Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Midwestern classic that's about to become your new obsession! This Wild Rice Hotdish Soup isn't just a recipe—it's a hearty, soul-warming experience that combines the rustic charm of ground beef, the nutty richness of wild rice, and a medley of vegetables that'll make your taste buds dance. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a bowl of pure comfort, this soup is like a warm hug from your favorite grandmother's kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the rinsed wild rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer the rice and beef mixture for about 25-30 minutes, or until the wild rice begins to split and becomes tender.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Wild Rice Wisdom: Always rinse your wild rice thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent a bitter taste. This extra step ensures a clean, pure rice flavor.
- Beef Browning Secrets: When browning ground beef, don't rush! Let it develop a nice golden-brown color for maximum flavor depth.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to customize your mixed vegetables. Frozen blends work great, but fresh seasonal veggies can elevate the soup's taste.
- Seasoning Strategy: Add thyme early in the cooking process to allow its flavor to fully infuse into the soup.
- Texture Tip: If the soup becomes too thick, don't hesitate to add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for deeper, more developed flavors.
- Garnish Game: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions just before serving can add a bright, fresh finish to this hearty soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
