Whenever I’m staring at a container of leftover turkey after a holiday meal, this turkey rice casserole is the first thing I reach for. It is creamy, savory, and so easy to pull together, especially when the house is still full of family and everyone is ready for one more cozy plate.
I enjoy how this simple dish stretches leftovers into something that feels brand new, warm, and welcoming for anybody gathered around my table. This is the kind of creamy turkey rice casserole that fills the kitchen with buttery, cheesy aromas while the sauce bubbles up around the edges.
Turkey Rice Casserole
This turkey casserole with rice brings together tender rice, savory turkey, and a rich, creamy sauce that feels like comfort from the very first bite. I like that you can prep it ahead and bake it when guests arrive, which takes all the stress right off your shoulders. The buttery breadcrumb topping gets perfectly golden in the oven, giving every serving a little crunch on top of all that creamy goodness. It is also budget-friendly and easy to customize with different cheeses or leftover veggies, making it a reliable option for feeding a crowd with very little fuss, just the kind of meal you’ll find more of in my main dish collection.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- White or wheat sandwich bread: Any soft sandwich bread works well. You can also use panko in a pinch.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan melts best. Pecorino works if you want a sharper flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Use part chilled butter for sautéing and part melted butter for the topping. Olive oil can be a substitute.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds just the right aroma. Jarred garlic works if needed.
- Onion: White or yellow onions both soften beautifully and add sweet flavor. Shallots are a nice swap.
- Long-grain white rice: White rice cooks quickly and stays fluffy. Brown rice works too, but it will need more time. Make sure it is tender before mixing in the cheese and turkey.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium broth lets you control the seasoning. Turkey broth is a lovely option if you have it.
- Half and half: This creates a smooth, creamy base. You can use whole milk with a splash of cream if needed.
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese: The bold flavor makes this casserole stand out. Mild cheddar or Gruyere are delicious substitutes.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without making it spicy. Smoked paprika is a great alternative if you don’t like spicy.
- Cooked turkey: Light or dark meat works beautifully. Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken is just as easy.
How To Make Turkey Rice Casserole
Prepare Topping & Sauté Onions
Pulse the bread, Parmesan, and melted butter in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. Add the garlic and pulse again just to bring everything together. Set it aside while you prepare the rice mixture.
Melt the remaining chilled butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Toast Rice & Create Creamy Sauce
Stir the rice into the buttery onions and cook until it becomes slightly translucent. This step helps the rice stay tender and creamy instead of mushy and gives the casserole a deeper flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, and salt. Let this mixture come to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cook until the rice is tender. Be patient and stir often to keep everything smooth and creamy. If you are using brown rice, you will need a little more time to reach the right texture.
Finish Filling
Stir in the cheddar, cayenne, the remaining Parmesan, and your chopped cooked turkey. The cheese melts into the warm rice mixture, turning everything into a creamy turkey rice casserole that is irresistible before it even hits the oven.
Top and Bake
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake until the edges are bubbling and the top is beautifully golden. Let it rest for a few minutes so it sets and slices cleanly.
Use half and half, stir frequently as the rice cooks, and make sure the mixture is thick and smooth before baking.
The rice may need a little more broth or a few more minutes of simmering. Cover the pot and let the residual heat soften it.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use gluten free bread or panko for the topping. Swap the half and half for a dairy free cream alternative to lighten the recipe. Vegetable broth works well if you want to keep things a little more neutral.
Flavor Enhancements: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add brightness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. Swap part of the cheddar for Gruyere for a deeper flavor.
Add In Options: Frozen peas, cooked broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced carrots blend beautifully into the creamy filling and stretch the casserole further.
Simple Substitutions: Use leftover chicken if you do not have turkey. Whole milk can be used instead of half and half. Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gouda all melt smoothly and taste wonderful here.
Tips for Recipe Success: Stir the rice often to prevent sticking. Make sure the filling is creamy and well-seasoned before baking. Let the casserole rest before serving so it holds together nicely. Need more casserole inspiration? Try these Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe, Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe, and Easy Sausage Egg and Cheese Casserole for a Crowd.
Hospitality Challenge
After Thanksgiving or the holiday rush, bake this leftover turkey casserole, text one neighbor, and say, “Dinner’s at six, we have plenty.” Keep it simple with a Classic Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe, Warm Sausage with Cream Cheese and Crescent Rolls, and a dish of Creamy Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust Recipe for a touch of Southern sweetness. Set the table with paper plates, add a candle, and open with a one-sentence prayer of thanks. Listen more than you talk, pack leftovers for them to take home, and slip a verse card in the bag. Remember the heart behind it all, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
More Turkey Dishes for Weeknights or Holidays
- Easy Baked Turkey Pasta Casserole
- Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe and Stuffing
- Savory Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Smothered Slow Cooker Turkey Wings
- Juicy Turkey Breasts in Crock Pot with Creamy Gravy
This easy turkey rice casserole is creamy, hearty, and the perfect way to turn leftover turkey into a warm family meal. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Creamy Turkey Rice Casserole for Cozy Leftovers
Print recipes anytime as part of 🍍Intentional Hospitality family! Sign up once, and you’ll always have recipe printing at your fingertips. No need to join our newsletter but would love to have you!
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread, white or wheat, torn into pieces
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/3 cup onion, white or yellow, chopped fine
- 1¼ cups long grain white rice, or brown rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1¼ cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded extra-sharp
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups cooked turkey, dark or white meat, or combination, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Topping
- Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
- In a food processor, pulse bread, ¼ cup Parmesan, and melted butter until coarsely ground.2 slices sandwich bread, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add minced garlic and pulse briefly to combine; set aside.1 garlic clove
Make the Filling
- Melt the remaining chilled butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.1/3 cup onion
- Stir in rice and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is translucent, about 1 minute.1¼ cups long grain white rice
- Add chicken broth, half-and-half, and salt. Bring to a boil.4 cups chicken broth, 1¼ cups half-and-half, 1 teaspoon salt
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. *Note, if you use brown rice the cooking time will be longer.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, cayenne, remaining Parmesan, and chopped cooked turkey.¾ cup Parmesan cheese, 2 cups cheddar cheese, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3 cups cooked turkey
Top and Bake
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with the bread crumb topping.
- Bake until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Make Ahead
- The filling can be prepared, placed in the greased baking dish, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for 1 day.
- Refrigerate topping separately. Bring filling to room temperature before adding bread crumbs and baking as directed.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature: Do not leave the casserole out longer than two hours. Cover any leftovers and refrigerate promptly.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for three to four days. The flavors continue to deepen as it rests.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you freeze it before baking, add the breadcrumb topping just before cooking.
- Reheat: Reheat covered in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. Individual portions warm nicely in the microwave at medium power.
hi can’t wait to try this after Thanksgiving. thanks.
Billie, I hope you enjoy it. We sure did. Also my turkey soup was a hit with my hubby.