Description
This classic Minnesota Wild Rice Hotdish is cozy, creamy, and hearty—packed with nutty wild rice, tender chicken or ground meat, mushrooms, and vegetables, all baked in a savory sauce. It’s the ultimate Midwestern comfort food perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly, then place it in a pot with chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their juices.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken or beef (if using), cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbling and the top is golden.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish is flexible—substitute turkey, pork, or leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Make it ahead: prepare the mixture and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Wild rice has a chewy, nutty texture that holds up well in baked dishes and adds a rustic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Midwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: undefined
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: undefined