Recipe for an easy sausage and rice dish

This Easy Sausage and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with Italian sausage, rice, cheese, and seasoned to perfection! It’s an easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a family favorite!

Simple sausage and rice casserole in a baking dishSimple sausage and rice casserole in a baking dish
Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few minutes of extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use precooked rice?

Yes, if you are using precooked rice, reduce the amount of chicken broth to about 1 1/2 cups and reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Try turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a different twist.

What is the best thing to serve with my sausage and rice dish?

Serve with a salad with a light dressing, roasted vegetables or bread.

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Replacements:

  • Italian sausage: You can use spicy or mild sausage, depending on your preference. Turkey sausage is also a good lighter alternative.
  • Rice: Long grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid.
ingredients for Easy Sausage and Rice Dishingredients for Easy Sausage and Rice Dish

Ingredients required

  • Italian sausage: Offers the savory sausage flavor with just the right amount of spice. Soft sausage can be used for a lighter taste, or you can opt for smoked sausage or chicken sausage for a smoky flavor.
  • Onion: Adds a mild sweetness that complements the strong flavors of the sausage.
  • Peppers (red and green): These provide a vibrant color and a slight crunch, enhancing the texture of the dish.
  • Garlic: An explosion of aromatic flavour that completes the dish.
  • White rice: The basis of this casserole, uncooked rice absorbs all the savory flavors during cooking.
  • Chicken broth: Gives the rice a rich, deep flavor; substitute with vegetable stock for a different flavor.
  • Diced tomatoes: Adds a juicy flavor and keeps the casserole juicy.
  • Oregano, basil, paprika, black pepper and salt: A mix of herbs that gives a warm, spicy flavor to the casserole.
  • Cheddar cheese: Melt until golden brown, bubbly topping holds everything together.
  • Parsley:Optional, but a fresh garnish adds a pop of color and cheer.
Simple sausage and rice dish on a plateSimple sausage and rice dish on a plate

How to store, heat and freeze:

  • Sausage and rice casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Warm up: Reheat at 350°F, covered, for 20-25 minutes. Remove the lid during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese. Or microwave until hot.
  • Freezing: Let cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F, covered, for 30 minutes.

Recipe for an easy sausage and rice dish

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper together, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.Italian sausage, onion and pepper in the panItalian sausage, onion and pepper in the pan
  2. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, until it starts to smell nice.add garlic to the panadd garlic to the pan
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mix, uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, oregano, basil, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well.add stock, tomatoes, rice and herbs to a bowladd stock, tomatoes, rice and herbs to a bowl
  4. Place mixture in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.mixture added to baking dishmixture added to baking dish
  5. Remove from oven, remove lid and stir casserole. Sprinkle grated cheese over top.cheese added to the top of the baking dishcheese added to the top of the baking dish
  6. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.Easy sausage and rice dishEasy sausage and rice dish
Simple sausage and rice casserole in a baking dishSimple sausage and rice casserole in a baking dish

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Sausage and rice casserole recipe

This Sausage and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with Italian sausage, rice, cheese, and seasoned to perfection! It’s an easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a family favorite!

Prevent your screen from going dark

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper together, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.

  • Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, until it starts to smell nice.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mix, uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, oregano, basil, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well.

  • Place the mixture in a 23×33 cm baking dish.

  • Cover the dish lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

  • Remove from oven, remove lid and stir casserole. Sprinkle grated cheese over top.

  • Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.

  • Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Calories: 7056kcal | Carbohydrates: 42G | Egg white: 29G | Fat: 28G | Saturated fat: 10G | Polyunsaturated fat: 4G | Monounsaturated fat: 14G | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1344mg | Potassium: 734mg | Fiber: 3G | Sugar: 5G | Vitamin A: 1505I | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 349mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietitian or nutritionist and any nutritional information shared is an estimate only. We recommend running ingredients through an online nutrition calculator if you need to verify information.

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