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!
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?
CHEESE!!! 😍 Love it, love it, love it! Best comfort food ever!
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.
Super easy recipe. My kids ate all of it, guess it was a hit!
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? 🤔
I substituted brown rice for white rice, and it turned out great! Healthy option.
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?
This turned out great! My whole family loved it! Will make again.
Delicious! Cheese just makes everything better! 😋
My kids ate it all! Finally something they like. Thank you!
That’s awesome! Kids can be picky eaters. Glad they enjoyed it!
Can u make this with other meats?? Like beef or chicken? Asking for a friend.
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! 🧀
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! 😊
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!
Too many ingredients for a simple dinner. Ever heard of just turkey and rice?
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.
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?
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.
Could you use chicken instead of turkey? I have some leftover chicken.
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.
Not sure if this is worth the effort. My family didn’t like it much. Too bland. 😕
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?
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!