Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the scent of sautéing garlic and onions filled the air, transporting me straight back to family gatherings where hearty meals brought everyone together. Today, I’m excited to share my Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole—a delightful way to elevate those holiday leftovers into a quick, one-pot meal that’s both creamy and comforting. With tender turkey, earthy wild rice, and vibrant veggies, this dish not only saves you precious time but also pleases even the pickiest eaters at your table. In just 33 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready to warm your hearts and bellies. Curious about how you can whip this up in no time? Let’s dive into the details! Why is this Turkey Wild Rice Casserole a Must-Try? Comforting and Creamy: This dish offers a warm embrace, combining creamy textures with succulent turkey and earthy wild rice that feels like a hug on a plate. Quick to Prepare: With just 33 minutes in the Instant Pot, you can transform leftovers into a delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights. One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dishes; everything cooks together seamlessly, making clean-up a breeze. Flavorful and Hearty: Infused with herbs and spices, this casserole hits the spot, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will wipe their plates clean. For more quick and satisfying meals, check out these tasty options: Beef Pepper Rice and Fried Rice Savor. Your family will be begging for seconds! Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole Base Unsalted butter – Adds rich flavor and helps soften vegetables. Garlic and onion – Provide a savory base essential for the casserole. Celery and carrots – Classic aromatics that offer depth and texture in every bite. Chicken broth – Supplies necessary liquid for pressure cooking and enhances overall flavor. For the Grains Wild rice – Brings a unique texture and chewiness, making the casserole hearty. Long grain rice – Complements the wild rice for a balanced and satisfying consistency. Red lentils – Cook quickly, contributing protein and a tender texture. For Added Ingredients Corn – Introduces sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the dish. Sage stuffing – Infuses the meal with those comforting holiday flavors everyone loves. Leftover turkey – Provides substance; can substitute with rotisserie chicken if desired. For the Seasoning Spices and herbs – Black pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and bay leaves add warmth and aroma. For the Creamy Finish Heavy cream – Stirred in at the end for that luscious, creamy texture. Fresh thyme – Used for garnish, adding brightness and a vibrant pop of color. With these ingredients, your Turkey Wild Rice Casserole will not only be a feast for the senses but also a sure-fire way to use up those delicious holiday leftovers! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the pot, and add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 cup of diced carrots. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, creating a lovely base for your Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Step 2: Combine Ingredients Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot and use a wooden spatula to deglaze the bottom, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 1 cup of wild rice, 1 cup of long grain rice, 1 cup of red lentils, 1 cup of corn, and the prepped sage stuffing. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed, forming the hearty mixture that will be the heart of your casserole. Step 3: Layer Turkey and Season Next, add 3 cups of shredded leftover turkey on top of the rice mixture. Season with freshly cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of sage, and tuck in 2 bay leaves. Press the turkey gently into the mixture to incorporate the flavors, as this will enhance the taste of your Turkey Wild Rice Casserole during cooking. Step 4: Pressure Cook Seal the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes. As the pot comes to pressure, the comforting aromas of the Turkey Wild Rice Casserole will begin to fill your kitchen, promising a delicious meal ahead. Step 5: Finish the Dish After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove the lid, discarding the bay leaves. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing until it beautifully melds into the casserole for a creamy finish. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh thyme for a touch of color and freshness. What to Serve with Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Discover delightful accompaniments that will elevate your comforting meal to new heights. Garlic Bread: Adds a crunchy, buttery element that’s perfect for scooping up every creamy bite of casserole. Lemon Parmesan Chopped Salad: Fresh greens and zingy dressing bring vibrant flavors that cut through the richness of the casserole. This refreshing option will have your taste buds dancing! Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, they complement the savory turkey and wild rice while adding a vibrant pop of color to your plate. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized edges enhance the hearty flavors of the casserole and offer a slight bitterness to balance the rich creaminess. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully, creating a harmonious blend with the earthy notes from the wild rice. Pumpkin Slab Pie: For dessert, this seasonal treat wraps up your meal beautifully; its spiced sweetness is a comforting finale after the savory casserole. With these delicious pairings, every bite will bring warmth and joy to your dining experience! Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Variations Customize this comforting casserole to fit your taste and dietary needs, enhancing the cozy experience with delightful twists! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for creaminess, keeping it rich but dairy-free. Vegetable Boost: Toss in diced mushrooms for a hearty, earthy flavor—a lovely addition that enhances texture and taste. Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free stuffing and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free; it’s an easy swap for those with dietary restrictions. Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, elevating the flavor and warming your palate on chilly evenings. Extra Protein: Mix in white beans or chickpeas for a protein boost, making the casserole not just hearty but also filling. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley to freshen up the taste; they can lend a unique touch to each serving. Asian Twist: Swap traditional chicken broth for low-sodium vegetable broth and add soy sauce for a hint of umami—perfect for those craving international flavors. Sweet Surprise: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness—an unexpected delight that pairs wonderfully with turkey. Feel free to let your creativity shine with these variations! And if you’re seeking more delicious recipes, don’t miss out on these favorites: Pineapple Chicken Rice and Kimchi Rice Fritters. Each delightful option is perfect for family meal nights and elevating your dinner table! Make Ahead Options These Turkey Wild Rice Casserole make-ahead options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the casserole base, including the sautéed aromatics and rice mixture, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow steps 1 and 2, then refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, layer the shredded turkey and seasonings as instructed, then pressure cook. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it, cooking it fresh within 3 days. This way, on those hectic weeknights, you’ll have a comforting meal that tastes just as delicious with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s well-covered to keep the casserole fresh and flavorful. Freezer: This Turkey Wild Rice Casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meals later. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry. Expert Tips for Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Deglaze Thoroughly: Scrape up all browned bits in the pot after sautéing. This step prevents a burn notice and ensures a flavorful base for your casserole. Cut Vegetables Evenly: Chop garlic, onion, celery, and carrots into uniform sizes to ensure they cook uniformly and infuse flavor evenly in the Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Layering Matters: Arrange the shredded turkey on top of the rice mixture, pressing it gently to enhance flavor absorption during cooking. Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes before opening. This helps the casserole thicken and meld flavors beautifully. Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream just before serving for an extra layer of richness. You can also substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a lighter version. Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right wild rice for my casserole? Absolutely! When selecting wild rice, look for grains that are dark brown or black without any broken pieces or debris. High-quality wild rice should have a nutty aroma and a firm texture. If you’re in a pinch, a mix of wild and long grain rice can still give you that beautiful, hearty texture in your Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. What’s the best way to store leftovers of my Turkey Wild Rice Casserole? To keep your casserole fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend cooling the casserole completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup, which can make it soggy. Be sure to label your container with the date so you can easily keep track of your leftovers! Can I freeze my Turkey Wild Rice Casserole? Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion your cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or even freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a little dry after thawing, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream! What should I do if my casserole seems too watery after cooking? Very! If you notice that your casserole is too watery, here’s a common solution: Allow it to sit for a few minutes after releasing the pressure. This resting period can help thicken the dish. If it’s still not to your liking, you can make a quick slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water, then add it to the casserole while heating on the stove until it thickens. Is this Turkey Wild Rice Casserole safe for my gluten-sensitive friends? Absolutely! To make this casserole gluten-free, simply opt for gluten-free chicken broth and ensure that your sage stuffing is gluten-free as well. Many stores now offer gluten-free stuffing options, or you can make your own! Just remember to check all ingredient labels as a precaution. How long can I keep my Turkey Wild Rice Casserole in the fridge before it goes bad? Your casserole can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep! Just make sure to keep it in a well-sealed container to maintain its freshness and flavor. Enjoy those cozy leftovers while they’re still at their best! Turkey Wild Rice Casserole: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite This Turkey Wild Rice Casserole blends tender turkey and earthy wild rice into a creamy, comforting dish perfect for using holiday leftovers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 23 minutes minsTotal Time 33 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole Base2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds rich flavor and helps soften vegetables.1 cup diced onion Provides a savory base essential for the casserole.2 cloves minced garlic Provides a savory base essential for the casserole.1 cup chopped celery Classic aromatics that offer depth and texture.1 cup diced carrots Classic aromatics that offer depth and texture.4 cups chicken broth Supplies necessary liquid for pressure cooking.For the Grains1 cup wild rice Brings a unique texture and chewiness.1 cup long grain rice Complements the wild rice for balanced consistency.1 cup red lentils Cook quickly, contributing protein and a tender texture.For Added Ingredients1 cup corn Introduces sweetness and a pop of color.1 cup sage stuffing Infuses meal with comforting holiday flavors.3 cups shredded leftover turkey Provides substance; can replace with rotisserie chicken.For the Seasoning1 teaspoon black pepper Enhances flavor.1 teaspoon thyme Adds warmth and aroma.1 teaspoon rosemary Adds warmth and aroma.1 teaspoon sage Adds warmth and aroma.2 leaves bay leaves Adds depth of flavor.For the Creamy Finish1 cup heavy cream Stirred in for a luscious texture.fresh thyme Used for garnish. Equipment Instant Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt unsalted butter and add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced carrots. Sauté for about 2 minutes.Pour chicken broth into the pot and deglaze the bottom with a wooden spatula. Stir in wild rice, long grain rice, red lentils, corn, and sage stuffing.Add shredded leftover turkey on top. Season with black pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and tuck in bay leaves.Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes.After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, stir in heavy cream, and garnish with fresh thyme. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
