Are you searching for a mouthwatering, hassle-free dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and pure deliciousness in one dish? Look no further! This Easy Turkey Rice Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine a creamy, savory meal that comes together in just over an hour, packed with flavor and nutrition that will have everyone at the table asking for more. Whether you're a busy parent, a home cook looking for simplicity, or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is your perfect solution!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has a golden color, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the turkey and return the skillet to the stove. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the meat, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is well-coated.
- Add the browned ground turkey and frozen mixed vegetables to the rice mixture. Gently stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook properly.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown slightly and the cheese to melt (if using).
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning into individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using brown rice instead of white rice, which will add more nutrition and a nutty taste.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the turkey thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery work great as substitutes.
- To keep the casserole moist, don't skip covering it with foil during the initial baking time.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of cooking and consider adding breadcrumbs with the cheese.
- This casserole freezes beautifully! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Want to boost nutrition? Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
