? Dunno about this recipe now.
Glad it worked out! Peas aren’t for everyone. I usually add more cheese just to cover up stuff I don’t like!
Wasn’t sure about mixing turkey with mushroom soup, but it worked out great! Yum!
Where’s the seasoning? I added some cayenne pepper and it was much better.
Not for me. The cheese was way too much I think. I’m more of a salad person.
Absolutely loved this recipe! It was a hit with my family. Will make again!
Not sure if this is worth the effort. My family didn’t like it much. Too bland. 😕
I used leftover turkey from Thanksgiving and it turned out great! Will make again.
Just made this and it was super easy! Leftovers for days! I might try it with chicken next time though.
I never thought turkey could be so good! Can’t wait to try this, but I might use beef instead of turkey. Do you think it will work?
Casserole good, but I forgot cheese! D:
You really need cheese for this, I think it would taste soooo much better!!
Ah, no cheese? That’s a bummer! But it still sounds good. Next time, right?
Super easy recipe! I threw in some leftover veggies too. Yum!
Looks good but I ain’t sure about the cream of mushroom soup. Can’t beat homemade broths!
I can’t believe how easy this was! Perfect for a busy weeknight. Thanks for sharing!
This replaced my go-to casserole! So hearty and filling. Love it!
This was a hit with my family! So creamy and full of flavor. 5 stars!
I put too much garlic, whoops. Still ate it all tho.
I followed it pretty closely, but I added a splash more broth because my mixture seemed dry. Turned out nice and not bland at all. Good comfort food.
Tasty! But seriously how does the recipe say 1/2 cup of chicken broth? I just poured it in. 🤷♂️
This was super cozy. The thyme + cream of mushroom combo is always a winner, and the cheddar on top really makes it feel like comfort food.
Love this recipe! Super easy and delicious. Plus, I added some spices cause I like it spicy.
Wut is cream of mushroom? Can I just mash mushrooms??
This casserole was a hit at my family dinner! Everyone loved it. Will definitely make again.
I followed the recipe exactly and it tasted bland to me. I think it needs more salt or maybe a splash of something acidic like lemon.
Couldn’t find cream of mushroom soup, used cream of chicken instead. It still worked, just slightly different (more chicken-y).
I don’t have turkey. Can I use chicken? Asking for a friend.
My family cleaned the dish. The cheese topping is the best part. I made it with brown rice and it still held together nicely.
Quick and easy recipe. But I forgot to buy cheese, oops! Still tasted okay.
I don’t wanna waste turkey! What’s the point of using it if it’s just this dish?
I understand your concern! But this recipe is a great way to use leftover turkey and it tastes amazing! You can also use it in sandwiches or soups if you’re looking for variety.
Pretty good, but mine was a bit dry after 40 minutes. Next time I’ll use a little more broth or cover it with foil sooner.
The flavors are solid, but I wish it had more seasoning. Next time I’ll add garlic powder and maybe a little paprika for color.
I totally get that—it’s got a nice base, but I usually bump the seasoning too. Garlic powder and a pinch of paprika sounds perfect (paprika also makes it look way better).
More seasoning? I followed it and it tasted fine to me. Maybe add extra cheese next time? Also 1/2 tsp salt seems low… unless your turkey was unsalted. 🤷♂️
I accidentally used fresh peas instead of frozen and it cooked fine, just had a slightly different texture. Still tasted delicious.
Oh good to know! I was worried fresh peas would make it too watery, but that makes sense—texture difference, same flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Not bad, but I didn’t have peas. Had to use corn instead. Not as good as my mom’s.
Casseroles are easy, but this one is especially good. Good job!
This is super comforting. I used leftover thanksgiving turkey and it turned out creamy and cheesy without being too heavy. I also added a little extra pepper—perfect.
Huh, I tried something like this once but it was like soup lol. Maybe I needed to add more cheese? Also I think 40 minutes at 350 is too long, mine burned the top—maybe cover with foil next time.
Yes!! Creamy but not heavy is exactly what I look for in casseroles. I love using leftover turkey—such a win for weeknights. Glad the pepper worked for you!
Not bad, but I’m skeptical about the 30 minutes. Mine needed more like 45 to fully heat through. Still tasty though—kids ate it.
Totally get you—30 minutes feels optimistic for a casserole. Mine always needs the full 40 (or a little more) just to heat the middle through. Good call though, the flavor’s still solid!
Huh, I did it 30 min exactly and it was fine?? Maybe my oven runs hot. Also I added a little extra broth so it wouldn’t dry out. Still a hit with my family.
I tried this but used beef instead of turkey. Didn’t taste right. Maybe turkey is better.
Yummy! But my kids were like, ‘what is this green stuff?’ 😂
Five stars.
Five stars! 🙌 This casserole is super comforting—love how the turkey and rice come together. I usually add a little extra cheese too.
Boring. Too much casserole vibe. Like why use cheddar if it’s just gonna melt? Maybe I’m just not a mushroom soup person.