If you’re sitting there with a fridge full of holiday turkey and wondering what to do next, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and best of all, so simple to whip up! This casserole has been my go-to for turning those turkey leftovers into a whole new meal that my family actually fights over. Stick around, and I’ll show you why this dish is a total game-changer for your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy Prep: You’ll love how quick this comes together with mostly pantry staples and leftover turkey.
Comfort in a Dish: It’s that classic creamy, cozy casserole that warms you up on a chilly night.
Flexible Ingredients: Swap in cream of chicken or celery soup if you want, and add your favorite herbs easily.
Perfect for Leftovers: It transforms leftover turkey and rice into a meal everyone asks for again and again.

A white plate with blue floral patterns holds a creamy layered dish. The bottom layer looks soft and white, with chunks of white meat mixed with small green bits. The middle layer is creamy, covering the meat and vegetables. The top layer is golden brown broken cracker pieces, crunchy and uneven, scattered over the creamy base with small green herb leaves for garnish. To the side, a silver fork rests on the plate. In the background, there are pieces of crusty white bread on a wooden cutting board and a wooden bowl filled with leafy green lettuce, all placed on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole, turkey leftover casserole, easy turkey casserole, comforting turkey dinner, holiday turkey leftovers recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe is cozy because it blends creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. Each ingredient adds a little something special, making the dish balanced and satisfying.

Flat lay of cooked diced turkey pieces, cooked white rice grains in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of creamy condensed mushroom soup, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a small white bowl with smooth, pale mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding thick, white sour cream, a small pile of finely diced small onion, a small pile of finely diced celery stalks, a heap of slivered almonds, a small white bowl containing coarse crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, and a small white bowl with melted golden butter, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically in perfect proportions in simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole, turkey leftover casserole, easy turkey casserole, comforting turkey dinner, holiday turkey leftovers recipe

Cooked Turkey: Use tender, diced turkey – leftover from any roast or holiday feast works beautifully.
Cooked Rice: A simple white or brown rice works; leftover rice saves you time and mess.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: It’s all about that creamy base, but cream of chicken or celery soup also pairs nicely.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps the casserole moist without being heavy.
Mayonnaise: At room temp, it blends smoothly to create a velvety texture.
Sour Cream: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the richness.
Onion: Finely diced for subtle sweetness and texture.
Celery: Adds crunch and freshness; finely diced to blend well.
Slivered Almonds: Toasty crunch upgrades the traditional casserole topping.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning is key, so taste and adjust!
Ritz Crackers: Crushed to form that golden, buttery topping everyone loves.
Butter: Melted and mixed with cracker crumbs for the perfect crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe is how you can tweak it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative—it only makes the dish your own.

Add Vegetables: I sometimes sneak in some frozen peas or diced carrots to boost nutrition and color.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream and mayo with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cream soup for allergy-friendly comfort.
Extra Cheese: My family loves it with some shredded cheddar mixed in before baking—so melty and irresistible.
Herbs and Spices: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a more savory flavor, especially if your turkey is plain.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Turkey and Rice Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying your casserole dish with some cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine your diced turkey, cooked rice, condensed soup, chicken broth, mayo, sour cream, onion, celery, and slivered almonds. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated. This mix is where all the magic happens! Take a moment to taste and adjust the salt and pepper—you’ll be so glad you did.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a separate bowl, crush about 30 Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. I like to toss them with melted butter until the crumbs are nicely coated—this ensures that golden, buttery crunch everyone craves. Sprinkle this topping evenly over your casserole mixture in the baking dish.

Step 3: Bake It ‘Til It’s Golden and Bubbling

Pop your casserole into the oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a crackly golden top—that’s your cue it’s done. If you want a little extra crisp on top, you can broil it for a minute or two, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

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Pro Tips for Making Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe

Use Room Temperature Mayo and Sour Cream: This helps the mixture blend smoothly without lumps.
Don’t Skip the Taste Test: Leftover turkey can vary in saltiness, so adjust seasoning after mixing everything together.
Crush Crackers Coarsely: For the best texture, I never powder them finely—the chunky topping holds up better while baking.
Avoid Overcooking: Overbaking dries out the casserole; keep an eye after 25 minutes for bubbly edges and golden top.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy, light beige casserole. The casserole has a thick layer of broken up golden-brown crackers scattered on top, with small green herb leaves sprinkled over them. The creamy base underneath looks smooth with some small pieces mixed in, likely vegetables or chicken, and a spoon rests inside the dish with a scoop taken out from one corner. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth underneath the left side. Surrounding the dish are fresh green lettuce leaves in a bowl on the top left, fresh herbs nearby, and torn white bread on the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole, turkey leftover casserole, easy turkey casserole, comforting turkey dinner, holiday turkey leftovers recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a little freshness that balances the creamy casserole beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a few thyme leaves or chives work great too.

Side Dishes

This casserole is kind of an all-in-one meal, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a hit of brightness. Steamed broccoli or green beans also pair perfectly—simple, fresh sides balance out the richness of this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins instead of one big dish. It feels fancy and makes portioning a breeze. You could also sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. It keeps well and tastes just as delicious reheated the next day—perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before with good results—just wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep its creamy texture intact.

Reheating

For reheating, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through to avoid drying it out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that crispy topping intact better.

FAQs

Can I use white or brown rice for this casserole?

Absolutely! Both white and brown rice work well in this recipe. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew, while white rice keeps the texture softer. Just make sure the rice is already cooked and cooled before mixing in.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you aren’t a fan of mushroom soup, canned cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great alternatives that keep the casserole creamy and delicious. You can even make your own homemade white sauce if you’re up for it!
Can I make this casserole ahead before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, just add the topping and bake as directed. It’s super helpful for busy weeknights or prepping for company.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole freezes well and makes for an easy meal later on. Just be sure to thaw it fully in the fridge before reheating and bake uncovered to regain some crispiness on top.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe takes the stress out of post-holiday meals. When I first tried it, I was craving comfort food that didn’t feel like leftovers — and this hit the spot perfectly. Now, it’s a tradition I look forward to, because it’s easy, filling, and tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for those leftovers in a whole new way!