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Stunning plated serving of Turkey and Rice Casserole, a chef-tested recipe by Chef Jorj Morgan.

Turkey and Rice Casserole

Coastal Mains

Turkey and Rice Casserole

Print Recipe
The Strategy:

This casserole elevates the humble concept of leftovers by enveloping shredded turkey and rice in a deeply savory, scratch-made cheddar and sherry mornay sauce. Building the sauce with a proper butter roux, fortified with heavy aromatics and brightened by the sherry, ensures a luxurious, velvety texture that binds the ingredients perfectly without ever becoming heavy. Finishing the dish with a heavily buttered, Parmesan-laced panko crust creates a magnificent textural contrast against the creamy interior when baked to a shattering golden brown.

Yields: serves 6 to 8 | Total Time: 40 minutes till it’s ready

Ingredients

For the sauce aromatics and base:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces, about 1 ½ cups
  • 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced into ½-inch pieces, about 1 cup
  • 3 to 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 2 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the sauce liquids and seasonings:

  • ½ cup sherry
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded, about 1 cup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated, about ½ cup
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Overhead mise en place shot of ingredients aesthetically arranged: shredded cooked turkey, white rice, bright green peas, shredded sharp cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, a stick of butter, sherry, heavy cream, chicken stock, diced onions, red bell peppers, garlic, and fresh parsley around a heavy white ceramic baking dish on a marble prep board.

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the onion and pepper and cook until the veggies are soft.
  4. Stir in the garlic.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour.
  6. Stir in the sherry, chicken stock, and milk.
  7. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  8. Reduce the heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  9. Season with salt, pepper, sage, and oregano.

Assemble and Bake Casserole:

  1. Spread the turkey into a baking dish coated with vegetable oil spray.
  2. Add the rice and peas.
  3. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to combine.
  4. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter to a bowl. Use a fork to combine.
  5. Sprinkle the crumbs over the casserole.
  6. Bake until the top of the casserole is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  7. Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Close-up action shot of a cook's hand generously sprinkling a heavily buttered, Parmesan-laced panko breadcrumb mixture over the top of a creamy, rich turkey and rice casserole in a white ceramic dish.

The Heart of the Table

A beautifully baked casserole is the definitive centerpiece for a relaxed Sunday evening. Placing a massive, bubbling ceramic dish directly in the center of the table immediately signals comfort, offering a nostalgic, undeniably deeply satisfying meal that requires absolutely no pretense.

An elegant, warmly lit dining table setting explicitly featuring a Party of 8 gathered around the table laughing, eating, and drinking elegant Chardonnay in wide-bowled glasses in a luxurious Palm Beach Estate dining patio with ocean views. A massive, bubbling ceramic baking dish of Casserole anchors the deeply nostalgic, cozy gathering.

Neighborly Grace

  • THE PRESENTATION: Bake and serve this directly in a stunning, heavy white ceramic or enameled cast-iron baking dish. Let it rest for a full ten minutes before serving so the rich sauce sets perfectly, then garnish heavily with vibrant, finely chopped fresh parsley just before bringing it to the table.
  • THE POUR: The sharp cheddar and the deeply savory notes of the sherry sauce demand a white wine with enough body to stand up to the richness, yet enough acidity to cleanse the palate. A lightly oaked, elegant Chardonnay or a full-bodied Viognier provides the perfect, luxurious pairing.
  • THE VIBE: Deeply nostalgic and incredibly comforting. This is the meal you prepare when the weekend is winding down, the house is quiet, and you want to gather your family for one last, undeniably cozy moment before the week begins.
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