Baked North Dakota Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms
A hearty baked casserole combining nutty wild rice with sautéed mushrooms and creamy cheese, inspired by the regional flavors of North Dakota. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 85 minutes pairs wild rice, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 6 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and edges brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves into the mushroom mixture, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, mushroom mixture, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked North Dakota Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked North Dakota Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wild rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked North Dakota Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked North Dakota Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked North Dakota Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
