Wild Rice-Beef Casserole Supreme
A hearty wild rice and beef casserole infused with savory seasonings, mushrooms, and creamy soups, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying buffet option.
Ingredients
- 3 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups wild rice or mixed white and wild rice ⓘ
- 2 cans chicken-rice soup or 1 can cream of mushroom and 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (6-ounce) jar sliced or button mushrooms
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground sirloin or chuck ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over rice; let stand, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Drain off water and place rice in a large oven-to-table casserole dish.
- Add chicken-rice soup or cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, mushrooms with liquid, water, salt, bay leaves, celery salt, garlic salt, pepper, and paprika to the rice.
- Let stand to allow flavors to blend.
- Saute chopped onion in salad oil until tender; add to rice mixture.
- Saute ground beef until brown and crumbly; add to casserole.
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight to marinate.
- Bake the dish in a 325°F oven for 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the casserole. You can substitute the wild rice with brown rice if needed, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also complements chicken recipes like Tasty Chicken Pot Pie for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice-Beef Casserole Supreme contains roughly 694 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1650mg per serving (72% 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 use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to ensure food safety.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
While it's not strictly necessary, refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. If you're short on time, you can bake it right away but the flavor may be less developed.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven cold.
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).