Wild Rice And Hamburger Hot Dish
A hearty baked casserole combining tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, wild rice, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Saute the diced onion, celery, and carrot in margarine until tender.
- Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the vegetables.
- Combine the cooked rice, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and mushroom soup with the browned beef.
- Mix in the sauteed vegetables and simmer all for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated sharp cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with garlic or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use cooked quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free twist. Don't hesitate to add other veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This hot dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve it with garlic bread or a slice of cornbread on the side. It’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and can be enjoyed alongside recipes like Chili (Mildly Seasoned) or Val's Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice And Hamburger Hot Dish contains roughly 454 calories, with 18g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2079mg per serving (90% 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 dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, combined with vegetable broth and sautéed mushrooms. This will give you a fresher flavor and allow you to control the ingredients more closely.
Can I freeze this hot dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).