Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together nutty wild rice, tender veggies, and a creamy sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that feels cozy and homey, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings where everyone wants a hearty, tasty side or main. The chewy texture of the wild rice combined with the softness of mushrooms and maybe a touch of cheese makes it really stand out on the table.
I love making this casserole when I want something that feels a little fancy but is still super easy to put together. One of my favorite tricks is to add sautéed onions and a little garlic for an extra punch of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe where you can mix in fresh herbs or whatever veggies you have on hand, so it’s great for using up leftovers. Anytime I serve it, I always get asked for the recipe because it’s just that comforting and satisfying.
When it comes to serving, I like to set this casserole alongside roasted chicken or a simple green salad. It also works great as a vegetarian main if you add lots of mushrooms and maybe some toasted nuts for crunch. I find that leftovers taste even better the next day, so it’s a recipe I’m happy to double and enjoy for a couple of meals. Wild Rice Casserole really feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice Blend: This gives the casserole a chewy, nutty texture that’s hard to replace. You can use just wild rice, or mix in brown rice or quinoa if you want a softer bite.
Broth: Chicken broth adds nice flavor, but vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian version. If you want it richer, try bone broth.
Onions, Celery & Mushrooms: These veggies create a great base of flavor and texture. If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, try zucchini or bell peppers instead.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This keeps the casserole creamy without being too heavy. Greek yogurt is a tangy, healthier swap if you want less fat.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a mild sharpness; Swiss can be nuttier. You can mix both or use mozzarella for a gooier texture.
Stuffing Mix or Toasted Bread Cubes: This topping adds crunch and a bit of toasty flavor. For gluten-free, try crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How Do I Make Sure the Wild Rice Cooks Perfectly Every Time?
Wild rice can be tricky because it takes longer to cook than regular rice. Here’s how I make it turn out just right:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove dust and debris, which helps the grains cook evenly.
- Use plenty of broth or water—wild rice absorbs a lot during cooking.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently to prevent the grains from drying out.
- Cook for 45-50 minutes, then check for tenderness. If needed, drain any leftover liquid but avoid rinsing so you don’t lose flavor.
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and add it to your casserole mix right away to keep the texture nice and chewy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium pot – I like it because it cooks the wild rice evenly and keeps it from boiling over.
- Large skillet – perfect for sautéing onions, celery, garlic, and mushrooms without crowding them.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cooked rice with the sautéed veggies, chicken, sour cream, and cheese, making mixing easy.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – provides enough space for the casserole to bake evenly and develop a nice topping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken for different flavors and leftovers repurposing.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale for a boost of greens and added nutrition.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some spicy heat.
- Swap the cheese for pepper jack or feta for a different tang or spice.
Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade white sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup dried cranberries or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Topping:
- 1 cup stuffing mix or toasted bread cubes
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, 45-50 minutes to cook the wild rice, and another 30-35 minutes to bake the casserole. Plan on around 1 hour 30 minutes total from start to finish, including resting time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Rice:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Rinse the wild rice blend well. In a medium pot, combine the rice and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until tender. Drain any extra liquid if needed.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Add mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and moisture is gone. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Mix Everything Together:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken if using, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything well so it’s evenly mixed. If you want a touch of sweetness, fold in the dried cranberries or sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the stuffing mix or toasted bread cubes on top for a crunchy topping. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs before serving. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish as a side or main course!
Can I Use Just Wild Rice Instead of a Wild Rice Blend?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that pure wild rice may take a bit longer to cook, around 50-60 minutes. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and check for tenderness before proceeding.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Casserole?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add extra mushrooms, nuts, or beans for protein and texture.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.