Rustic Minnesota Wild Rice Hamburger Casserole

Embrace the heartiness of Minnesota with this Wild Rice Hamburger Hotdish — a comforting casserole that combines savory ground beef, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a warming dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, capturing the essence of midwestern cooking in every bite.

– makes about 6 servings –

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup French fried onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium pot, cook the wild rice according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
4. Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and the cooked wild rice; mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in the frozen peas.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish; spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by a layer of French fried onions.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving; enjoy this hearty hotdish!