Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole, a hearty dish packed with nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and creamy, melty cheese. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines the earthy flavors of tender mushrooms, celery, and onions with a luscious cheddar-Parmesan sauce, all baked to perfection under a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings, this casserole is as rich in flavor as it is in texture. With simple prep steps and pantry-staple ingredients, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Serve this satisfying dish as a standalone vegetarian delight or pair it with your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 8 ounces, sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups, shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup, shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Combine the rice and water in a medium pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and are browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking continuously for 1 minute.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, onion-celery-mushroom mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 12

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2205.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2990.7

Total Fat 166.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 419.2mg	0%
Sodium 5869.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 241.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 36.4g
Protein 134.6g	0%

Vitamin D 221.4IU	0%
Calcium 2563.7mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 3200.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.9%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 32.2%