Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’ve got some turkey leftover and you’re wondering what to do with it that’s comforting, easy, and downright delicious, you’re going to want to stick around for this. I’m sharing my favorite Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Recipe that turns those leftovers into a creamy, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Trust me, you’ll find that this casserole becomes a go-to—not just for post-holiday clean-up, but any time you want a warm, hearty dish that’s ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances fresh veggies, hearty grains, and fragrant herbs, all enveloped in a creamy base. When shopping, aim for good-quality chicken broth and fresh herbs if possible—you’ll notice the difference.

• Unsalted butter: For that rich foundation; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the aroma and adds a subtle bite.
• White onion: Diced to build sweetness and depth in the sauté base.
• Celery: Adds a nice crunch and classic flavor to the veggie mix.
• Carrots: Sweetness and color come from these vibrant bits.
• Chicken broth: This is the cooking liquid that infuses everything with flavor; homemade or store-bought both work.
• Wild rice: The star grain here, offering a nutty texture and earthy taste.
• Long grain rice wild rice blend: Balances the wild rice with a softer texture.
• Red lentils: These cook quickly and add a subtle creaminess plus protein.
• Corn: For bursts of sweetness and color.
• Sage stuffing: Either boxed like Stove Top or homemade—this amps up the holiday flavors.
• Turkey: Leftover or freshly cooked, shredded for easy mixing.
• Salt and black pepper: Basics to season to taste.
• Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage: These herbs bring that classic turkey casserole vibe.
• Bay leaves: Added while cooking for gentle herbal notes, removed before serving.
• Heavy cream: Stirred in at the end for richness and smooth texture.
• Fresh thyme: For garnish to brighten and freshen up the final dish.

Variations

I love to tweak this casserole depending on what’s in the fridge or what my family’s craving—it’s really forgiving. Feel free to swap out veggies or add some heat if you like a little kick!

• Veggie Boost: Once, I added chopped mushrooms and green beans for extra earthiness and crunch—turned out fantastic!
• Dairy-Free Version: You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the sauté step to sneak in some heat.
• Grain Swap: If you don’t have wild rice blend handy, brown rice or quinoa works well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

How to Make Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it heat up. Once warm, melt the butter, then add minced garlic, diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 2 minutes until they’re fragrant and just starting to soften. This quick sauté builds a flavorful base that really lifts the entire dish. Don’t rush—this step is where those deep flavors develop.

Step 2: Add Rice, Broth, and More

Turn off the sauté mode. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom (this is key to prevent a burn warning!). Then add the wild rice, red lentils, corn, and your sage stuffing. Stir gently to combine everything. Layer the shredded turkey on top and sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and place the bay leaves on top—these herbs are the heart of the casserole’s cozy personality.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Casserole

Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes. This time perfectly cooks the wild rice and lentils while infusing flavor. Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to keep the textures creamy and tender—not mushy. After 10 minutes, quickly release any remaining pressure and carefully open the lid.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Garnish

Discard the bay leaves, then stir the heavy cream into the casserole—this adds that creamy finish that hugs every bite. Scoop it into a serving dish, sprinkle fresh thyme over the top, and you’re ready to dig in. I absolutely love how this final creamy touch makes the dish feel indulgent yet homey.

How to Serve Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh thyme sprigs because they brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh herbal aroma that complements the earthy casserole flavors. A little cracked black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is so hearty, I like pairing it with something light like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans tossed in lemon and olive oil. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cranberry sauce work beautifully if you want it to feel a bit more festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday leftovers, I sometimes bake this casserole topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a bubbly, golden crust—perfect for special gatherings. You can even serve it in individual ramekins for a fancy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge—it stays great for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the creamy texture. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the grains from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Recipe, I was blown away by how it transformed simple leftovers into something magical and comforting. It’s become a family favorite, especially when we want a warm meal that feels like a hug in a bowl on a busy night. I hope you’ll give it a try—you might find it becomes your new favorite way to make magic out of turkey scraps like it did for me.

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