Cozy up with this hearty Wild Rice Casserole, a delicious blend of earthy flavors and creamy textures that makes the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This vegetarian-friendly dish features nutty wild rice folded into a rich, savory sauce made with sautéed cremini mushrooms, tender celery, and sweet onions. Topped with a crisp, buttery layer of panko breadcrumbs, melted cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this baked casserole offers a satisfying combination of crunch and creaminess in every bite. It's an easy make-ahead option for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this Wild Rice Casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect choice for keywords like "wild rice casserole recipe," "vegetarian casserole," or "comfort food dinner ideas."
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the wild rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Drain off any excess water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, vegetable mixture, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Calories |
2948 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 193.9 g | 249% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.5 g | 522% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 484 mg | 161% | |
| Sodium | 4953 mg | 215% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 215.3 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 89.2 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1466 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2653 mg | 56% | |
*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.