Delicious Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving Sides: Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, a feast! If you’re looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than the Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is known for her delicious and approachable recipes, especially when it comes to holiday cooking. Among her many Thanksgiving side dish gems, the Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole stands out as a crowd-pleaser.

Pioneer Woman Cookbook Cover

This Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole recipe is featured in Ree Drummond’s cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, a fantastic resource for holiday recipes throughout the year. This cookbook is packed with holiday inspiration, making it a must-have for any home cook looking to create memorable holiday meals. Inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of recipes, from New Year’s Day brunch to Christmas dinner, ensuring you’re covered for every celebration.

What makes Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving Sides so special? Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for their comforting flavors, simple instructions, and crowd-pleasing appeal. They are perfect for Thanksgiving because they balance classic holiday flavors with a touch of home-style goodness that everyone will love. This Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole is a prime example, taking the familiar comfort of a casserole and elevating it with flavorful wild rice and fresh broccoli.

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole: A Thanksgiving Side Dish Star

This isn’t your average broccoli casserole. The Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole recipe takes this classic side dish to a whole new level. The addition of wild rice brings a nutty flavor and satisfying chewiness that complements the tender broccoli perfectly. Forget canned soup – this recipe features a homemade cream of mushroom sauce that is rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. It’s a Thanksgiving side dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, guaranteed to impress your guests.

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole in Baking Dish

Here’s how you can bring this Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving side dish to your holiday table:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 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 Recipe Instructions:

1. 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.
2. 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 crisp-tender. Immediately drain and plunge the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cool, drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables for the Sauce: Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large, deep skillet 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 brown.
4. 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 cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until heated through. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble and Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spread half of the cooked wild rice in a 13×9 inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole dish. Cover with a layer of broccoli florets. Repeat with the remaining rice and broccoli. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the casserole.
6. Prepare the Panko Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the panko breadcrumbs to coat. Sprinkle the buttered panko crumbs over the casserole.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole 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 and heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole:

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli ensures it retains its bright green color and a slight crispness in the casserole. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
• Toast the panko: For extra flavor and crunch, you can toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes until lightly golden before mixing with melted butter.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. Bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Customize your cheese: While this recipe doesn’t include cheese, feel free to add a layer of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese under the panko topping for an even richer flavor.

This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a Thanksgiving experience. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of the holiday season, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Add this recipe to your Thanksgiving menu and discover why Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving sides are a holiday tradition in the making!