Ground Beef and Wild Rice Casserole
Savor the comforting flavors of this hearty Ground Beef and Wild Rice Casserole, the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. Packed with protein-rich ground beef, nutty wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this dish hits a homey trifecta of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. A creamy, cheesy sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar binds everything together for a rich, velvety finish. Baked to perfection in a single casserole dish, this recipe is a time-saver with only 20 minutes of prep and makes six generous servings. Garnished with fresh parsley, this casserole is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ideal for meal prepping or serving at a cozy family gathering, this dish is bound to become a favorite on your dinner table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Cook the wild rice according to the package instructions. This typically takes about 40-45 minutes. Drain any excess water and set the rice aside.
While the rice cooks, dice the onion and celery, peel and dice the carrots, and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
Combine the cooked wild rice, ground beef, and the vegetable-cheese mixture in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, then transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.7 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 101 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 854 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.3 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 20.4 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 175 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 362 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
