wild rice casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best wild rice casserole recipe

I’ve been making this wild rice casserole recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The combination of wild rice, ground beef, and vegetables is a classic one that never gets old. I love how the flavors meld together and the texture of the rice is just right – not too mushy, not too dry.

My kids always ask for seconds, and it’s a great way to get them to eat something nutritious. I like to serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.

This recipe is also great because it makes a big batch, so we can enjoy leftovers for days. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different ingredients, so you can make it your own.

I’ve added in some frozen peas and carrots for an extra burst of color and flavor. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.

Wild Rice Casserole

4.7 from 1366 votes

A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring wild rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time65 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Wild Rice

1 cup wild rice
2 cups vegetable broth

For the Vegetables

1 medium onion
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 cup mushrooms
2 cloves garlic

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
salt and pepper to taste

For Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
2Combine the wild rice and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5While the rice is cooking, preheat the oven to 375°F.
6Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms into small pieces.
7Mince the garlic cloves.
Set aside.
8In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and minced garlic.
Set aside.
9In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
10Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
11Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
12Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
13Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
14In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked wild rice, vegetable mixture, and cream sauce.
15Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
16In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and olive oil.
17Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
18Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

This recipe can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Watch Video Of How Wild Rice Casserole Works

This wild rice casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a comforting meal for yourself.

It’s easy to reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven, and you can even freeze individual portions for later use.

I like to serve it with some crusty bread on the side for sopping up all those delicious juices.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Rice Casserole

1. What is wild rice?

Wild rice is actually not related to regular rice at all – it’s technically a type of grass that grows in wetlands and has been prized for its nutty flavor and chewy texture for centuries.

2. Can I substitute ground beef with something else?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef with other protein sources like ground turkey, pork, or even vegetarian options like black beans or mushrooms.

3. How long does it take to cook the wild rice?

Cooking the wild rice takes about 45 minutes to an hour – you can either cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in advance – just assemble all the ingredients except for the cheese and refrigerate until ready to bake.

5. What if I don’t have any wild rice on hand?

You can actually substitute regular long-grain white or brown rice in its place – just be aware that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

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