Red Rice Supreme
Red Rice Supreme is a hearty, flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, sausage, fresh vegetables, and seasoned tomato sauce, baked with rice for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. good quality bacon ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 16 oz. cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 heaping Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 heaping cups cooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 heaping Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. good quality sausage ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 heaping Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp in a large iron skillet.
- Fry sausage in a separate pan until done.
- Discard sausage drippings.
- Pour off excess bacon drippings, leaving enough to cover the onion and bell pepper, and sauté on medium high heat for 3 minutes.
- Add chopped onions, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, and brown sugar to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the dissolved cornstarch mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add cooked rice, crumbled bacon, and cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon and sausage. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon and chicken sausage can work well. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrition. Adjust the brown sugar based on the sweetness of your tomatoes and feel free to spice it up with some cayenne or jalapeños for heat.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside the Layered Overnight Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, add a fruit salad or steamed vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving can add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Rice Supreme contains roughly 486 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives like tempeh bacon or veggie sausage. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor. This will create a delicious vegetarian version of the dish without losing the essence of the original recipe.
What type of rice should I use?
Long grain rice is recommended for this recipe as it remains fluffy and separate when cooked. However, you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant touch. Just ensure it's cooked properly before adding it to the dish to maintain the right texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).