Sausage Peanut Pilaf
A savory sausage and rice casserole enhanced with crunchy peanuts, tender olives, and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for a hearty, flavorful family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sausage until brown.
- Add chopped celery and onion; cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour off excess drippings.
- Add cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chopped pepper to the sausage mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish and sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Serve topped with sliced green olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of pork. If you want extra flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like paprika to the sausage while cooking. You can also substitute cooked quinoa for rice to boost the nutrition. For a vegetarian option, swap the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with sliced green olives for a pop of flavor. It pairs excellently with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Carol Ann'S Seven Layer Salad to add freshness and crunch to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pilaf in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Peanut Pilaf contains roughly 821 calories, with 29g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1976mg per serving (86% 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?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as you may need to simmer the mixture longer to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade white sauce or a different cream soup, like cream of chicken. Alternatively, a mixture of sour cream and chicken broth can work well to create a similar creamy texture.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this sausage peanut pilaf can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
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).