Creamy Turkey Rice Broccoli Casserole (Easy Comfort Food Favorite)

This creamy Turkey rice broccoli casserole​ is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for using up leftover turkey, packed with flavor, and easy to prepare. Loaded with cheddar, broccoli, and tender rice, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Turkey rice broccoli casserole​ is one of those magical dishes that solves so many dinner dilemmas. Got leftover turkey? Check. Need something the kids will actually eat? Double check. Craving comfort food without a mountain of dirty dishes? You’re in the right place.

This creamy, cheesy casserole brings together tender turkey, fluffy white rice, and fresh broccoli in a way that feels cozy and satisfying, just like those classic chicken and broccoli rice recipes we all grew up with. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well on a weeknight as it does for Sunday dinner or after the holidays.

Even better, it comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep—perfect for those nights when you just can’t deal with a complicated meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this easy casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Main Ingredients

Let’s talk basics. Here’s what you’ll need to build the base of this delicious Turkey rice broccoli casserole​:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion to release its sweetness.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture.
• 2 cups Great Value instant white rice – Cooks quickly and absorbs all those tasty flavors.
• 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth – Infuses the rice with extra savory goodness.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can Great Value cream of mushroom soup – A creamy classic.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can Great Value cream of chicken soup – Adds richness and depth.
• ½ cup Great Value sour cream – For extra creaminess.
• ¼ cup milk – Helps blend all the creamy ingredients smoothly.
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning – Perfectly complements turkey.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a gentle kick.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For balance and a touch of heat.
• 3–4 cups cooked chopped turkey – Great use for leftovers!
• 4 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or lightly steamed, they add crunch and color.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Because no casserole is complete without cheese.

These core ingredients work together to create that creamy, comforting texture we all crave when it’s time for casserole night. It’s the turkey twist on a hearty cheesy chicken and rice casserole you know and love.

Additional Ingredients & Substitutions

Want to jazz up your Turkey rice broccoli casserole​ even more? Here are some optional additions and substitutions that keep things interesting:

• Frozen mixed veggies – Carrots, peas, and corn can bring in some sweetness and color.
• Brown rice – For a nuttier flavor and extra fiber (just make sure to adjust cooking times), like in this hearty chicken and wild rice recipe.
• Rotisserie chicken – A great alternative if turkey’s not on hand.
• Greek yogurt – Swap for sour cream if you want a protein boost.
• Sharp cheddar or pepper jack – If you’re feeling spicy.
• A sprinkle of parmesan – Over the top, for that golden crusty finish.

These tweaks let you make the dish your own, depending on what you’ve got in the pantry or what your family loves most.

Expert Tips for Turkey Rice Broccoli Casserole​

After years of cooking for a family of five, I’ve picked up a few tricks that turn good recipes into great ones. Here’s how to make your Turkey rice broccoli casserole​ a guaranteed success:

• Don’t skip the sautéed onions. It might be tempting, but that little step adds a depth of flavor you’ll miss if you skip it.
• Steam your broccoli lightly. It should be bright green and just tender. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy in the oven.
• Mix sauces separately. Combine your soups, sour cream, milk, and seasoning in a bowl first. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
• Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It’s perfect in this dish, especially if you’re a fan of cozy, Southern-style meals like this southern chicken and rice recipe. Just chop it into bite-size pieces.
• Let it rest before serving. Once it’s out of the oven, give it 5–10 minutes to set. That way, the flavors come together beautifully.
• Make ahead. Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Freeze it. This casserole freezes well. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and label it with the date.

These simple tips can make a big difference, especially when you’re juggling dinner, homework, and everything in between!

Recommended Techniques

• Pre-cook rice: Instant rice saves time, but ensure it’s not overcooked before baking.
• Even layering: Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Cover, then uncover: Bake covered first to trap moisture, then uncover to get that golden cheesy topping.
• Cracker topping trick: Mix melted butter with crushed crackers right before sprinkling so they stay crisp.
• Shred cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents—freshly shredded melts better.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Rice Broccoli Casserole​

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.
3. In a large bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, broth, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Add cooked turkey, sautéed onions, uncooked instant rice, broccoli, and 1½ cups cheddar cheese. Stir until combined.
5. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
7. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Additional Guide: Variations & Special Touches

Want to put your own spin on this turkey rice broccoli casserole​? Go for it! Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add bacon bits for a smoky flavor boost.
• Top with French-fried onions instead of crackers for crunch and zing.
• Make it Tex-Mex by adding black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
• Go vegetarian by replacing turkey with mushrooms or tofu.
• Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or check out these healthy chicken and rice recipes for more inspiration.

This dish is wonderfully flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little. That’s half the fun!

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Rice Rroccoli Casserole​

Conclusion

There you have it—a turkey rice broccoli casserole​ that’s comforting, versatile, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers, meal prepping for the week, or just need something the whole family will actually eat, this recipe’s got your back.

I’ve made this more times than I can count, and it never fails to hit the spot. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make it your own. After all, cooking should be as joyful as the people you’re cooking for.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear your variations, tips, or stories. Because nothing brings us together quite like a warm casserole dish in the middle of the dinner table.

With love from my Florida kitchen to yours,

Creamy Turkey Rice Broccoli Casserole

This creamy Turkey rice broccoli casserole is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for using up leftover turkey, packed with flavor, and easy to prepare. Loaded with cheddar, broccoli, and tender rice, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking Dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup milk
• 0.5 tsp poultry seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 3-4 cups cooked chopped turkey
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
• In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
• Stir in cooked rice, sautéed onions, chopped turkey, and broccoli florets until well combined.
• Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add extra veggies or use different types of cheese to make this dish your own!

Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food

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