Imagine a dinner that combines the rich, bold flavors of Asian cuisine with the comfort of a hearty casserole - all prepared in just 20 minutes of prep time! This Make Ahead Oriental Casserole is about to become your new family favorite, blending ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice into a one-dish meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply someone who loves delicious, easy-to-make dinners, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary adventure that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break it apart, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the turkey is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets and shred the carrots if not already done.
- Once the turkey is browned, add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the minced ginger and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring to evenly coat the turkey and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and the turkey-vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until well combined. Pour the beaten eggs into the rice and turkey mixture, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the eggs evenly.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is slightly golden.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color before serving.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly minced ginger instead of pre-ground ginger - it makes a significant difference in the dish's taste profile.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the entire casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- For added texture, consider toasting the rice slightly before mixing it with other ingredients, or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the turkey and vegetables to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 115mg
