Go Back
A close-up spoonful of the healthy ground turkey rice casserole, showing the creamy texture and melted cheese.

Ground Turkey Rice Casserole (Cheesy & Easy!)

This Ground Turkey Rice Casserole is a cheesy, easy, and healthy comfort food classic. Made with lean turkey, fluffy rice, and a creamy homemade sauce, it's the perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 lb ground turkey 93/7 lean
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook the rice according to package directions.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk, until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  5. Add the cooked turkey, cooked rice, and broccoli florets to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
Tip 2: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or diced carrots along with the broccoli for extra nutrition and color.