This sausage and rice casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes weeknights easier and weekends warmer. It’s simple to throw together, big on flavor, and fills the house with the best savory aroma. Everything bakes in one dish, and you don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills.
The result is a cozy, satisfying meal that works for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends. If you love a no-fuss recipe that tastes like you spent all afternoon on it, this one’s for you.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- One pan, minimal mess: Everything bakes together, which means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup.
- Flexible ingredients: Use the sausage you love—Italian, smoked, or chicken sausage—all work beautifully.
- Comforting and filling: Rice, sausage, and veggies create a complete meal that actually keeps you full.
- Make-ahead friendly: It reheats well for lunches and freezes nicely for later.
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples deliver big flavor without a big price tag.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound (450 g) sausage: Italian (mild or hot), smoked sausage, or chicken sausage
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (such as jasmine or basmati)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), optional
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Brown the sausage: Slice or crumble the sausage.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage until browned and slightly crisp, 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pan.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Layer the casserole: In the baking dish, add the uncooked rice, sautéed veggies, browned sausage, diced tomatoes with their juices, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the liquid: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything gently to distribute the rice evenly.
Make sure all the rice is submerged.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This helps the rice steam and cook through.
- Stir and finish: Remove from the oven, stir in the frozen peas, and re-cover. Bake another 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese (optional): If using cheese, uncover, sprinkle it over the top, and bake 5 minutes more to melt.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes so the rice sets.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven with a splash of broth.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Meal prep tip: Divide into lunch containers with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad.
Health Benefits
- Balanced macros: You get protein from the sausage, complex carbs from the rice, and fiber from the vegetables.
- Customizable sodium and fat: Choosing chicken or turkey sausage and low-sodium broth keeps it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- Micronutrients: Onions, peppers, peas, and tomatoes add vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants like lycopene.
- Satiety: The combination of protein and rice helps keep you full longer, which can support mindful eating.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Crunchy rice: This usually means not enough liquid or not covering the dish.
Keep it tightly covered and ensure the rice is submerged.
- Watery casserole: Too much liquid or not enough bake time. Bake uncovered for a few extra minutes until the liquid reduces.
- Over-salty results: Sausage and broth already contain salt. Use low-sodium broth and taste before adding extra salt.
- Burning on the edges: If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and add an extra 5–10 minutes of covered bake time.
- Using the wrong rice: Short-grain or parboiled rice can change the texture.
Stick to long-grain white rice for the best result.
Recipe Variations
- Cajun style: Use andouille sausage, add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and swap peas for celery. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
- Cheesy broccoli: Stir in 1–2 cups small broccoli florets with the peas and top with sharp cheddar.
- Tex-Mex twist: Use chorizo or spicy sausage, add 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and stir in black beans and corn.
- Mediterranean: Use chicken sausage, add oregano and lemon zest, and fold in spinach and olives. Top with crumbled feta.
- Veg-forward: Double the veggies—zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots work well.
Keep sausage or swap for a plant-based option.
- Brown rice version: Use 1 cup brown rice and increase broth to about 2 3/4 cups. Bake covered for 60–70 minutes, then add peas and finish.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked or smoked sausage?
Yes. Slice it and brown lightly for extra flavor before adding to the casserole.
It adds a nice sear and keeps the texture satisfying.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Rinsing is optional, but it helps remove extra starch and prevents gumminess. If you rinse, drain well so you don’t water down the casserole.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
You can. Use a large, deep skillet with a lid.
After browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies, add rice, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Cover and simmer on low for 18–22 minutes, then add peas and finish until tender.
What if I only have minute rice?
Add cooked sausage, veggies, spices, and broth to the dish. Stir in minute rice and bake covered for 10–15 minutes, checking sooner to avoid overcooking.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded alternative.
Everything else in the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Can I add more protein?
Absolutely. Stir in a can of drained white beans, or add diced rotisserie chicken in the last 10 minutes of baking. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overbaking can do it.
Measure the broth carefully, keep the dish covered for most of the bake, and let it rest before serving so the rice sets.
Wrapping Up
This sausage and rice casserole is the kind of recipe that finds a regular spot in your rotation: simple to prep, easy to customize, and consistently delicious. It’s perfect for busy nights and cozy weekends alike. Keep the base recipe handy, then play with sausages, spices, and veggies to make it your own.
Serve it hot, garnish it well, and enjoy the comfort in every bite.