Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole
Perfect use of leftover holiday turkey. This delicious casserole is easy to make ahead of time, let sit in the refrigerator, and then pop in the oven when you get home from work.
Perfect use of leftover holiday turkey. This delicious casserole is easy to make ahead of time, let sit in the refrigerator, and then pop in the oven when you get home from work.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 ounces sour cream
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3/8 cup long grain rice (brown or white)
- 3/8 cup wild rice
- 5 ounces alfredo sauce
- 1/8 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups turkey cut into cubes
- 1 1/3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (i use seasoned bread crumbs)
- Carbohydrate 47.9094750284984 g
- Cholesterol 97.0351345466736 mg
- Fat 22.0561757070361 g
- Fiber 4.57844876384545 g
- Protein 43.8531025481751 g
- Saturated Fat 8.38889245996864 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (376g)
- Sodium 10076.673617512 mg
- Sugar 43.3310262646529 g
- Trans Fat 1.81119036868916 g
- Calories 566 calories
Step-by-step
- In 3-quart saucepan, heat water, brown rice and wild rice to boiling.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer 40 to 50 minutes or until rices are tender. If necessary, drain.
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- In very large bowl, mix pasta sauce, sour cream, broth, Parmesan cheese, poultry seasoning and pepper until well mixed.
- Stir in rice mixture, turkey and vegetables.
- Spoon into baking dish.
- Stop here if you want to prep this ahead of time and cook when you get home from work. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the lowest available shelf of your refrigerator until ready to cook. Remove plastic wrap and continue below to complete the dish.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over mixture and drizzle olive oil over bread crumbs.
- Bake uncovered 45-50 minutes or until bread crumbs are lightly browned, casserole is bubbly and the internal temperature meets or exceeds 165 F.
My Go-To Leftover Turkey Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" That's why I rely on recipes that are not only delicious but also incredibly efficient. This Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It's a delicious way to use up leftover holiday turkey, and it's so easy to make ahead, making it a perfect weeknight solution.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. I often whip up the casserole on Sunday, tuck it away in the fridge, and then simply pop it in the oven when I get home from a long day at the office. No frantic last-minute cooking, just a warm, comforting meal waiting for my family. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, creating a depth of taste that you just can't get with a dish made from scratch on the same day. The creamy alfredo sauce, combined with the earthy wild rice and tender turkey, creates a symphony of flavors that everyone in my family loves. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Beyond the Convenience: A Taste of Home
This casserole isn't just a convenient weeknight meal; it's also a comforting reminder of family gatherings and holiday traditions. The use of leftover turkey instantly transports me back to the warmth and laughter of Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's a way to savor those special memories while simultaneously tackling the ever-present challenge of meal planning. And the best part? It's incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or cheeses. Add some chopped mushrooms for an earthy depth, or swap the alfredo sauce for a creamy tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
More than Just a Recipe: A Time Saver
For busy professionals or families with limited time, this recipe is a lifesaver. It's the epitome of efficient cooking, providing a delicious and satisfying meal without demanding hours of preparation. The make-ahead feature is a game-changer, allowing me to focus on other priorities while still ensuring a healthy and flavorful dinner is on the table. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good, both because it tastes amazing and because it takes the pressure off on those hectic weeknights. In the end, it’s not just about the food; it's about the ease and convenience it brings, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.
Simple Adjustments for Personalization:
While the recipe is fantastic as is, I often adjust it based on my family's preferences and what’s available in my pantry. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped pecans to the breadcrumb topping for added crunch and nutty flavor. Other times, I substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones, depending on what's in season. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Beyond the Dinner Table: Leftovers and More
Even better? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day! It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect lunch for work or school. You could also serve it as part of a buffet, perfect for gatherings or potlucks. The versatility of this dish makes it a true kitchen staple. It’s a recipe I’ll continue to cherish and use for years to come.
So, if you're looking for a simple, delicious, and time-efficient recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving this Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole a try. It's a weeknight winner that will leave your family wanting more.
