Looking for a comforting dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this delightful Rice and Pork Sausage Casserole! With its savory blend of juicy pork sausage, hearty rice, and vibrant vegetables, this casserole is a one-dish wonder that promises to bring the family together around the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers mouthwatering flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this delicious adventure and discover how simple ingredients can create a sensational meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pork sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and has developed a nice golden color, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure the dish is not too greasy.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage and vegetables, allowing the rice to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality pork sausage for the best flavor. You can also experiment with spicy or flavored sausages for an extra kick.
- Sauté Vegetables Well: Make sure to sauté the onions and bell peppers until they are soft and fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Lightly toasting the rice in the skillet with the sausage and vegetables adds a nutty flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on the type of rice you use, you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth. Always check the rice package instructions for specific liquid ratios.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor to your casserole.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
