Wild Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort in a dish with this hearty Wild Rice Casserole. A delightful blend of nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and a colorful vegetable medley, all baked in a savory broth. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also wonderfully satisfying, perfect as a vegetarian side or a light main course.

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The combination of the firm, chewy wild rice, juicy mushrooms, and the sweetness of carrots and bell peppers creates a wonderful textural experience. Herbs like thyme and rosemary lend a rustic, warming note, which is perfectly complemented by the optional blanket of melted Gruyère cheese on top.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free, if needed)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add mushrooms, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened and mushrooms release their liquid.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped spinach, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until spinach wilts.

Step 5

In the prepared baking dish, combine the wild rice, sautéed vegetables, vegetable broth, and water. Mix well.

Step 6

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

If using cheese, remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 8

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make this recipe, you'll need a few basic tools: a large skillet for sautéing, a 9x13-inch baking dish, a mixing spoon for combining ingredients, aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking, and a chef's knife and cutting board for all your chopping needs.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this casserole. For extra flavor and crunch, add ¼ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts before baking. If you're not a fan of spinach, kale makes a great substitute. To make this dish vegan and dairy-free, simply omit the optional cheese topping and ensure your broth is vegan.

Serviervorschläge

This versatile casserole is wonderful as a hearty side dish, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, fish, or pork. It can also stand on its own as a light vegetarian main course, perhaps served alongside a fresh green salad.

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We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Wild Rice Casserole. It’s proof that simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a truly exceptional dish. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this wild rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking cold. Leftovers also reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

→ What type of wild rice works best?

True wild rice or a wild rice blend both work wonderfully. Rinse the rice thoroughly before using to remove any debris. Long-grain wild rice will have the best texture, holding up well during the hour-long baking process.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables?

Absolutely. Feel free to swap spinach for kale, add zucchini or butternut squash in place of bell pepper, or incorporate other vegetables you enjoy. Just keep the total vegetable quantity similar for proper baking times.

→ How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

The wild rice is done when the grains are tender and have split open slightly, with most of the liquid absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth and continue baking in 10-minute increments until tender.

→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, this freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until warmed through.

→ What can I serve with wild rice casserole?

This versatile dish works beautifully alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or as part of a vegetarian spread with a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It's substantial enough to stand alone as a light main course too.