Description
A hearty and creamy casserole made with nutty wild rice, ground beef, and tender vegetables—perfect for a cozy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
- In a medium pot, bring wild rice and water (or broth) to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender. Drain excess water if needed.
-
Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir to combine.
-
Bake:
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with cheddar cheese (if using). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
-
Serve:
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup sour cream before baking.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Can be made ahead—store in the fridge overnight and bake when ready!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Rustic / Comfort Food
