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–+ servings
Wild Rice
This Wild Rice recipe is a warm, savory dish that combines the nutty, earthy flavor of wild rice with fresh vegetables and smoky bacon. It reflects a homestyle approach to hearty cooking, meant to be comforting and nourishing. The combination of onion, celery, and green pepper sautéed in butter or margarine builds a flavorful base, while the addition of soy sauce and broth deepens the flavor profile. A splash of turkey or chicken broth makes it a flexible side dish suitable for holiday meals, potlucks, or family dinners. Its rustic yet balanced taste embodies American comfort cuisine, pairing well with roasted meats or enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup wild rice (chopped and cooked)
  • 1 green pepper (large, chopped)
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 3 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 1 stick butter (or margarine)
  • ½ pkg bacon (diced )
  • ½ pkg hot sausage
  • ½ cup turkey (or chicken broth)
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Rice

  • Prepare wild rice according to package directions until tender.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  • In a skillet, melt butter or margarine. Add chopped onion, celery, and green pepper. Cook until softened.

Step 3: Add Bacon and Sausage

  • Stir in diced bacon and hot sausage and cook until lightly browned.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

  • Add cooked wild rice into the skillet mixture.

Step 5: Add Broth & Finish

  • Stir in turkey or chicken broth. Mix well and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

  • Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.

Tips

  • Use smoked bacon for deeper flavor, or omit for a vegetarian version (use vegetable broth).
  • Substitute olive oil for butter to lighten saturated fat.
  • Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Fold in dried cranberries for a festive holiday touch.
  • Use turkey broth for Thanksgiving flavor or chicken broth for everyday meals.
  • Add fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or sage) at the end for brightness.
  • Mix with cooked brown rice or wild-rice blend for more bulk.
  • Turn into a main dish by adding roast turkey or chicken pieces.
  • Prepare ahead: sauté vegetables and bacon a day in advance and reheat with rice.
  • For lower sodium, use low-sodium broth and reduced-sodium bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 7gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword bacon, comfort food, holiday, sautéed vegetables, side dish, thanksgiving, vintage recipe, wild rice
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