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Pioneer Woman Sausage Rice Casserole

Pioneer Woman Sausage Rice Casserole - recipe card
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A hearty, creamy rice casserole with smoky turkey sausage and tender vegetables, baked until golden and bubbly. The rich, cheesy sauce coats every grain of rice for a comforting one-dish meal that is perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion (about 6 ounces), finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (about 6 ounces), seeded and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (16 ounces) fully cooked smoked turkey sausage, cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup (not diluted)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Lightly coat a 3-quart (9×13-inch) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet (12-inch) or Dutch oven, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Avoid letting the garlic brown, as this will create a bitter flavor.
  4. Add the smoked turkey sausage halves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned on both sides and any liquid has evaporated, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Scrape the sausage and vegetables into the prepared baking dish. Add the uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, whole milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir all ingredients together until the soup is fully incorporated and the mixture is evenly distributed.
  6. Dot the top of the mixture with the small pieces of unsalted butter. This adds richness and encourages a golden, bubbly surface during baking.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (heavy-duty foil is best). Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil (watch for hot steam). Stir the casserole once to redistribute the liquid, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the top is golden and bubbly. The casserole should be slightly jiggly but set.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 5-7 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to finish absorbing steam and the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
  11. Before serving, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for brightness and color. Spoon onto plates and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. For whole casserole reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F / 177°C oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the casserole seems dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage rice casserole, turkey sausage casserole, creamy rice bake, cheesy rice casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food casserole, baked rice dish, one-dish meal, American casserole, easy casserole recipe

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-sausage-rice-casserole/