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? 😍