When it comes to easy, budget-friendly, and satisfying meals, rice casseroles are hard to beat. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—plus, they’re endlessly adaptable. But if you really want to take your casserole game up a notch, try using a 50/50 mix of regular rice and California wild rice.

This combination brings together the best of both worlds: the familiar, fluffy comfort of white or brown rice with the nutty, chewy texture and extra nutrients of wild rice. It adds depth to your casseroles while stretching your grocery budget, making every meal both delicious and economical.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the best rice casserole recipes that are cozy, comforting and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and cheesy, packed with veggies, or loaded with protein, there’s a dish here for you!

Chicken & Wild Rice Classics

Rotisserie Chicken & Rice Casserole

This ultra-convenient casserole from This Mess is Ours is the perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, while creating a meal that feels completely fresh and homemade. A creamy, savory sauce ties everything together. Loaded with veggies and topped with a crispy, golden finish, this dish is both wholesome and indulgent. It’s an easy, fuss-free dinner that makes the most of ingredients you already have on hand.

Get the recipe here.

Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole

This made-from-scratch casserole from Carlsbad Cravings skips the canned soup, opting for a homemade creamy sauce that makes all the difference. With layers of tender chicken, a wild rice blend, sautéed mushrooms, and a crispy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels just a little gourmet.

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Wild Rice Hotdish

This hearty Midwest favorite is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded chicken, a creamy sauce, and a mix of veggies all baked together with wild rice. A crunchy, buttery topping of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs adds the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for cold nights or when you need a no-fuss, satisfying meal.

Get the recipe here.

Smoky Chicken, Broccoli Rabe & Wild Rice Casserole

This casserole brings bold, smoky flavors to the table, with shredded chicken, melted smoked cheese, and slightly bitter broccoli rabe for a delicious balance. The wild rice adds a satisfying chewiness, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of smoky depth and a healthier twist on classic comfort food.

Try the recipe here.

Baked Rice with Chicken & Mushrooms

This rustic, one-pan dish is loaded with deep, earthy flavors from mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. The rice absorbs all the delicious juices as it bakes, resulting in a rich, slightly crispy layer at the edges while staying soft and fluffy inside. Perfect for those who love umami-packed comfort food.

Try the recipe here.

Chicken, Sweet Potato & Rice Casserole

A wholesome and slightly sweet take on a traditional rice casserole, this dish combines roasted sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce with a wild rice blend. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of the wild rice, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Get the recipe here.

Vegetarian & Cheesy Comfort

Chile Relleno Casserole with Rice

This bold and flavorful casserole from Hola Jalapeno is a delicious twist on the classic chile relleno, combining roasted green chiles, gooey melted cheese, and a fluffy egg mixture with a hearty rice base. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that brings the vibrant flavors of California-grown ingredients straight to your table. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner.

Try the recipe here.

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole

This rich and creamy casserole is a veggie-packed classic, starring tender broccoli, a cheesy sauce, and the nutty bite of wild rice. Baked until golden and bubbly, it works perfectly as a vegetarian main or a hearty side dish.

Try the recipe here.

Easy Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole

This simple yet flavorful casserole from Britney Breaks Bread combines juicy shredded chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. The mix of wild rice and regular rice soaks up all the rich flavors, creating a comforting dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, making this a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prep ahead of time. Serve it as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

Try the recipe here.

Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Casserole with Sausage

Take classic broccoli and rice casserole up a notch by adding savory sausage for extra flavor and protein. The mix of wild and regular rice absorbs the cheesy sauce beautifully, while the sausage gives it a satisfying, hearty depth.

Get the recipe here.

Wild Rice & Mushroom Casserole

For a deeply flavorful vegetarian option, this dish pairs nutty wild rice with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. The result is an earthy, comforting dish with layers of umami richness, making it a fantastic side or meat-free main.

Try the recipe here.

Eggplant, Mozzarella & Saffron Rice Bake

This Mediterranean-inspired casserole layers roasted eggplant, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant saffron-infused rice. The flavors meld together beautifully as the casserole bakes, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Get the recipe here.

Winter Vegetable & Wild Rice Casserole

Packed with roasted root vegetables, leafy greens, and a creamy sauce, this vegetarian casserole is as nourishing as it is flavorful. The mix of wild and regular rice soaks up all the delicious juices, making every bite comforting and satisfying.

Try the recipe here.

Why 50/50 Rice & Wild Rice?

• Better Texture & Flavor – Wild rice adds a nutty, chewy contrast to regular rice, making every bite more interesting.
• More Nutrition – Wild rice is higher in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, while being naturally gluten-free.
• Affordable & Stretchable – Wild rice can be pricey on its own, but mixing it with standard rice makes it more budget-friendly while still reaping the benefits.
• Easy to Cook – You can cook wild rice and regular rice together or separately before assembling your casserole—either way, the result is delicious.

So next time you’re making a rice casserole, reach for that bag of California wild rice and mix it in! You’ll get a more flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish—without any extra effort.

Which recipe are you trying first? Let us know in the comments!

This article was written by Alison Needham, and images used with permission from the above California Grown Creators.