Turkey Rice Casserole

Getting a meal on the table isn’t easy (or fast). It can be tempting to pop a frozen dinner in the microwave and zap it until it’s warm and bubbly. Although most microwavable dinners start with some form of frozen, ready-to-eat dish, this turkey rice casserole recipe is a (tiny) bit more involved. Rather than using an oven or stovetop, this simple turkey and rice casserole call for a good ol’ microwave to get the job done.

The ingredients are “cooked” in the microwave for a few minutes to make this dish. First, onions, celery and butter are microwaved until warm. Then, milk is added to the mixture and heated through for about three minutes. Finally, uncooked instant rice, diced cooked turkey, condensed cream of mushroom soup, stuffing cubes, chopped green chiles and shredded cheese are added. This creamy turkey rice casserole is ready to dig into after microwaving everything for roughly three to six minutes on high and a short resting period.

Turkey Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Onion: Dicing the onion expedites the cooking process. For a milder flavor, opt for a yellow or white onion that gets sweeter as it cooks.
• Celery rib: Small dice the celery rib to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly in the microwave.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
• Milk: Whole milk helps make the casserole even creamier due to its high fat content.
• Instant rice: Instead of uncooked instant rice, use day-old leftover rice, which has a slightly drier consistency ideal for absorbing more moisture from the casserole without getting too soggy.
• Turkey: This recipe is perfect for making use of your leftover cooked turkey. On the other hand, diced cooked turkey can also be swapped for other proteins, such as diced cooked chicken breast or ground beef.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Thick and creamy, condensed cream of mushroom soup is a key ingredient for making this turkey rice casserole recipe as hearty as possible. Use condensed cream of chicken soup instead in the event that cream of mushroom soup isn’t available.
• Stuffing cubes: Stuffing cubes help absorb the excess moisture in the casserole, making it spongier and softer as it bakes. Use seasoned stuffing cubes for extra flavor.
• Chopped green chiles: Green chiles help add a kick of heat to this otherwise simple recipe.
• Cheddar cheese: The shredded cheese is added in two parts: half is combined in the casserole, while the other half is sprinkled on top as a garnish.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the casserole

In a 2 quart microwave-safe dish, combine the onion, celery and butter. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to three minutes or until the butter is melted. Stir in the milk. Cover and cook on high for three to five minutes or until the milk is steaming (do not boil it). Stir in the rice. Cover and let it stand for two minutes.

Step 2: Heat the remaining ingredients

Add the turkey, soup, stuffing cubes, chiles and 1/2 cup cheese. Cover and microwave it on high for three to six minutes or until it’s heated through, stirring once. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover and let it stand for five minutes.

Turkey Rice Casserole Variations

• Use different protein: Cooked cubed turkey is a great option for this dish. However, it can be swapped for other precooked proteins, such as rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breast, or ground beef.
• Swap the starch: Instead of cooked rice, add the cooked starch of your choice, such as pasta. Cooked macaroni or fusilli are both great options for sopping up the mushroom soup.
• Add more vegetables: To make the dish even heartier, add a handful of cooked peas or green beans for a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.

How to Store Turkey Rice Casserole

Cool the casserole completely, then cover the entire dish in which it was cooked with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for one to two days.

How do you reheat turkey rice casserole?

Reheat the casserole in the oven covered in a heat-proof casserole dish for 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, toaster oven or air fryer. The times will vary depending on the size of the serving.

Turkey Rice Casserole Tips

What is the main ingredient in a casserole?

Most casserole recipes contain three key components: a source of protein, starchy ingredient (such as bread, pasta or rice) and chopped vegetables. Additionally, a binding ingredient—commonly condensed soup—helps bring everything together.

What is the key to making a good casserole?

The key to making a good casserole is striking the perfect balance between wet and dry ingredients. For the best casserole-like consistency, you’ll want to ensure the mixture isn’t overly dry or overly wet.  Your turkey rice casserole should have a dense, hearty texture, far thicker than a soup.

Should you cover a casserole when baking?

When working with precooked ingredients, it’s best to cover the casserole when baking or microwaving to prevent them from overcooking. On the other hand, when working with raw ingredients, bake the casserole covered for a portion of the time to ensure the ingredients are fully cooked. Then, remove the cover and finish cooking for just a few minutes longer to crisp the surface until golden brown.