I adore casseroles, and I don’t make enough of them. They make wonderful warm and comforting winter meals inside one dish. This kale wild rice and mushroom casserole is the perfect winter meal, packed full of hearty kale, wild rice, and mushrooms with melted gruyère cheese.
I think what I like most about casseroles is that most of the time I can usually get all of the prep dishes cleared away before the casserole has even been taken out of the oven, leaving only the serving plates and utensils the only dishes left to clear. I like not having so many dishes to clean up all at once.
Another thing I like about making casseroles is that most can be made ahead of time. This casserole is no exception. I prepared it put the ingredients into the casserole dish, and allowed it to cool. Once it was cooled I refrigerated it overnight until I was ready to bake and serve.
I adapted the recipe for this kale wild rice and mushroom casserole to make it a vegetarian dish that David and I enjoyed as a Meatless Monday dish. So, keep this casserole in mind for your vegetarian friends and family this holiday season. Served as a main course or side dish, this flavorful casserole is also perfect for a busy weeknight meal this winter. It’s hearty, earthy, and deliciously nourishing.
Here’s how I made it:
How To Make Kale Wild Rice and Mushroom Casserole
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish; set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, mushrooms, the red crushed pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and soft; about 10 to 15 minutes.
Add the kale to the mushroom mixture in batches. Stir each batch until wilted before each addition.
Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Pour in the broth gradually and then add the half-and-half. Stir constantly until thickened; about 5 minutes. Add half of the cheese and the cooked rice, stir well to combine.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and bubbling.
Allow the casserole to cool 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Make ahead! Prepare the casserole, add to the casserole dish and allow to cool completely. Cover and place inside the refrigerator until needed. 45 minutes before serving, uncover, place the casserole inside a cold oven. Heat to 350 degrees F. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until cheese has melted and bubbling hot.
I hope this casserole makes it onto your table this holiday season.
Enjoy!
Kale Wild Rice and Mushroom Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
- 8 ounce package wild mushrooms sliced
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 bunch fresh kale ribs and stems removed; chopped (about 8 cups)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese divided
- 2 ½ cups cooked wild rice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, mushrooms, the red crushed pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and soft; about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the kale to the mushroom mixture in batches. Stir each batch until wilted before each addition.
- Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Pour the broth in gradually and then add the half-and-half. Stir constantly until thickened; about 5 minutes. Add half of the cheese and the cooked rice, stir well to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to cool 10 minutes before serving.
Dana @ IveGotCake says
I also clean as I go for the exact same reason because who wants to be bothered with the cleanup afterwards??
Great choice of veggies for this casserole too!!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Hey Dana! Yes!!! Clean as you go!! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂