Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Sausage Wild Rice Casserole is not just a meal—it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the rustic heartiness of wild rice, the savory richness of sausage, and a medley of tender vegetables. Perfect for busy families, weekend gatherings, or when you're craving a satisfying one-dish wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet with the onions and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. You can use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the wild rice, cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the wild rice and sausage mixture, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, making sure it is sealed tightly to trap the steam inside.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the wild rice to absorb the flavors and cook properly.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will help to create a nice golden top on the casserole.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty Sausage Wild Rice Casserole!
Tips
- Choose high-quality sausage for maximum flavor—consider using Italian or breakfast sausage for different taste profiles.
- Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
- For extra depth, consider sautéing the vegetables with a splash of white wine before adding to the casserole.
- If you prefer a crispy top, sprinkle some shredded cheese or breadcrumbs before the final 15 minutes of baking.
- Make this dish ahead of time—it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of your casserole.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage and add more vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
