Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole is a savory and earthy recipe, which is made with nutty wild rice and sautéed mushrooms. It’s the perfect holiday side dish, a classic and foolproof bake that’s ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole Ingredients
A simple, classic combination for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- ½ cup sliced water chestnuts
- ¼ cup butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup onion, chopped
How To Make Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and flavorful one-dish side.
- Prep Oven and Start the Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. In a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, mix the hot chicken broth, the uncooked wild rice, the sliced water chestnuts, 2 tablespoons of the butter, and the salt.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: While the rice is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion and cook, stirring slowly, until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Combine and Final Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the rice mixture from the oven and stir in the sautéed mushrooms and onions.
- Finish Baking: Cover the dish again and continue baking for about 30 more minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly cooked wild rice casserole.
- How to get the most flavor? Sautéing the mushrooms and onions in butter until they are tender and starting to caramelize is a key step. This develops a deep, savory, earthy flavor that infuses the entire casserole.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead side dish for the holidays. You can assemble the entire casserole, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, reheat it, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, until heated through.
- How do I know when the wild rice is done? Wild rice is fully cooked when the grains have “popped” or split open, revealing their tender interior. If the liquid is absorbed but the rice is still too firm, you can add another 1/2 cup of hot broth or water and continue baking until it’s tender.
- Can I add a crunchy topping? Absolutely! For a bit of texture, you can sprinkle a cup of buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (like Ritz) over the casserole for the last 15 minutes of uncovered baking.
What To Serve With Wild Rice Casserole
The perfect main courses to pair with this classic, comforting side.
This savory rice casserole is a staple side dish for any hearty meal, especially:
- A Thanksgiving Turkey or a holiday ham
- Simple roast chicken or pork chops
- Pan-seared steak or salmon
- As part of a larger potluck or buffet spread
How To Store Wild Rice Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently rewarm individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 9 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, easily. To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with a good-quality vegetable or mushroom broth.
Can I add other ingredients?
Of course. For a heartier casserole, you could stir in a cup of shredded rotisserie chicken or some cooked, crumbled sausage. Toasted pecans or almonds would also be a delicious addition for extra crunch.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Yes. You can bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan, add the rice, water chestnuts, butter, and salt, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 45-50 minutes. Sauté the mushrooms and onions separately and stir them in at the end.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cheese Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Description
An easy, savory, and classic wild rice casserole loaded with earthy sautéed mushrooms and onions. The perfect make-ahead side dish for a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- In a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, combine the hot broth, uncooked wild rice, water chestnuts, 2 tablespoons of the butter, and salt.
- Cover the dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the mushrooms and onion until tender.
- Stir the cooked mushrooms and onion into the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish again and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSautéing the mushrooms and onions separately before adding them to the casserole develops a deeper, richer flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead side dish; it can be fully baked and then reheated before serving.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe rice is fully cooked when the grains have split open and are tender.u003c/liu003e
