Easy Wild Rice Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting dish that’s easy to make? This Wild Rice Vegetable Casserole is perfect for you.

Packed with hearty wild rice and colorful veggies, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s get cooking!

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Dice one onion and mince two cloves of garlic. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. While the onion and garlic are cooking, slice two carrots and dice two stalks of celery. Add these vegetables to the pot and continue to sauté.



3. As the carrots and celery cook, wash and chop 8 oz. of mushrooms. Add them to the pot along with salt, freshly cracked pepper, dried thyme, and dried sage. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and wilted.
4. Stir in flour and cook for a couple of minutes until it coats the pot’s bottom and turns a light golden color. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, ensuring the flour dissolves, and allow the mixture to thicken.
5. Once thickened, whisk in whole milk, bringing the mixture back to a simmer. Turn off the heat, taste, and adjust with more salt or pepper as necessary.
6. Stir in approximately 4 cups of cooked wild rice mix until well combined with the sauce and vegetables.
7. Transfer the mixture into a 2 to 3-quart casserole dish. Top with fried onions and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the onions are golden brown. Serve warm.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• Additional salt, to taste
• 4 cups cooked wild rice blend
• 3 ounces fried onions (store-bought)

Nutritional Values

Calories: 1080.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 148g | Protein: 32.4g | Fat: 43.12g | Sodium: 2312.92mg | Fiber: 16.12g

FAQ

• What type of rice should I use for this casserole?
• You can use any rice mix for this dish, ensuring you have between 3.5 to 4 cups of cooked rice. A blend of wild, brown, white, and another variety of rice is suggested for cost-effectiveness. Stores like Aldi and Trader Joe’s often carry these mixes at a reasonable price, or you may find similar options in the bulk section at Whole Foods.
• Can I use a different topping instead of fried onions?
• Absolutely! If fried onions aren’t your preference, try a breadcrumb topping. Mix seasoned breadcrumbs with some grated Parmesan cheese and a little melted butter for a delicious alternative.
• What vegetables can I include in the casserole?
• The recipe calls for onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. However, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile dish to prevent food waste.
• How do I prepare the creamy sauce?
• Start by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Add flour to create a roux, then whisk in vegetable broth and milk, allowing it to thicken. Ensure the sauce is slightly salty to maintain flavor once the rice is added.
• Is this casserole suitable for leftovers?
• Yes, this Wild Rice and Vegetable Casserole reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers the next day.
• Can I find similar casserole recipes to try?
• If you enjoy casseroles, you might also like the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole for a change in flavor.

Tips

• Choose a Rice Mix Wisely: Opt for a rice blend that includes wild rice, brown rice, and white rice for a cost-effective and flavorful base. Stores like Aldi or Trader Joe’s often offer affordable options.
• Enhance the Topping: Consider topping the casserole with fried onions for added flavor and crunch. Alternatively, a homemade topping of seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter can provide a delicious twist.
• Perfect the Sauce Consistency: Ensure the sauce is slightly saltier than usual before adding the rice, as the flavors may mellow once mixed. This helps maintain a robust taste throughout the dish.
• Flexible Rice Quantity: While the recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked rice, you can adjust slightly depending on what you have available, ensuring the dish retains its hearty texture.

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• 2 to 3 Quart Casserole Dish
• Whisk

Christensen