Description
This hearty Sausage and Rice Casserole combines savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs with tender rice baked in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Grains and Liquids
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Cheese
- 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 oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, diced onion, and diced green and red bell peppers together, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture with uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Add cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover. Stir gently to mix the ingredients slightly, then evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using undrained diced tomatoes adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
- Feel free to substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Covering the casserole during the initial bake prevents the rice from drying out.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set for easier slicing and serving.
- To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.