If you love hearty, comforting dishes that bring the whole family around the table, you are going to adore this Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe. Imagine the savory richness of Italian sausage mingling with vibrant bell peppers and tender rice, all baked to perfection with a gooey cheese topping that melts right into every bite. This casserole is the ultimate cozy meal that balances robust flavors and simple ingredients in one warm, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe. From the spicy Italian sausage to the fresh bell peppers and fragrant herbs, every item adds depth and character.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor and a juicy texture to your casserole.
- 1 large onion (diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic base that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant green color to balance the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Provides sweetness and a lovely contrasting color alongside the green pepper.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the casserole with a fragrant depth and subtle heat.
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs all the savory juices, making each bite tender and filling.
- 4 1/2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the rice perfectly moist and adds a rich undertone of flavor.
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained): Bring juiciness and a slight tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herby, Italian-inspired note to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the dish with a sweet, aromatic essence.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Amplifies all the natural flavors throughout the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a gentle smoky sweetness and a touch of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild spice.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a rich, melty crust that takes the casserole over the top.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh, bright finish and a splash of green beauty.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and heating a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage together with diced onion and both green and red bell peppers. Make sure to break up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want the sausage browned and the vegetables softened, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is critical as it develops rich, caramelized flavors that form the foundation of your casserole.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
After the sausage and vegetables are perfectly cooked, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute. This short cook time brings out the fragrant aroma without burning the garlic, ensuring a subtle but delicious boost in flavor.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Now for the mixing magic. In a large bowl, combine the sausage-vegetable mixture with the uncooked rice, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so that the rice is evenly coated by all those flavorful juices and herbs. This mixture will cook together in the oven, soaking up all those amazing tastes.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Transfer your combined mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly cover it with aluminum foil to keep moisture trapped inside, allowing the rice to cook perfectly tender. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. This covered baking ensures an even cook and melding of flavors.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
After the first baking session, remove the foil and give the casserole a good stir to distribute everything nicely. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This is the moment where your dinner starts to get that irresistible golden, bubbling topping.
Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered this time, for another 15 minutes or until that cheese topping is perfectly melted and bubbly. This last step brings a delightful texture contrast—a crispy, cheesy crust over a creamy, comforting base.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes to set. Then finish it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if you like, for a pop of color and fresh brightness before serving.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate this casserole. A simple handful of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. You could also try a few sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables rounds out the meal with some freshness and crunch. Roasted broccoli or garlic sautéed green beans work beautifully here.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese or paprika on top before serving to make it look as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to keep this sausage and rice goodness longer, freeze your casserole in a suitable dish, well wrapped or in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is delightfully gooey again. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover to keep moisture and heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can substitute with chorizo, breakfast sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
Do I need to precook the rice?
Nope! In this recipe, the rice cooks inside the casserole as it bakes, absorbing all the delicious juices and spices for perfect tenderness.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hot Italian sausage if you like your dish with some heat. Just adjust to your personal taste.
Is there a substitute for cheddar cheese?
You can swap cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese, or try a blend that includes Monterey Jack or gouda for different flavor profiles.
Can this casserole be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The casserole will still be delicious and comforting without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and so satisfying to eat. Once you make it, I have a feeling it will become a regular in your meal rotation, just like it did for me!
Print
Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Sausage and Rice Casserole combines flavorful Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and tender rice baked in a savory tomato and herb broth, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this one-dish meal is easy to prepare and packed with delicious, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage along with the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is nicely browned and the vegetables have softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture with the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish lightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb the flavorful broth.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully uncover it. Stir the casserole gently, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Garnish: After baking, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to set. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Using undrained diced tomatoes ensures that the casserole remains moist and flavorful without needing extra liquid.
- You can substitute mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your taste preference.
- For a cheesier topping, feel free to combine cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
- To make this dish gluten-free, verify that the sausage is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
