Verna'S Wild Rice Hotdish
A hearty wild rice hotdish with savory mushroom and chicken flavors, topped with almonds, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup wild rice ⓘ
- 1 cup mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 large can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1.5 pounds hamburger, browned ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix rice and water and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Drain the rice and add remaining ingredients: mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained sliced mushrooms, browned hamburger, dissolved beef bouillon cubes, bay leaf, celery salt, garlic salt, pepper, onion salt, and paprika.
- Saute 3/4 cup chopped celery and 6 tablespoons chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the rice mixture.
- Pour everything into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup slivered almonds on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the sautéed mixture. If you don't have wild rice, brown rice can be a good substitute, though cooking times may vary. Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of hamburger. This dish is also delicious when made ahead and allowed to sit for a day to blend the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This hotdish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For added crunch, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. It’s a comforting dish that makes for great potluck contributions or family gatherings, and is perfect alongside other comforting American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Verna'S Wild Rice Hotdish contains roughly 194 calories, with 12g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (223% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 hotdish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hotdish a day in advance. Just assemble all the ingredients and store it covered in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the protein is cooked before adding it to the mixture to maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
How do I know when the hotdish is done baking?
The hotdish is done when the rice is tender and fully cooked, and the top is bubbly and slightly golden. You can check the rice by tasting it; it should be soft but still have a slight chew. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil until the cooking is complete.
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).