If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers wondering what on earth to do with them, then you’re in luck. This Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe is my absolute go-to for turning those odds and ends into a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together in a snap. I love this because it’s simple, comforting, and the crunchy Ritz cracker topping? Oh, it’s pure magic—your family will be asking for seconds before you know it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick Prep: You can throw this together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or post-holiday dinners.
Uses Leftovers Creatively: Don’t let that turkey and rice go to waste—this recipe turns them into something exciting and delicious.
Creamy and Crunchy Combo: The creamy filling paired with the golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust hits all the right texture notes.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild but satisfying, it’s a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

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, Thanksgiving leftovers recipe, easy turkey casserole, quick holiday dinner ideas, cozy comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture in this Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe. You’ll see it’s a great mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy, which keeps every bite interesting and comforting.

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, Thanksgiving leftovers recipe, easy turkey casserole, quick holiday dinner ideas, cozy comfort food

Cooked, diced turkey: Use white or dark meat, whatever you have on hand. The turkey is the star, so good quality is key!
Cooked rice: Plain white or brown rice works fine, just make sure it’s not mushy.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This adds richness—feel free to swap with cream of chicken or celery if you prefer.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor without weighing the casserole down.
Mayonnaise (room temperature): This gives the casserole creaminess and helps everything stick together perfectly.
Sour cream (room temperature): Adds tang and boosts the richness for that cozy feel.
Small onion (finely diced): For a subtle crunch and a mild savory bite.
Finely diced celery: Adds freshness and texture contrast.
Slivered almonds: This little nutty surprise adds body and a delicate crunch.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Ritz crackers (coarsely crushed): The topping star—makes for an irresistible golden crust.
Butter (melted): Binds those crispy crumbs together and adds a buttery goodness to the top.

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 the things I love about this Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can really make it your own depending on what you have in your kitchen or what flavors you want to highlight.

Mushroom Lover’s Twist: I once added sautéed fresh mushrooms instead of just using the condensed soup, and it took the casserole to another level of earthiness.
Make it Cheesy: Adding a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking makes this indulgently creamy—my family can’t get enough of it.
Low Carb Version: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter option that still tastes amazing.
Herbal Boost: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, seasonal touch that wakes up the flavors.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so the casserole doesn’t stick—trust me, this makes clean-up so much easier. Setting this up early frees you up to focus on mixing all your delicious ingredients together.

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Big Bowl

Grab your largest mixing bowl because it’s time to build this casserole! Toss diced turkey, cooked rice, condensed soup, chicken broth, mayonnaise, sour cream, diced onion, celery, and slivered almonds together. Stir well so every bite has a little bit of everything. After mixing, taste it and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Here’s a little secret: seasoning at this stage means the whole casserole is bursting with perfectly balanced flavors after baking.

Step 3: Transfer and Top with Crunchy Crumbs

Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, in a small bowl, stir together your crushed Ritz cracker crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are moistened (this helps them crisp up golden in the oven). Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole—this topping is what gives the dish that oh-so-satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake the casserole uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye for when it’s hot and bubbly all the way through and when the cracker topping turns that perfect golden brown. You can gently shake the dish to make sure it’s heated evenly. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe

Room Temp Mix-ins: Bringing your mayo and sour cream to room temperature helps them blend seamlessly for a creamy texture.
Avoid Soggy Rice: Use rice that’s been cooked and cooled, ideally refrigerated overnight—this keeps the casserole from getting mushy.
Almond Addition: Slivered almonds add a lovely crunch—if you’re nut-free, try toasted breadcrumbs instead.
Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary—if your topping browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while the casserole finishes baking.

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, Thanksgiving leftovers recipe, easy turkey casserole, quick holiday dinner ideas, cozy comfort food

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or a few torn herbs like thyme or sage over the top right before serving—it brightens the casserole and adds a fresh flavor pop. Sometimes I even squeeze a little lemon juice for a subtle zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a great way to add color and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday gathering, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra cracker crumbs and a sprinkle of herbs—it looks fancy but is super simple. You can also add a drizzle of warm gravy on the side for an indulgent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole keeps its texture well, though the topping softens a bit—it still tastes just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

If I know I’m not going to eat it all, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers without the cracker topping. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight, add fresh cracker crumbs mixed with butter, and bake until golden—this way, the topping’s crunch is fresh and perfect.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes works best to keep that crispy top intact. I’ve tried microwaving, but it can get soggy, so the oven is my favorite method if you have the time.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this casserole?

Absolutely! Brown rice works just as well, just make sure it’s cooked properly and not mushy. It adds a slightly nuttier flavor and extra fiber, which is a nice bonus.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute crushed saltine crackers, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a different but equally delicious crunch.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Sure, you can swap the turkey for cooked mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or tofu, and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent the casserole from turning out soggy?

Use cooled, firm rice and don’t over-sauce the casserole. Also, baking it uncovered helps moisture evaporate, keeping the casserole from getting soggy.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a few hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add the cracker topping right before baking for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey Rice Casserole Recipe has been such a beloved staple in my kitchen, especially after holiday feasts. There’s something so satisfying about transforming leftover turkey and rice into a dish that feels entirely new yet comfortingly familiar. I hope you give this a try and discover how easy and delicious using leftovers can be. Trust me, once you make it, this casserole will become one of your favorite ways to keep the holiday spirit alive on your dinner table!