Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her comforting, family-friendly recipes, and her Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole is a standout side dish that perfectly embodies her approachable style. This isn’t your average broccoli casserole; it’s elevated with the nutty flavor of wild rice and a homemade cream sauce that’s miles away from the canned soup versions. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish for Thanksgiving, holidays, or any cozy weeknight meal, this Pioneer Woman Broccoli Casserole recipe is a must-try.
What makes Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Casserole so special? It starts with the wild rice, which brings a chewy texture and depth of flavor that regular rice can’t match. The recipe also emphasizes fresh ingredients, steering clear of processed cream of mushroom soup in favor of a rich, homemade version. This commitment to quality shines through in every bite, creating a broccoli casserole that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. It’s a testament to Ree’s knack for taking classic dishes and making them even better.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays cookbook cover, featuring Ree Drummond in a red dress with holiday decorations, showcasing the book that includes the broccoli casserole recipe.
This broccoli wild rice casserole is not only delicious but also quite versatile. It works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side dish, complementing roasted turkey or ham. However, it’s equally welcome at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a satisfying vegetarian main course when paired with a fresh salad. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring empty casserole dishes wherever it’s served.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Broccoli Casserole:
Before you begin, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients for your Pioneer Woman broccoli casserole:
- 2 cups wild rice or wild rice blend
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 to 3 broccoli crowns, cut into small florets
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
- 1 medium-large onion, cut into small dice
- 1 pound domestic white or baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into small dice
- 2 celery stalks, cut into small dice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole:
Follow these easy steps to create your own Pioneer Woman broccoli casserole:
- Cook the Wild Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the wild rice and 5 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: While the rice cooks, 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 crisp-tender. Drain immediately and plunge the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, deep skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion 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 for another 4 to 5 minutes, until all vegetables are softened and starting to turn golden brown.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over 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, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer until heated through. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position. Spread half of the cooked wild rice in a 13×9 inch baking 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.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, toss the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs to coat. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of 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 to 25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the finished Pioneer Woman broccoli casserole before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful side dish!
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole in a baking dish, highlighting the golden brown breadcrumb topping and creamy texture, a delicious Thanksgiving side dish.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Broccoli Casserole:
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli ensures it retains some texture and vibrant green color in the casserole. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy.
- Toast the panko breadcrumbs: For an even crispier topping, you can lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing them with the melted butter. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Customize your cheese: While this recipe doesn’t traditionally include cheese, feel free to add a layer of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese between the broccoli and sauce layers for an extra cheesy casserole.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. Bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Serving suggestions: This Pioneer Woman broccoli casserole is excellent with roasted chicken, pork chops, or as part of a vegetarian feast.
The Pioneer Woman Broccoli Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting and flavorful experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ree Drummond has truly transformed the classic broccoli casserole into something special with the addition of wild rice and a homemade cream sauce. Try this recipe and discover why it’s a favorite for holidays and family meals alike!
