Pioneer Turkey Casserole Recipe: A Perfect Way to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
If you’re searching for a scrumptious and efficient way to utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers, look no further than this delightful Pioneer Turkey Casserole. Originally crafted in a hospital cafeteria—a surprising source of culinary inspiration—this recipe has earned its place in home kitchens due to its fantastic flavor and simplicity. Not only is it an excellent option for those with busy schedules, but it also promises to be a hit with both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups wild rice mix
- 1 1/4 cups diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 1 can mushrooms, drained
- 1 cup cooked turkey, diced (or more, depending on availability)
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 300°F (150°C). This temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the wild rice mix, diced onion, finely chopped celery, and cooked turkey. Add the Worcestershire sauce and water, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Next, gently fold in the water chestnuts and mushrooms. This mixture will create a hearty, flavorful base for your casserole.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and to ensure your casserole comes out intact.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist while it cooks. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
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Finish Baking: After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes. This final uncovered baking will give the casserole a nice, golden finish and allow the flavors to concentrate.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 188
- Fat: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g
- Cholesterol: 16.6mg
- Sodium: 284.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.2g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 11.5g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Pioneer Turkey Casserole is a true testament to the joy of using leftovers creatively. It’s not only a fantastic way to reduce food waste, but it also delivers a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The blend of wild rice, vegetables, and turkey creates a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
With its easy preparation and delicious results, this casserole proves that good things can come from the most unexpected places—like a hospital cafeteria! Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this recipe and make it a new staple in your home cooking repertoire.
For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes like this one, be sure to visit Love With Recipes for all your culinary needs!
