Wild Rice And Sausage
Savory wild rice and sausage casserole combines hearty flavors of sausage, vegetables, and mushrooms, topped with almonds. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sausage
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 - 8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 16 oz. package long grain and wild rice mix ⓘ
- 1 - 2 oz. package sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sausage, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic in a skillet.
- Cook over medium heat until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender, stirring to crumble the meat.
- Drain excess fat and liquids from the skillet.
- Stir in chicken broth, mushroom soup, chicken soup, drained water chestnuts, drained sliced mushrooms, and the rice mix.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage or a blend of spices such as thyme and paprika. You can substitute the sausage with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well too. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking, as the flavors develop during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. It also complements well with dishes like Wild Rice And Chicken Bake, making for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice And Sausage contains roughly 358 calories, with 13g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can create a homemade version by sautéing fresh mushrooms, then combining them with a mixture of cream, broth, and some flour to thicken. This will give a fresher flavor and allow you to control the ingredients.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make it gluten-free, ensure that the sausage, chicken broth, and soups are all labeled gluten-free. You can also substitute the wild rice mix with a gluten-free grain blend, or use plain wild rice cooked in broth for added flavor.
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).