Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole
Indulge in this hearty Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole, a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. The combination of wild rice, savory sausage, and crispy bacon creates a rich, flavor-packed stuffing that pairs beautifully with any main course, or can be enjoyed on its own. Enhanced with sautéed onions, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion. While traditionally served during holidays, its deliciousness knows no season—make it whenever you're craving a warm, satisfying dish. Feel free to omit the meats for a delightful vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked wild rice
3 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
mild sausage
8 ounces (crumbled)
bacon
4 slices (cut into 1-inch pieces)
onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
crushed leaf oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
crushed sage leaf
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
breadcrumbs
2 cups (plain or seasoned)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the wild rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, crumble and cook the mild sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the cut bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Then, add the chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the bacon is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed bacon and vegetable mixture, cooked sausage, crushed oregano, crushed sage, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
5
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes. If the stuffing seems too dry, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth to maintain moisture during baking.
6
Remove from the oven, uncover, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines wild rice, savory sausage, and crispy bacon with vegetables and herbs to create a flavorful stuffing or main dish.
What are the main ingredients in this casserole?
The key ingredients include 3 cups of cooked wild rice, 8 ounces of mild sausage, 4 slices of bacon, onions, mushrooms, celery, and breadcrumbs.
How do I prepare the wild rice for this recipe?
The wild rice should be cooked according to its package instructions before being added to the casserole mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 to 40 minutes while covered with aluminum foil.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can easily omit the sausage and bacon for a delightful vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of mild sausage, which should be crumbled and browned.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cut 4 slices of bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook them in a skillet until they are crispy.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
This recipe includes 1.5 cups of chopped onions, 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, and 1 cup of chopped celery.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried crushed leaf oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried crushed sage leaf.
What should I do if the stuffing seems too dry before baking?
If the mixture looks dry, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth to maintain moisture during the baking process.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use 2 cups of either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, after browning the crumbled sausage, you should drain the excess fat before proceeding.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 12.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, while it can be enjoyed any time, it is traditionally served during holidays like Thanksgiving as a side or stuffing.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish before baking.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the wild rice according to the package instructions and set it aside.
How long should the sausage cook?
Cook the mild sausage over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until browned.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, mushrooms, and celery with the bacon for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried crushed oregano and sage, but you can use fresh herbs if you adjust the quantities accordingly.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Uncover the dish and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
What is the texture of this casserole?
It is a rich, flavor-packed stuffing-like casserole with crispy bacon and tender wild rice.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be a hearty main course or a side dish.
How do I season the mixture?
Add salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly with the rice, meat, and vegetables.
How many cups of breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of breadcrumbs.