Sausage And Rice Ole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining smoky sausage, flavorful tomatoes, and rice, topped with melted cheese and olives—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb smoked sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cans diced Ro-Tel tomatoes
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage thinly and place in a large skillet with chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Saute over medium heat until the onion and bell pepper are tender.
- Add diced Ro-Tel tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Place cooked rice in a large casserole dish.
- Pour the sausage and tomato mixture over the rice and stir to combine.
- Top the casserole with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and sliced black olives.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese melts and the casserole is bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider substituting the smoked sausage with a spicy variety or a turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used to speed up the preparation. You can also incorporate other vegetables like corn or zucchini for added nutrition. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of mixed greens or cornbread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with the refreshing flavors of a simple avocado salad. For a family-friendly dinner, consider serving it alongside homemade Mounds Bars for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed. Adding a splash of water can help keep the rice moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Rice Ole contains roughly 896 calories, with 29g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the sausage and tomato mixture, as it won't soften further in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and tomato mixture and cook the rice in advance. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the olives if I don't like them?
If black olives aren't your preference, you can omit them entirely or swap them for sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Alternatively, consider using sliced mushrooms or even diced green chilies for added flavor without the olive taste.
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).