There’s just something special about a hotdish—it’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a big, cozy hug. This Wild Rice Hotdish? Oh, it’s pure Midwest comfort food magic. The nutty bite of wild rice, the creamy sauce, the hearty chunks of meat and veggies… it all comes together in a bubbling, golden-brown dish that smells like home. Whether you grew up with hotdishes or you’re totally new to the scene, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
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Make it for a family dinner, bring it to a potluck, or just whip it up on a lazy Sunday to have comforting leftovers for the week. However you serve it, it’s guaranteed to make you feel warm, full, and totally satisfied.
Why You’ll Love Wild Rice Hotdish
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Wild Rice Hotdish
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Wild Rice: The heart of the dish. Its earthy, nutty flavor and chewy texture add so much depth and character—no plain white rice here!
Ground Meat: Most folks go with ground beef or pork, but ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too. It adds savory richness to every bite.
Mushrooms: These little umami bombs bring a meaty texture and earthy flavor that compliments the rice like a dream.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Classic hotdish ingredient alert! It makes everything creamy and cozy with very little effort.
Onion: Sautéed for a sweet, aromatic base that builds flavor right from the start.
Celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness that balances out the creamy textures.
Cheese (optional but encouraged): A layer of melty goodness that turns this dish into comfort food heaven.
Seasonings: Think garlic powder, black pepper, maybe a touch of thyme. Keep it simple or spice it up!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Cook the Wild Rice: Prepare your wild rice according to the package instructions. This might take a bit, but it’s worth the wait—wild rice takes longer to cook, but its unique texture makes all the difference.
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, cook the onion and celery until softened and fragrant. Then toss in the mushrooms and cook until tender. You want everything golden and full of flavor.
Brown the Meat: Add your ground meat to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Combine Ingredients: In a big mixing bowl, stir together the cooked rice, sautéed mixture, cream of mushroom soup, seasonings, and half the cheese (if using). Mix until everything is creamy and well combined.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Top with remaining cheese if you want that melty, golden finish.
Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. If you’re adding cheese, let it get nice and browned around the edges.
Finishing Touches: Let the hotdish cool for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon onto plates or serve right from the baking dish—it’s cozy, casual, and totally satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450 (approximate)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Wild Rice Hotdish
This dish is the main event, but here’s how to make it shine even brighter:
Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
Crusty Bread: Think warm rolls or garlic bread for scooping up every last bit.
Creamy Accompaniments: A little sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can add a tangy touch.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted carrots or green beans are great for color and crunch.
As a Standalone: Honestly, it’s hearty enough to serve solo—just sprinkle with some fresh parsley for flair.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep this a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate before baking.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap cream of mushroom for a dairy-free version, or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Double the Batch: Make two pans and freeze one for a rainy day—you’ll thank yourself later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute wild rice with white or brown rice?
A1: You can, but wild rice is what makes this dish unique! If you do substitute, just adjust the cook time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. Assemble it the night before, then bake when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! It freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave in short bursts.
Q6: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat?
A6: Definitely! Just shred it and mix it in after sautéing the veggies.
Q7: Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes—just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check all your other ingredients.
Q8: What vegetables can I add?
A8: Try peas, carrots, or chopped spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Q9: Can I use pre-cooked wild rice?
A9: Yep! That’ll cut down on prep time. Just make sure it’s not overly salty.
Q10: Does this work in a slow cooker?
A10: You bet. Cook the rice and meat first, combine everything, and heat on low for 2–3 hours.
Wild Rice Hotdish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: undefined
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
Wild Rice Hotdish is a hearty and flavorful casserole that brings together wild rice, mushrooms, bacon, sausage, and cheese. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is a comforting and filling meal that can be made ahead and enjoyed as leftovers. The combination of savory ingredients like bacon, sausage, and gruyere cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
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8 ounces bacon
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8 ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped (any kind)
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1 white or yellow onion, chopped
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2 stalks celery, chopped
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1 pound sausage (cut into chunks)
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4 cups cooked wild rice
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3 ounces water chestnuts, chopped (fresh or canned)
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1 can (10 oz) cream of celery soup
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1 tsp dried marjoram
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1 tsp dried savory or thyme
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4 ounces grated gruyere, Swiss, or Emmentaler cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a pan until crispy. Eat a piece, then chop the rest. Save about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat (discard the rest, or save for another dish). Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In the bacon fat, sauté the sausage, mushrooms, onion, and celery until the vegetables are soft and everything begins to brown. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Rice and Chestnuts: Add the water chestnuts and cooked wild rice to the pan. Mix well to combine.
- Mix in the Soup and Herbs: Turn off the heat and stir in the cream of celery soup, marjoram, savory (or thyme), and half of the grated cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the mixture into the dish, then top with the chopped bacon and the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Check at 45 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg