Ruth'S Original Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty, savory casserole blending nutty wild rice with tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and creamy soup—perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak 1 cup wild rice for 4 hours, then drain.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and simmer the wild rice until it’s nearly cooked, about 20 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Add cubed celery, chopped onion, cubed green pepper, and pimento to the skillet; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in one can of mushroom or cream of celery soup and ½ cup butter (or margarine) until melted and well combined.
- Fold the cooked wild rice and water chestnuts into the beef mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the casserole to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using homemade cream of celery soup instead of canned. If you're looking to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also add sliced mushrooms for extra texture. Soaking the wild rice not only improves its texture but also reduces cooking time, making your casserole come together more quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as Bacon Delight Salad, or crusty bread to soak up any sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled hot dogs or a light vegetable dish. This makes for a comforting family dinner or a potluck favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Original Wild Rice Casserole contains roughly 1112 calories, with 23g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
If wild rice isn't available, you can substitute with brown rice or a blend of wild and white rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. The flavor profile will change slightly, but these alternatives will still yield a delicious casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice and opt for a vegetable-based cream soup. This will create a delicious vegetarian version that retains the essence of the original recipe.
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).