Description
This comforting Wild Rice Hotdish is a hearty casserole combining tender wild rice, sautéed vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and optional cooked chicken or ground beef. Baked to perfection with a golden cheesy breadcrumb topping, it makes a perfect cozy meal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the hotdish.
- Cook Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water. In a pot, combine the rice and chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until the rice is tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they release their juices.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken or beef if using, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Assemble Hotdish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the hotdish is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Using cooked chicken or ground beef adds protein and makes the dish more filling but is optional.
- Crushing butter crackers or breadcrumbs on top creates a nice crunchy topping; feel free to substitute with panko or crushed cornflakes.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to your preference, adding fresh thyme for more flavor if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
