You may find yourself roasting turkey more often once you try this flavorful leftover cheesy turkey casserole. It is warm, hearty, easy to prepare, and packed with the kind of comforting flavor that makes leftovers feel brand new.
This simple turkey casserole with rice is a practical way to turn cooked turkey, ham, chicken, lamb, pork, or sausage into a satisfying family dinner. With tender rice, mushrooms, herbs, white wine, and plenty of melted cheese, it is the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the table.
What’s to love about this leftover cheesy casserole?
Casseroles are loved for a reason: they are cozy, convenient, and easy to adapt to what you already have in the kitchen. This leftover cheesy turkey casserole is especially useful after a holiday meal, but it is just as good on a regular weeknight when you want something filling without making dinner complicated.
The recipe is built around cooked turkey and rice, then layered with mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for a creamy, cheesy finish. Mushrooms add savory depth, while onion, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and a bay leaf give the casserole a homemade flavor that tastes like it took more effort than it really did.
Thanksgiving is the obvious time to make this dish because leftover turkey is usually plentiful. The larger slices are perfect for sandwiches, but the smaller pieces left on the platter or near the bones are ideal for a casserole. Instead of wasting those bits, turn them into a comforting baked meal that can feed the whole family.
This recipe also works beautifully when you do not have turkey. Leftover ham gives it a salty, savory flavor, while lamb, chicken, pork, or sausage can all be used with delicious results. If you are not working with leftovers, cooked rotisserie turkey breast or chicken is a quick shortcut that still creates a satisfying casserole.
Thanksgiving Leftovers
After a Thanksgiving feast, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the leftovers. This leftover turkey casserole with rice helps you use them in a way that feels fresh, comforting, and completely different from the holiday dinner itself.
If your holiday table includes ham instead of turkey, use ham. If you have a mix of cooked meats, choose what you enjoy most. The recipe is flexible, so you do not need to wait for a specific holiday or ingredient to make it.
This version is made with rice rather than pasta. Basmati or jasmine rice both work well, but barley can also be used if you prefer a heartier texture. For a quicker meal, choose quick-cooking barley so the dish stays simple and weeknight-friendly.
The best part is the cheese. The rice and turkey mixture is layered with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, then baked until hot and melty. Letting it rest before serving helps the casserole settle and makes it easier to scoop.
Whether you call it a leftover turkey casserole, a cheesy rice bake, or a family comfort food dinner, this recipe is a smart way to make cooked meat stretch further while still serving something everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- Rice, such as Basmati or jasmine
- Cooked leftover turkey, or another cooked meat
- Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Bay leaf
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How do I make it?
This easy leftover turkey casserole comes together in a few simple steps. Cook the rice first, prepare the turkey and mushroom mixture while the rice cooks, then layer everything with cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
- Cook the rice according to the package directions in lightly salted water.
- While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion, bay leaf, and rosemary leaves. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked turkey and mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes, then discard the bay leaf.
- Add the white wine, cooked and drained rice, and parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Spread half of the rice mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the mixed cheeses.
- Add the remaining rice mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted. Let it rest before serving.
How do I store it?
Store leftover turkey casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm a larger amount in the oven until heated through.
Round up your Thanksgiving with these dishes:
- Perfect Roasted Turkey
- Leftover Turkey Tacos
- Stuffed Buttercup Squash
- Fillo Ricotta Bundt Pie
- Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Barley Risotto
- Pumpkin Goat Cheese Pasta Bake
Liked this recipe? Leave a rating or a review in the comments. Your feedback is always appreciated and helps others enjoy this leftover cheesy turkey casserole too.
Leftover Cheesy Turkey Casserole
Equipment
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Cast-iron or nonstick skillet
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Saucepan
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Casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, Basmati or jasmine
- 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, chopped
- ⅓ cup white wine
- 1 8 oz. package mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup each shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- One sprig fresh rosemary
- Parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, cook the rice in 2 cups of lightly salted water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bay leaf, and rosemary leaves, discarding the woody stem. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Stir in the turkey and mushrooms. Cook for 10 minutes, then discard the bay leaf. Add the white wine, cooked and drained rice, and parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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In a small bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Spread half of the rice mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mixed cheese. Add the remaining rice mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
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Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes, or until hot and melted. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Turkey can be replaced with leftover cooked ham, chicken, lamb, pork, or sausage.
- Barley may be used instead of rice if you prefer a heartier texture.
- Garnish with sliced tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 42g |
Protein: 28g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Cholesterol: 49mg |
Sodium: 471mg