Sausage Casserole(Essie'S)
A hearty sausage casserole combining savory sausage, colorful vegetables, and flavorful rice, topped with almonds—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry sausage in a large pan until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and crumble when cooled.
- Saute peppers, celery, and onions in the pan with sausage juices until soft and lightly brown; set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add soup mix and rice.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until rice is done and liquid has reduced.
- Remove from heat; add sausage, vegetables, chicken soup, and soy sauce.
- Pour mixture into two 9 x 13-inch pans and top with almonds.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of bulk sausage. You can also swap the rice for quinoa for a healthier twist. Adding a splash of hot sauce can give the dish a nice kick. If you want to reduce cooking time, use precooked chicken instead. This dish is quite forgiving, so feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Squash And Stuffing Casserole for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a light dessert, like fruit salad, to finish the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sausage casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Casserole(Essie'S) contains roughly 421 calories, with 16g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2763mg per serving (120% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, or adjust the baking time accordingly if it's still cold.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth as a substitute for cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
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).