Sunday Sausage
A hearty casserole combining sausage, rice, and vegetables with flavorful chicken noodle soup, perfect for comforting family dinners and those who enjoy savory, filling dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups celery, chopped
- 1/2 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups rice, cooked ⓘ
- 2 packages (4.2 oz each) dehydrated chicken noodle soup ⓘ
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1 lb pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimentos ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice as directed and set aside.
- Prepare the celery, onions, and green pepper by chopping.
- Saute the chopped vegetables in margarine, stirring constantly until slightly tender. Drain on paper towel.
- Add the dehydrated chicken noodle soup to boiling water and let stand.
- Brown the sausage until the redness is gone. Drain on paper towel.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, cooked sausage, pimentos, sliced water chestnuts, and prepared soup mixture.
- Place the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of pork sausage. If you want to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken noodle soup. You can also add other vegetables like diced carrots or peas for extra nutrition. If you're short on time, precooked rice can be used. To enhance the dish, sprinkle some cheese on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Favorite Breakfast Casserole for a hearty brunch. You can also offer some warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up any delicious juices. This casserole is great for feeding a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunday Sausage contains roughly 883 calories, with 16g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for rice?
If you prefer a different base, quinoa or couscous can be excellent substitutes for rice. They will absorb flavors well and add a unique texture to the casserole. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before mixing.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F 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).