Sausage and Rice Casserole

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to throw together? This Sausage and Rice Casserole is the answer! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder combines savory sausage, fluffy rice, and a blend of veggies and seasonings into a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you want to spice up the recipe rotation this one is it. This Sausage and Rice Casserole is full of flavor packed with vibrant and colorful bell peppers, seasoned chicken sausage, tender rice, garlic and onion. In around 30 minutes, you’ll have a skillet dinner on the table that everyone will love.

Ingredients to Make Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe

Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or a casual meal with friends this stovetop casserole makes the perfect dinner. If you love spice and loads of flavor you will love this casserole. Ingredients you’ll need to make stovetop Sausage Rice Casserole: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Sausage – Mild or spicy chicken sausage links or chorizo sausage seasons and adds flavor to the rice.
• Rice – White long grain rice or brown rice adds bulk.
• Peppers – Red, green and yellow bell peppers add color and flavor. Jalapeno pepper for a hint of spice.
• Onion – Yellow onion or use sweet onion for a milder onion flavor.
• Oil – Olive oil for sautéing the veggies. You could also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Garlic – Minced garlic complements the taste of the onion.
• Tomatoes – One can of petite diced tomatoes adds moisture and flavor.
• Green Chiles – One small can of green chiles. You can use mild, medium or hot.
• Liquid – Low sodium chicken broth or chicken stock is imperative for cooking the rice.
• Seasonings – Seasoned salt, black pepper, dry Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. 

How to Make the BEST Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe

• Sauté the Peppers and Onion – Over medium-high heat sauté the olive oil, onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno pepper for 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic cooking for 1 minute longer.
• Brown Sausage – Add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until just until the sausage is beginning to brown.
• Add Tomatoes, Stock and Seasonings – Add the petite tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, green chiles, seasoned salt, dry Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combined. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Simmer – Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer per the cook time in the recipe until the rice is tender and the chicken stock is absorbed.
• Let Stand – Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve garnished with parsley.

Tips for Making Easy Sausage and Rice Casserole

• Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need: Large skillet, 12-inch casserole dish or dutch oven, medium pot for making the rice, sharp knife and cutting board, cheese grater, measuring cups, measuring spoons, large rubber spatula or spoon.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can make this casserole on the stovetop then transfer to a 13×9-inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake immediately in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill until baking. 
• How to Serve Sausage Rice Casserole: Serve this dish as a one pot meal or add a salad and warm dinner rolls.

Recipe Variations

• Peppers: You can use any variety of bell peppers that you enjoy. You could also swap out the jalapeno pepper and use diced poblano pepper or a serrano chile instead.
• Seasonings: You can use dried oregano in place of dry Italian seasoning.
• Sausage: You can use a smoked sausage such as kielbasa, pork sausage or turkey sausage. You could also adapt this recipe using ground sausage or andouille sausage in place of the chicken sausage links.
• Rice: You can use brown rice in this dish. When doing so, you will need to add extra chicken broth and cook it an extra 10 minutes. 
• Minute Rice: You can cook all of the ingredients then add minute rice. Once added, stir to combine then cover and remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork just before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: You can make this casserole vegetarian by using vegetable broth and vegan sausage links.
• Other Vegetables to Add: You can add diced mushrooms, diced zucchini or petite peas.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: You can keep leftover Sausage Rice Casserole in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add additional chicken broth to moisten.
• Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Casseroles to Make

• Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole uses uncooked chicken to make prep a cinch.
• Six ingredient Easy Cornbread Casserole. 
• This Pineapple Casserole is delicious alongside holiday ham.
• You can never go wrong turning inexpensive green cabbage into this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole.
• An all time family favorite Easy Broccoli Casserole recipe.
• The family will flip for this Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
• Homemade Green Bean Casserole.
• Tuna Melt Casserole from Southern Living.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 12-inch Skillet
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board