Savory Sausage And Rice Casserole
A hearty savory casserole combining flavorful sausage, tender rice, crunchy almonds, and fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with comforting, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly brown sausage in a Dutch oven and pour off excess fat. Add celery, green pepper, and onion, then sauté until tender.
- Combine soup mix and boiling water in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Stir in rice and cover; simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Add rice mixture to the sausage mixture and stir well.
- Pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with slivered almonds and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using hot sausage instead of mild. You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds can add a nice crunch as well. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking to ensure the flavor is just right.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside Hash Brown Potatoes Casserole(From Southern Living). A light drizzle of hot sauce can also enhance the dish's flavors for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Sausage And Rice Casserole contains roughly 607 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% 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. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I use brown rice instead of regular rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for regular rice. However, note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the simmering time accordingly. It may take about 35-40 minutes to become tender, so be sure to check for doneness before mixing it with the sausage.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
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).