Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes that bring comfort food to the forefront. Among her many culinary creations, the Broccoli Rice Casserole stands out as a timeless side dish perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a cozy weeknight meal. This recipe takes the classic broccoli and rice casserole to a new level with the addition of wild rice, creating a delightful texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy, cheesy base.
This isn’t just any broccoli rice casserole; it’s the Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole, and it’s a game-changer. Ree’s version elevates the humble casserole from a standard side to a dish that might just steal the show. Forget bland and boring – this recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to a homemade cream of mushroom soup base and the wonderful addition of wild rice. As Ree herself notes, this recipe will completely transform your perception of broccoli rice casserole forever.
What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Rice Casserole Special?
The secret to this casserole’s success lies in the details. It starts with a blend of wild rice and regular rice, cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor. Fresh broccoli florets are blanched to tender-crisp perfection, retaining their vibrant green color and a satisfying bite. The creamy sauce is made from scratch, sautéing mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery in butter before creating a roux and adding broth and cream. This homemade “cream of mushroom soup” is far superior to the canned version, offering a depth of flavor that truly sets this casserole apart.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
To create this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Wild Rice Blend: 2 cups of wild rice or a wild rice blend form the hearty base of the casserole.
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups of chicken broth are used to cook the rice and create the sauce, adding rich flavor.
- Broccoli: 2 to 3 broccoli crowns, cut into small florets, provide the signature vegetable component.
- Butter: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of butter is essential for sautéing the vegetables and creating the roux.
- Onion: 1 medium-large onion, diced, adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Mushrooms: 1 pound of domestic white or baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped, create the base of the homemade cream of mushroom soup.
- Carrots: 2 carrots, peeled and diced, contribute sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Celery: 2 celery stalks, diced, add another layer of savory flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup of all-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup of heavy cream enriches the sauce and adds a luxurious creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning the casserole.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs provides a crispy topping.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Rice Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create Ree Drummond’s delightful Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole:
- Cook the Wild Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the wild rice and 5 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the broth is absorbed. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and chopped mushrooms and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the diced carrots and celery and sauté until all vegetables are soft and starting to turn golden brown.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the vegetables and stir to incorporate. Gradually stir in the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and continue to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer to heat through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position. Spread half of the cooked wild rice in a 13×9-inch pan or a 2-quart casserole dish. Layer enough blanched broccoli florets to cover the rice. Repeat with the remaining rice and broccoli. Ladle the cream sauce evenly over the casserole.
- Prepare the Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the panko breadcrumbs to coat. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the finished casserole. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra layer of flavor and cheesiness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyère cheese between the layers of rice and broccoli, or on top before baking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a subtle kick.
- Add Protein: Cooked chicken or ham, diced into small pieces, can be added to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Ensure your broth is vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian.
- Make Ahead: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a day. Bake as directed when ready to serve, you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if baking from cold.
Why This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Rice Casserole is a Must-Try
Ree Drummond’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting and flavorful experience. The combination of wild rice, tender broccoli, and creamy homemade sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a potluck, or simply for a family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s approach to home cooking and bring this delightful dish to your table – you won’t be disappointed!
