Description

This hearty Wild Rice Hotdish is a comforting casserole featuring tender wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Enhanced with optional cooked chicken or ground beef and topped with melted cheddar and crunchy cracker crumbs, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Baked until bubbling and golden, this satisfying dish combines wholesome ingredients with rich flavors for a warm and fulfilling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup uncooked wild rice
4 cups chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons butter or oil
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cups cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)

Sauce and Seasoning

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the hotdish later.
Cook the wild rice. Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water. Place it in a pot with 4 cups of chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender but still firm. Drain any excess liquid before proceeding.
Sauté vegetables. In a large skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken or ground beef if using, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble the hotdish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Transfer the rice mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake the casserole. Place the assembled hotdish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s hot and bubbling, and the topping turns golden brown.
Rest before serving. Remove the hotdish from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Wild rice can sometimes require longer cooking times depending on the brand; adjust simmering accordingly to ensure it is tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American