Ground Beef And Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender wild and regular rice with savory ground beef, mushrooms, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup wild rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup regular rice ⓘ
- 3 cups boiling water
- 6 tablespoons onions, chopped ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons bacon fat ⓘ
- 2 cans sliced mushrooms and liquid ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional) ⓘ
- 2 bouillon cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the wild and regular rice and let stand for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Brown chopped onions in bacon fat in a skillet.
- Add ground beef to the onions and cook until browned.
- Combine cooked rice, cooked beef and onions, sliced mushrooms and their liquid, dissolved bouillon cubes in hot water, seasonings, bay leaf, chopped parsley (if using), and any remaining ingredients in a casserole dish.
- Let stand in the casserole overnight to meld flavors.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 1/2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for the beef. If wild rice is unavailable, a blend of brown rice can work well too, though the texture will differ slightly. Make sure to drain the rice well after soaking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting twist, serve with warm, crusty bread on the side. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be enjoyed as a filling lunch throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef And Wild Rice Casserole contains roughly 372 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding time as needed.
What can I substitute for bacon fat?
If you prefer not to use bacon fat, you can substitute with olive oil or butter. Each option will impart a different flavor, but both will work well in sautéing the onions and ground beef.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).