Name: Wild Rice Hotdish Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Midwestern
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 ribs celery, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup milk; ½ cup slivered almonds or French fried onions (optional topping)

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If you crave an irresistibly comforting meal that captures the heart of Midwestern home cooking, Wild Rice Hotdish is the answer. This creamy, hearty casserole is loaded with a blend of nutty wild rice, tender beef or turkey, crisp veggies, and melty cheddar for the ultimate scoopable dinner. Whether you grew up in the Midwest or are simply on the hunt for real-deal comfort food, Wild Rice Hotdish promises stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction in every cheesy, golden-baked bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Wild Rice Hotdish recipe brings something special to the table, from the earthy wild rice to a rich, savory blend of veggies and meats. The ingredients list is straightforward, but don’t underestimate how these familiar pantry staples come together to make magic.

Uncooked wild rice blend: Earthy, chewy, and nutty, it’s the soul of the dish—make sure not to overcook for best texture.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the veggies caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
Onion: Lends sweetness and depth for the savory backbone every good casserole needs.
Celery: Brings a tender crunch and just the right hit of freshness.
Carrot: For pops of color and natural sweetness throughout each bite.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves for that comforting, aromatic kick.
Ground beef or turkey: Either choice works—beef for hearty flavor, or turkey for a lighter touch.
Dried thyme: Gives an herby essence that perfectly complements the wild rice.
Salt: Essential for bringing every component together in harmony.
Black pepper: For a subtle warmth that balances all the creaminess.
Cream of mushroom soup: The classic shortcut for creaminess and savory depth—no need to complicate things!
Sour cream: Adds luscious tang and that unmistakable creamy texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey, and a little sharp—the casserole wouldn’t be the same without it.
Milk: Keeps the sauce rich but pourable, so your hotdish is never dry.
Slivered almonds or French fried onions (optional topping): For that irresistible crunchy topping—choose depending on your mood!

How to Make Wild Rice Hotdish

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by preparing the wild rice blend according to the package instructions. For the perfect Wild Rice Hotdish, you want grains that are just-tender but still hold some chew. Drain any excess liquid and set aside—the rice will take on even more flavor when baked with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once the butter foams, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn soft and fragrant. Don’t rush—this step unlocks a sweet, caramelized depth that makes the hotdish sing. Stir in the garlic for the last minute, letting its aroma really bloom without burning.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Push the veggies to the sides of the skillet and add the ground beef or turkey right to the center. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over and no longer pink. If needed, drain off any excess fat to keep the Wild Rice Hotdish from getting greasy. Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Grab your largest mixing bowl and scrape in the cooked wild rice, the sautéed meat and veggie mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix until everything is well combined—this is where you’ll see the magic start to happen! The mixture should look creamy and inviting, ready to cozy up in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Spread the whole mixture evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish so everyone gets a good mix of meat, rice, and veggies in each scoop. Sprinkle the top generously with slivered almonds or French fried onions if you want that classic crunch; both are equally delicious, so just go with your favorite.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the Wild Rice Hotdish is bubbly and the topping has crisped up. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you scoop and serve. This quick break helps the creamy filling set slightly so every piece holds together—no soupy edges here!

How to Serve Wild Rice Hotdish

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar brings a burst of color and freshness just before you serve. Some folks even love to add a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra zing—make it your own!

Side Dishes

Wild Rice Hotdish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even buttery dinner rolls. Anything that can sop up some creamy sauce is a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins are perfect if you’re hosting a dinner party—so charming and easy to serve. For potlucks, just bake and serve straight from the dish; it earns rave reviews right from the pan. Don’t forget to garnish with those crunchy onions just before serving for ultimate wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Wild Rice Hotdish tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, making next-day lunches even better.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled Wild Rice Hotdish into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results—no need to miss out on comfort food, even on busy weeks.

Reheating

You can reheat single portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. If it looks a bit thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I make Wild Rice Hotdish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, extra carrots, or even cooked lentils. The creaminess and flavor are delicious enough to stand on their own, and vegetarians will adore this version.

Is it possible to use leftover cooked rice?

Yes, just substitute an equal amount of any cooked wild rice blend you have on hand. The trick is not to overcook it before mixing everything together, so you still get that signature chewy bite.

What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

A homemade white sauce with sautéed mushrooms works great as a substitute. Just simmer butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms together, then season well with salt and pepper before adding to the mixture.

Can I add extra vegetables for variety?

Definitely! Frozen peas, chopped bell peppers, or thawed spinach all make tasty additions. Just be sure to sauté or thaw any extra vegetables before mixing in to avoid sogginess.

Is there a gluten-free version of Wild Rice Hotdish?

Yes, simply use a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own, and ensure any topping like fried onions is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally friendly for gluten-avoiders.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Wild Rice Hotdish is a staple on so many family tables—it’s easy, endlessly comforting, and brings people together around the dinner table like nothing else. I can’t wait for you to experience its warmth and homey goodness, whether it’s your first taste or a beloved tradition. Give it a try, and let it become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Wild Rice Hotdish Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty hotdish featuring a blend of wild rice, ground beef or turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and a crunchy almond or onion topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wild Rice:

1 cup uncooked wild rice blend

For the Hotdish:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
½ cup slivered almonds or French fried onions (optional topping)

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Instructions

Cook the Wild Rice: Prepare the wild rice blend according to package instructions. Set aside.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables and Meat: In a skillet, melt butter and cook onion, celery, and carrot until softened. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain excess grease and stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, meat and vegetable mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and milk until well combined.
Assemble and Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Top with almonds or onions. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly. Let rest before serving.