If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug on a plate, this Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe is calling your name. Packed with tender shredded turkey, vibrant veggies, and a heavenly blend of cheeses, every bite is a delightful mix of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re using leftovers or cooking fresh, this casserole is not just simple to pull together but also packed with textures and colors that make it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s a perfect dish to cozy up with on any night and share with those you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because the ingredients are both accessible and purposeful. Each element contributes its own unique touch—whether it’s the richness of the cheese, the freshness of the vegetables, or the heartiness of the turkey and rice.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing the veggies and adding flavor.
- Garlic (1 clove, finely chopped): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible.
- Broccoli florets (5 ounces, about 2 cups): Adds a nice pop of green, crunch, and nutrients.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): Bring natural sweetness and a tender bite to the mix.
- Plum tomato (1, seeded and diced): Offers a subtle tang and juicy freshness.
- Scallions (3-5, sliced into 1/4″ pieces): Delivers a mild onion flavor; reserve some for garnish to brighten the finish.
- Shredded turkey or chicken (5 ounces or 2 cups): The wholesome protein star that makes this casserole hearty and satisfying.
- White rice (1 cup): The comforting carb base that soaks up all those beautiful flavors.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds depth and moisture, making the rice tender and flavorful.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): For a velvety creaminess that elevates the casserole’s texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Brings a nutty, salty tang that blends perfectly with the melted Havarti.
- Dilled Havarti cheese (6 ounces, cubed): Offers a mild, buttery flavor with a touch of dill for subtle freshness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F. This high heat is key for perfectly finishing the casserole with a lovely melted and slightly golden cheese topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Protein
Shred your leftover cooked turkey or chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful has tender, flavorful meat mingling with the veggies and rice.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
Get all your veggies ready — finely chop the garlic, dice the carrots, cut the broccoli into nice little florets, slice the scallions, and seed and dice the tomato. Prepping these helps everything cook evenly and releases vibrant colors and flavors.
Step 4: Cube the Havarti Cheese
On a small cutting board, cut the Havarti cheese into small cubes. This will allow it to melt smoothly throughout the casserole without overpowering the delicate textures.
Step 5: Sauté the Base
In a large ovenproof skillet (a 12″ works perfectly), melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the garlic, carrots, and about three-quarters of the sliced scallions, stirring until they soften — roughly 2 minutes. This step unlocks incredible aroma and sweetens the carrots slightly.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the rice, shredded turkey, broccoli florets, diced tomato, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly helps every element get a chance to shine in every bite.
Step 7: Add Liquid and Creaminess
Whisk together the chicken broth and sour cream until smooth in a small bowl or measuring cup, then pour this into the skillet. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This step hydrates the rice and infuses it with creamy richness.
Step 8: Stir in Half the Cheese
Fold in half of your Havarti cheese cubes and Parmesan cheese. This spread of cheesy goodness integrates depth and silkiness before baking.
Step 9: Bake Covered
Cover the skillet with an ovenproof lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is soaked up — this ensures your casserole is cooked to perfection.
Step 10: Optional Baking Variation
If you prefer, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake for the same amount of time. This is a great option if your skillet isn’t ovenproof.
Step 11: Top with Remaining Cheese
Remove the foil, sprinkle the rest of the Havarti and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, setting the stage for a magical melty finish.
Step 12: Broil for a Golden Crust
Turn your oven’s broiler on and adjust the oven rack to the top position. Broil the casserole for about 2 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. This step adds irresistible color and texture.
Step 13: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining scallions over the top to add a fresh pop of color and a bit of mild onion crunch. Your Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe is ready to dig into!
Step 14: Save the Extras
If you have leftovers, simply cover the pan and refrigerate for up to three days — your future self will thank you for this delicious meal ready when you need it.
How to Serve Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions scattered on top bring a gorgeous visual contrast and a gentle sharpness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Feel free to add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This casserole is truly a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted root vegetables can round out the dinner perfectly. A tangy vinaigrette salad balances the cheesy richness, and roasted veggies add a wonderful earthiness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from a charming cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homey presentation. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls to showcase those colorful vegetables and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavors—ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to two months. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the cheesy goodness from drying out. For the best texture, finish with a quick blast under the broiler or a minute in a hot oven to revive that luscious cheese crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While dilled Havarti and Parmesan give this dish its signature flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness or cheddar for a sharper bite. Just keep in mind how strong the cheese flavors are to maintain balance.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the turkey for a plant-based protein like cooked lentils, canned chickpeas, or a meat substitute. The combination of rice, vegetables, and cheese will still provide plenty of hearty satisfaction.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or creme fraiche are excellent alternatives that will maintain the creamy texture and slight tang without overpowering the other flavors.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
The rice should be tender and have absorbed almost all the cooking liquid after baking. If it still feels firm or there’s excess liquid, extend the covered baking time by 5–10 minutes, checking periodically until perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that just feels like home. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just indulging yourself, the ease, flavor, and comforting warmth make it a winner every time. Grab those ingredients, and let this casserole bring some extra joy to your table soon!
Print
Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender shredded turkey, vibrant vegetables, creamy cheeses, and fluffy rice all baked together in a savory chicken broth and sour cream mixture. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 5 ounces broccoli florets (about 2 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 plum tomato, seeded and diced
- 3–5 scallions, sliced into 1/4″ rounds (use some in dish and save some for garnish)
Protein and Grains
- 5 ounces shredded turkey or chicken (about 2 cups, leftover cooked preferred)
- 1 cup white rice
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter (or substitute with olive oil)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 ounces dilled Havarti cheese, cubed
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Shred Turkey: Shred the cooked turkey or chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the casserole.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the garlic finely, peel and dice the carrots, cut broccoli into small florets, slice scallions, and seed then dice the plum tomato.
- Dice Cheese: On a clean cutting board, dice the dilled Havarti cheese into small cubes to melt evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In a large ovenproof skillet (12″ works well), melt butter over medium heat, then add garlic, carrots, and about three-quarters of the scallions. Stir and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add Main Ingredients: Stir in the rice, shredded turkey or chicken, broccoli florets, diced tomato, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Mix Liquids: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth and sour cream until smooth.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour the broth and sour cream mixture into the skillet, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in half of the Havarti cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese to the simmering mixture until incorporated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the skillet with an ovenproof lid or aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Optional Transfer: If preferred, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover with foil before baking for 20 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove from oven, carefully uncover, and sprinkle the remaining Havarti and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Broil for Finish: Move the oven rack to the top position and turn on the broiler. Return the dish or skillet to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining sliced scallions over the casserole just before serving for a fresh touch.
- Store Leftovers: Cover any leftovers with a lid or foil and refrigerate for up to three days.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil for butter if preferred for a lighter version.
- Leftover cooked turkey or chicken works best for easy preparation and added flavor.
- Adjust scallion quantity according to your taste and reserve some for garnish to add a fresh bite.
- Ensure the casserole is fully covered while baking to cook the rice evenly and retain moisture.
- The broiling step adds a lovely golden, bubbly, cheesy crust – do not skip this for best results.
- Use a large ovenproof skillet to minimize clean-up, but you can also bake in a casserole dish if needed.
- Make sure to check if all liquid is absorbed before broiling to avoid soggy casserole.
