Hearty Wild Rice & Sausage Casserole
Warm up on chilly evenings with this Hearty Wild Rice & Sausage Casserole, a comforting dish loaded with nutritious wild rice, savory sausage, and a medley of vegetables. The rich flavors of cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups contribute to its creamy texture, making it a perfect family meal. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also a great way to use leftovers or meal-prep for the week. For a quicker alternative, consider using pre-packaged matchstick-cut carrots. This casserole is filling, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the dinner table!
8
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw wild rice
2 cups (rinsed)
water
6 cups (none)
celery
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
carrot
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
bulk pork sausage
12 ounces (none)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 ounces (none)
cream of celery soup
10 3/4 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any debris.
2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed wild rice and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer according to package directions (approximately 35-45 minutes) or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3
While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the celery, onion, and carrots.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk pork sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
5
Once the rice has finished cooking, add the chopped vegetables directly into the pot with the rice, stirring to incorporate them. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften from the residual heat.
6
Add the cooked sausage to the rice pot. Then add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined.
7
Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through, usually about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
44g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Wild Rice & Sausage Casserole?
It is a comforting dish featuring wild rice, savory pork sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy base of mushroom and celery soups.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long does it take to cook the wild rice?
The wild rice typically takes 35-45 minutes to simmer until tender.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of bulk pork sausage.
What vegetables are included in this casserole?
The casserole includes finely chopped celery, onion, and carrots.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal-prepping for the week or using leftovers.
What soups are used to make it creamy?
It uses one 10.75-ounce can each of condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup.
Should the wild rice be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any debris before boiling.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You will need 6 cups of water for 2 cups of raw wild rice.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 44 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I save time on vegetable preparation?
Yes, you can use pre-packaged matchstick-cut carrots for a quicker alternative.
Is the casserole baked or cooked on the stovetop?
This specific recipe is prepared and heated through on the stovetop.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Cook the bulk pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain the excess fat.
When do I add the vegetables?
Add the chopped vegetables directly into the pot with the hot, cooked rice and let them soften from the residual heat.
How long do I heat the final mixture?
Once all ingredients are combined, stir occasionally over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
What is the amount of raw wild rice needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of raw wild rice.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely chopped celery.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
How much carrot is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped carrot.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty meal.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional facts.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
The recipe is tagged as 'low cholesterol' by the author.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients.
Can I use different cream soups?
While the recipe specifies mushroom and celery, you could likely substitute with cream of chicken or cream of onion.
Do I need to cook the vegetables separately?
No, they soften in the pot with the hot rice after it is done cooking.
Is this a good dinner for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a way to warm up on chilly evenings.
What should I do if the fat is not drained from the sausage?
It is recommended to drain the fat to ensure the casserole is not overly greasy.