Description
Hearty sausage and rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory Italian sausage with fluffy rice. Warm spices and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) sausage (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or andouille sausage)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a richer tomato flavor)
Vegetable and Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (for added color and texture)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (optional)
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Create a savory foundation by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, then sear sausage slices until golden and caramelized, removing them to rest temporarily.
- Utilize the same skillet to transform diced onions and bell peppers into tender, translucent fragments, approximately 3-4 minutes, then introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to bloom for an additional minute.
- Integrate uncooked rice with paprika and Italian seasoning, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty undertones and ensure complete spice coating.
- Incorporate chicken broth and diced tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, then escalate heat to trigger a robust boiling response before immediately reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the rice to absorb liquid and steam, typically requiring 15-20 minutes of undisturbed cooking until grains become tender and fluffy.
- Reunite the previously seared sausage with the rice mixture, folding gently to distribute proteins and flavors uniformly throughout the dish.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish, then serve the one-pan meal while piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Choose spicy or mild sausage based on personal heat preference to customize flavor intensity.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole-grain alternative with extra nutritional benefits.
- Allow sausage to rest briefly after cooking to help retain its juicy texture and distribute internal moisture.
- Drain excess fat from sausage if watching calorie intake, ensuring a lighter final dish without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg