Craving a hearty, comforting meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Get ready to discover the ultimate one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece! Our Creamy Beef Wild Rice Casserole is not just another dinner - it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the rustic richness of wild rice, the savory goodness of ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Add uncooked wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preference. Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to help the rice cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- • For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey to reduce fat while maintaining moisture. • Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. • If you prefer a crispier top, sprinkle some shredded cheese or breadcrumbs before the final 10 minutes of baking. • Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of your dish. • Fresh mixed vegetables work best, but frozen can be a convenient alternative. • Let the casserole rest after baking - this helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together. • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
