Warm, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying—there’s nothing quite like a hearty Sausage and Rice Casserole to bring everyone to the table. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy yet flavorful or for potlucks when you need a recipe that feeds a group. The earthy mix of rice, savory sausage, and aromatic veggies is not only delicious but also adaptable to your family's taste buds. Best of all, this one-dish wonder is beginner-friendly and gives you the unbeatable comfort of home-cooked food.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this classic casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (spicy, mild, or sweet—your choice)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine works great)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color you like)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, if preferred)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on the saltiness of your sausage and broth)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add olive oil or butter. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, shredded cheese, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil (this helps steam the rice) and bake for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top if you’d like, and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to dish up. Garnish with parsley or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips for Customization
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or frozen peas for extra nutrients.
- Cheese Lovers: Swap in a mix of cheeses, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby, for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Make it Spicy: Use spicy sausage or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free canned soup and confirm your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare as directed, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. For a Southern-inspired touch, serve it alongside cornbread. And don’t forget—leftovers (if there are any!) make for an even better lunch the next day as the flavors deepen over time.
This Sausage and Rice Casserole hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting. Whether it’s a family dinner or a dish to share, you’ll love how simple yet satisfying this hearty recipe is. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a regular at your table!
إرسال تعليق