Wild Rice Company Casserole
A hearty wild rice casserole featuring savory beef, mushrooms, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with rich flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the wild rice and cook in water with salt for 45 minutes.
- Drain the cooked rice.
- Brown the ground beef and set aside.
- Saute mushrooms, chopped celery, and chopped onion in oleo for 5 minutes.
- Combine soy sauce, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the cooked rice, browned beef, sautéed vegetables, and soy sauce mixture together.
- Mix in almonds.
- Place the mixture in a lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, uncovered.
- Add water if needed and season to taste.
- Stir the casserole several times during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using half beef broth and half water when cooking the wild rice. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. If fresh mushrooms are available, use them instead of canned for a more robust taste. This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Mitzi's Chili for a comforting dinner spread. For a bit of crunch, consider adding a side of garlic bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Company Casserole contains roughly 298 calories, with 17g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1346mg per serving (59% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all ingredients in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready to serve, adding some extra time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While the recipe specifies wild rice for its unique texture and flavor, you can use brown rice as an alternative. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust the water and cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also add more mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
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).