Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole

Savor the comforting flavors of this Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole, a hearty, one-dish meal that's perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Featuring tender wild rice cooked to perfection, savory mild Italian sausage, and a medley of aromatic sautéed vegetables such as onions, celery, garlic, and mushrooms, this dish is elevated with a creamy chicken broth base and topped with golden, melted Parmesan cheese. The casserole is seasoned with dried thyme, a touch of black pepper, and fresh parsley for a burst of herby freshness. Easy to prepare and bake, this recipe delivers rich, earthy flavors with a luscious, creamy texture in every bite. Perfect for fans of wholesome comfort food, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that can be served as either a main course or a versatile side dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Rinse the wild rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until fully browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the cooked wild rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2451.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3105.5

Total Fat 205.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 593.2mg	0%
Sodium 9267.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 170.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.9g	0%
Total Sugars 25.2g
Protein 151.2g	0%

Vitamin D 27.2IU	0%
Calcium 765.6mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 2272.5mg	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: 59.0%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 21.8%