Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

Introduction:

This Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole is a one-pan comfort food classic, perfect for cozy family dinners. It’s made with smoked sausage, rice, and a mix of bell peppers, onions, and cheese, baked to perfection with a creamy, cheesy texture. This dish is easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for any busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, sliced into 4 pats
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
3. Add Vegetables and Rice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Evenly space the pats of butter on top of the mixture and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake: Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley for a bit of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory, making it an ideal dinner for busy nights. It’s packed with flavors from the smoked sausage, vegetables, and cheese, and the best part is that it’s all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. Pair it with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal!