Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

Cozy up with this hearty Turkey Wild Rice Casserole—a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. Perfect for using up leftover turkey, this recipe combines tender wild rice with a creamy, cheddar-infused sauce, sautéed vegetables, and savory herbs like thyme for a burst of warm, aromatic flavor. Topped with golden breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this casserole bakes to bubbly perfection in just under an hour. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this delicious turkey and rice casserole offers a wholesome, family-friendly option that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:55 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Wild rice
• 3 cups Water or chicken broth
• 2 cups Cooked turkey (shredded or cubed)
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 stalks Celery (diced)
• 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2

Rinse the wild rice under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and 3 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and thyme, and mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, shredded turkey, and the creamy vegetable-cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 9

If using breadcrumbs as a topping, toss them with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2676.6 grams (2676.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3029

Total Fat 135.00g	173%
Saturated Fat 69.80g	349%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 712mg	237%
Sodium 5169mg	225%
Total Carbohydrate 228.30g	83%
Dietary Fiber 19.40g	69%
Total Sugars 38.60g
Protein 234.10g	468%

Vitamin D 257IU	1287%
Calcium 2064mg	159%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 3844mg	82%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.6%

Protein: 30.6%

Carbs: 29.8%