Oven-Roasted Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty pilaf featuring nutty Minnesota wild rice combined with earthy mushrooms, roasted to develop deep flavors and tender textures. This american-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs Minnesota wild rice, cremini mushrooms, sliced, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Rinse 1 cup Minnesota wild rice under cold water and drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet, cooking for 6 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and edges start to brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the rinsed wild rice, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, fluff the pilaf with a fork, and serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Oven-Roasted Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf?

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 minnesota wild rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf?

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 Oven-Roasted Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf 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.

Is Oven-Roasted Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.