Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Bake
Elevate your dinner gatherings with this delightful Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Bake. Featuring a medley of flavors from tender wild rice, savory pork sausage, and a creamy sauce enriched with mushrooms and spices, this casserole is baked to perfection, creating a hearty dish that's perfect for family meals or potlucks. Topped with slivered almonds for an added crunch, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
328
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
pork sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
mushrooms
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
onion
1 (chopped)
flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
cream
1/2 cup (heavy cream)
chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can (low sodium or regular)
thyme
1/8 teaspoon (dried)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
margarine
1/8 teaspoon (for flavor)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
slivered almonds
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the wild rice according to the package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, crumble and brown the pork sausage over medium heat, cooking until fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onions, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
5
Slowly pour in the cream while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Then add the salt, thyme, oregano, margarine, slivered almonds, and mushrooms. Mix well to combine.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice and chicken broth. Pour the sausage mixture into the bowl and stir until everything is well incorporated.
7
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
21g
Carbs
17g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Bake?
It is a hearty dinner casserole featuring tender wild rice, savory pork sausage, and a creamy sauce made with mushrooms, spices, and heavy cream.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of uncooked wild rice, which should be cooked according to package directions before assembly.
What meat is required for this casserole?
One pound of crumbled pork sausage is the primary protein used in this dish.
Are there mushrooms in this wild rice bake?
Yes, the recipe uses one 8-ounce can of mushrooms, which should be drained before being added to the sauce.
What kind of liquid is used to make the creamy sauce?
The sauce is created using 1/2 cup of heavy cream and a 15-ounce can of chicken broth.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by stirring 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the sausage and onion mixture to form a roux.
What spices are included for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
Does this recipe include nuts?
Yes, 1/2 cup of slivered almonds is included to provide a crunchy texture to the bake.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this casserole.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It needs to bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly.
Should the onions be cooked before adding them to the bake?
Yes, the chopped onion should be sautéed in the skillet with the sausage until translucent and fragrant.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 328 calories per serving of this Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Bake.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 19 grams per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 17 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
There are 21 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains a very low amount of sugar, approximately 1 gram per serving.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either low-sodium or regular chicken broth.
What is the purpose of the margarine in this recipe?
A small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of margarine is added to the sauce for extra flavor.
Does the sausage need to be drained?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the pork sausage in the skillet.
How should I prepare the almonds?
The almonds should be slivered and mixed into the sauce and rice combination to serve as a topping and internal crunch.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a casserole, comfort food, and an easy meal for families or potlucks.
How do I know when the sausage is ready?
The sausage is ready once it is crumbled and browned over medium heat until it is fully cooked through.
Can the rice be uncooked when I put it in the oven?
No, you must cook the wild rice until tender and drain it before combining it with the other ingredients.
How do I combine the rice and the sauce?
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice and chicken broth, then pour the sausage and cream mixture in and stir until well incorporated.
What should the finished casserole look like?
The finished dish should have a golden, bubbly top and a creamy consistency throughout.
How long should I wait before serving?
It is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow it to set.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Bake.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, with simple steps like browning meat and mixing ingredients for baking, it is considered an easy recipe.
What makes this dish savory?
The combination of pork sausage, mushrooms, chicken broth, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano creates a deep savory flavor profile.