Minnesota Wild Rice Hotdish is a legendary dish that appears at almost all cold-weather Minnesota potlucks, especially up North. The farther North you get, the more likely you are to run into a wild rice dish on local menus, church dinners, or a friend’s house. Wild Rice Hotdish Soup, on the other hand, is not something I ran into very often and I am on a personal mission to change that.

Wild Rice Hotdish Soup

Minnesota Wild Rice Hotdish Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of wild rice, lean ground beef, and a creamy base, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. This soup blends the traditional elements of a hotdish with the comforting qualities of a creamy soup, creating a unique and satisfying meal.

This recipe is a little non-traditional in that it doesn’t contain ANY cream-of-whatever soups. Not that I’m opposed to those, but I prefer to skip it when I can.

This soup is an ideal dish for those seeking a flavorful and comforting meal. Its rich combination of lean ground beef, wild rice, and a creamy base creates a hearty and satisfying experience. I love this because it is so versatile; it can be served either as a main dish or a starte. It is simple to make and doable for cooks of all skill levels, whether you are a rookie or an expert. Wild Rice Soup is also highly customizable, allowing for variations in ingredients and seasonings to cater to varied tastes and dietary preferences.

Traeger Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

My secret ingredient for wild rice soup

Know what I DO keep in my house though that came in ALL KINDS OF HANDY with this quick and easy wild rice recipe?

A packet of AU JUS mix.

It isn’t just for sandwiches, you guys.

For this recipe, I happened to have some fresh Instant Pot Wild Rice on hand, which worked wonderfully in this soup. It is quick and easy and cooks the wild rice perfectly.

I’d never made wild rice before under pressure, but I don’t think I’ll ever make it another way again. Perfectly cooked grains. I use this rice in my Corn & Potato Chowder recipe also. LOVE the flavor and texture it adds.

Wild Rice Pilaf

What is wild rice?

Wild rice isn’t RICE at all. Wild rice is the seed of a grass that grows extensively in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and also a bit in Canada. It is naturally gluten-free, if that’s a concern for you, and has a rich nutty flavor and is high in protein, dietary fiber, and amino acids.

You should try and avoid the “cultivated” varieties if you can. They are less expensive, but also less flavorful and lower quality. I always stock up when I go visiting northern Minnesota, or you can find local retailers up there that’ll ship it to you for much less than you can get it in the grocery stores if you aren’t local to the area.

More Soup For You!

Wild Rice Hotdish Soup shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Diced Onion
• Diced Celery
• Lean Ground Beef
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Salt
• Oregano
• Ground Black Pepper
• Water
• Au Jus Mix or Beef Bouillon
• Cooked Wild Rice
• Cream
• Butter
• Flour

Try our Beef Dumpling Soup too!

How to make Minnesota Wild Rice Hotdish Soup

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Try my Instant Pot Wild Rice!

Wild Rice Hotdish Soup FAQ

Try my Creamy Chicken Wild Rice soup!

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