Wild Rice And Sausage(Yields 12 Servings)
A hearty and flavorful wild rice and sausage casserole with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and almonds, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package long grain and wild rice mix ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) package sliced almonds ⓘ
- Dash of thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sausage, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic in a large skillet; cook over medium heat until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender, stirring to crumble meat.
- Drain the mixture.
- Stir in chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sliced water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, long grain and wild rice mix, and thyme; mix well.
- Spoon into a lightly greased 3-quart casserole and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage along with the thyme. If you want a lighter option, substitute turkey sausage for the pork sausage. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting dinner experience, consider serving it alongside the Impossible Turkey And Stuffing Pie for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice And Sausage(Yields 12 Servings) contains roughly 214 calories, with 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g 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 use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using a different sausage type to ensure it's fully cooked.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as alternatives. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using a roux and adding sautéed mushrooms for a fresher taste.
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).