Baked Rice With Sausage
A hearty baked rice dish featuring flavorful Italian sausage, vegetables, and creamy soups, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dry chicken noodle soup (1 1/2 envelopes) ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage until almost done.
- Add the sliced celery, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper; cook until tender and drain excess fat.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 1/2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the dry chicken noodle soup mix to the boiling water and reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in the undiluted condensed cream of chicken soup, uncooked rice, and the sausage and vegetable mixture.
- Mix well and transfer to a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish or pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, consider using pre-cooked sausage or a leaner option like turkey sausage. You can also substitute the green pepper with diced zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor. If you want extra creaminess, mix in some shredded cheese before baking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta in place of the dry chicken noodle soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the dish. This hearty meal pairs beautifully with Jimmy Dean Easter Casserole for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Rice With Sausage contains roughly 628 calories, with 20g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1737mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it requires a longer cooking time. You might need to increase the water and baking time as well. Cook the rice partially before adding it to the mixture to ensure it cooks through by the end of baking.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach to the sausage and vegetable mixture. Just ensure they are chopped finely and cooked until tender before mixing them in, as this will enhance the overall flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).