Turkey Wild Rice Bake

Get ready to cozy up with a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite: Turkey Wild Rice Bake. This one-pan wonder combines the heartiness of a classic casserole with a rustic twist, featuring nutty wild rice, tender turkey, and a medley of earthy flavours. Perfect for chilly nights or when you just need something soul-warming, this bake blends creamy goodness with a cheesy, crunchy topping that’s hard to resist. Inspired by simple, satisfying meals, it’s a fuss-free way to bring big flavour to the table—whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping leftovers for the week. Let’s dive into this delicious hug of a recipe!

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Bake:

• 1 cup (180g) wild rice (or a wild rice blend), rinsed
• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 35-40 minutes (or per package instructions) until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (or use a skillet and transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish later). Add ground turkey and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove to a plate.
4. Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add onion and mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the turkey to the skillet. Add the cooked wild rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer to a baking dish now.
6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix cheese, panko, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the turkey mixture.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

And there it is—Turkey Wild Rice Bake, a dish that wraps you in warmth and flavour from the first spoonful to the last. That blend of chewy wild rice, savoury turkey, and creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a standout, whether it fueled a family dinner or gave you cozy leftovers to look forward to. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, but with enough flair to keep things interesting. Swap in your favourite veggies, tweak the spices, or just enjoy it as is—this bake’s got staying power. Here’s to hearty meals and happy hearts!