Healthy Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
A perfect blend of earthy wild rice, savory mushrooms, and gooey mozzarella cheese, Wild Rice Casserole is a mouthwatering meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, satisfying dish, you’ll find this casserole to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
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Why is this Wild Rice Casserole recipe so good? Simply put, I’ve spent 40 years in the kitchen turning simple veggies into amazing meals. I’m all about hearty, tasty, and easy-to-make vegetarian dishes. This casserole? It’s a gem. It’s perfect whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just craving something delicious and healthy. Trust me, it’s a recipe that’ll make everyone at your table happy.
Why You Will Love Making Wild Rice Casserole
Here’s why you’re going to adore making this Wild Rice Casserole:
- Simple: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Fits Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or as a standout dish at a potluck, this casserole fits right in.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with the goodness of wild rice and mushrooms, it’s a wholesome meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices, making it a dish that’s truly your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready for busy days.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, this casserole is sure to win over both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Wild Rice Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Let’s get cooking! This Wild Rice Casserole is easier to make than you might think, and the result is absolutely worth it. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 355°F (180ºC), and then place the dried mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for a few minutes to rehydrate and develop their flavor.
Cook the Vegetables
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced sweet onion, cooking the ingredients for about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
Drain the soaked mushrooms, saving the water. Add both the soaked and fresh mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Cook everything together for around 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft and cooked through.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mushroom and onion mixture to a casserole dish. Stir in the cooked wild rice and the reserved mushroom water. This not only adds moisture and creates a sauce but also infuses the rice with a deep, earthy flavor. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake!
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Next, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the top evenly with finely shredded mozzarella cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes so the cheese can melt and become bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and fried shallots for an extra burst of flavor and a bit of crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Before you whip up this tasty Wild Rice Casserole, here are some expert tips and notes to help you make the most of this recipe:
- Rice: Using quality wild rice is key. It adds a unique, nutty flavor and a hearty bite that truly elevates this dish.
- Olive oil: To make this casserole taste even richer, swap the olive oil out for unsalted butter.
- Mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms for varying flavors and textures. Each type brings its own unique taste to the casserole.
- Mushroom Soup: For a little more depth, replace some of the mushroom water with cream of mushroom soup when adding the wild rice mix together in the casserole dish.
- Cheese: While mozzarella is great for a gooey, melty top, you can also try other cheeses like cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese for a sharper taste or a blend for more complexity.
- Herbs and Veggies: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary or simple vegetables like celery can introduce a new layer of flavor and a little more fiber. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Consistency Check: If your casserole seems too dry, add a bit more of the mushroom-soaking liquid or some vegetable broth to adjust the moisture level.
- Seasoning: Add an extra teaspoon pepper or teaspoon salt if needed.
- Vegan Option: Simply substitute the mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative. There are so many great varieties out there!
How to Store Leftover Wild Rice Casserole
Got leftovers? Great! Here’s how you can store your Wild Rice Casserole to keep it tasting delicious for your next meal:
- Cool & Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can refrigerate the casserole for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it! It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until it’s heated through. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Wild Rice Casserole
Pairing the right sides with your Wild Rice Casserole can turn a simple meal into something special. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Air-fried or Roasted Veggies
Vegetables can be a fantastic side to add some color and nutrition to your meal. Air Fryer Asparagus or Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli both work great for something simple and healthy. Or, for a bit more flavor, try roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts tossed with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and your favorite herbs.
Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread
There’s nothing like a piece of warm, crusty French Bread or garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of this delicious casserole. It’s perfect for soaking up the flavors and adds a lovely textural contrast.
A Light Protein
If you’re including protein in your meal, consider something light, like grilled tofu or tempeh. These proteins won’t overpower the casserole but will complement its rich and savory flavors nicely.
More Casserole Recipes You Will Love
- Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Easy Zucchini Casserole
- Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
- Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
- Simple Yellow Squash Casserole
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Healthy Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 2 cups porcini or button mushrooms diced
- 2 cups wild rice cooked
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese finely shredded
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup fried shallots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F/180ºC.
- Cover the dried mushrooms with boiling water and let them soak for a couple of minutes.1 cup dried mushrooms
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high, add the olive oil, and let it get warm. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 sweet onion
- Remove the mushrooms from the water (reserve the water) and add them to the onions. Add the porcini mushrooms as well and mix everything. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until soft.2 cups porcini or button mushrooms
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and add the wild rice and the reserved water from the mushrooms. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.2 cups wild rice, Salt and pepper
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, top with the mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 more minutes, just so the cheese melts and gets bubbly.1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Serve the casserole with fresh parsley and shallots.¼ cup parsley, ¼ cup fried shallots
Notes
- Rice: Using quality wild rice is key. It adds a unique, nutty flavor and a hearty bite that truly elevates this dish.
- Olive oil: To make this casserole taste even richer, swap the olive oil out for unsalted butter.
- Mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms for varying flavors and textures. Each type brings its own unique taste to the casserole.
- Mushroom Soup: For a little more depth, replace some of the mushroom water with cream of mushroom soup when adding the wild rice mix together in the casserole dish.
- Cheese: While mozzarella is great for a gooey, melty top, you can also try other cheeses like cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese for a sharper taste or a blend for more complexity.
- Herbs and Veggies: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or simple vegetables like celery can introduce a new layer of flavor and a little more fiber.
- Consistency Check: If your casserole seems too dry, add a bit more of the mushroom-soaking liquid or some vegetable broth to adjust the moisture level.
- Vegan Option: Simply substitute the mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool & Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can refrigerate the casserole for up to 3-4 days. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until it’s heated through. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
