Name: Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked wild rice blend; 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or cubed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 cup frozen peas (thawed); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping); 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

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Get ready to swoon over the comforting, hearty goodness of Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole. Imagine tender turkey and an earthy wild rice blend baked together with creamy sauce, melty cheese, and pops of green peas, all crowned with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. This dish is not just a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, but it’s also a celebration of flavor and texture in every bite—perfect to warm a chilly evening or impress at your next potluck. Hungry? You will be!

Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each one plays a special part in building layers of flavor, hearty texture, and that irresistible golden finish we all crave in a classic casserole.

Wild rice blend: Brings a nutty aroma and hearty chew that holds up beautifully in the casserole; cooked ahead for convenience.
Cooked turkey: Shredded or cubed, it transforms leftover turkey into something extraordinary; rotisserie chicken also works great.
Olive oil: Adds subtle flavor while sautéing vegetables, and keeps everything rich and moist.
Onion: Diced finely for savory sweetness and aroma as the base of your sauté.
Garlic: A couple of minced cloves give the dish a fragrant, homey flavor boost.
Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed for depth, umami, and a bit of bite.
Frozen peas: Thawed before mixing in, they add fresh color and delicate sweetness.
Sour cream: Blends into the sauce for a silky, tangy creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Works with the sour cream to ensure a tender, moist casserole and adds extra richness.
Milk: Lightens the sauce and brings everything together, creating that perfect, creamy consistency.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon, but it brightens the whole dish with gentle heat and tang.
Dried thyme: Lends a woodsy fragrance that plays beautifully with turkey and mushrooms.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors to life.
Swiss or mozzarella cheese: Shredded and mixed in for gooey, creamy comfort in every forkful.
Parmesan cheese: Grated on top for a nutty, savory finish that gets gloriously crisp in the oven.
Breadcrumbs: Optional, but highly recommended for extra crunch and that “wow” golden top.
Melted butter: Tosses with the breadcrumbs for deeper flavor and a lusciously toasty topping.

How to Make Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish—this helps keep the Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole from sticking and makes serving easier when it’s time to dig in.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, letting them cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. This step really builds flavor, adding sweetness and depth. Toss in the minced garlic, and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Mix Up the Casserole Filling

In a big bowl, combine the cooked wild rice blend and the turkey with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the thawed peas, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in the shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese, then mix until every grain and morsel is well coated with the creamy, herby sauce. This is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. If you’re a breadcrumb lover, combine them with the melted butter in a small bowl for maximum crunch factor. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the casserole, then scatter the grated Parmesan on top. This step guarantees you’ll get that gorgeous, bubbly, golden finish on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt beautifully and the top to become deliciously golden. The Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole should be bubbling at the edges—this means it’s ready! Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets up and is easier to scoop.

How to Serve Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole

Garnishes

Give your homemade Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole a finishing flourish! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving for color and added flavor. A pop of bright garnish really makes those hearty ingredients shine.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve your casserole alongside a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, or offer roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. A few slices of warm, crusty bread are perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole up a notch by spooning individual portions into ramekins for dinner parties, or pack leftovers into lunchboxes for an elevated midday treat. Little touches like adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a swirl of pesto before serving can create a whole new flavor adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its comforting texture or flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or tightly wrap the entire dish with foil and plastic wrap. Label it, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results!

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or pop a larger amount into a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for about 20 minutes. If you crave that crispy top, uncover the last few minutes to let it crisp up again.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole with chicken instead of turkey?

Definitely! Substitute rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for turkey to make the Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole just as hearty and delicious. The flavors pair just as well and it’s a great option for year-round enjoyment.

What wild rice blend is best for this recipe?

A blend of wild rice and long-grain brown or white rice works best, since wild rice alone can be quite firm. The combo offers a great balance of chewy texture and fluffy grains.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or even bell peppers to amp up the color, flavor, and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté any extra veggies first so they’re tender before baking.

Is there a lighter version of this casserole?

Yes! Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light mayonnaise to trim the calories without sacrificing creaminess. You can also use low-fat cheese if you like.

Do I have to use breadcrumbs for the topping?

Nope, the casserole is still amazing without them. The cheese on top will create a lovely golden crust on its own, but breadcrumbs add that irresistible crunch if you have them on hand.

Final Thoughts

If your taste buds are craving cozy, flavorful comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser any time of year, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with warmth, joy, and the irresistible aroma of a true classic!

Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish that makes great use of leftover turkey. With a blend of wild rice, tender turkey, savory vegetables, and a cheesy topping, it’s a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole:

2 cups cooked wild rice blend
2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or cubed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. In a large skillet, sauté onion and mushrooms until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. Combine cooked rice, turkey, vegetables, peas, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and Swiss or mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Transfer to the dish.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top, followed by Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.