Here’s a hearty, comforting Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole—creamy, cheesy, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!

🧀 Cheesy Sausage & Rice Casserole

Ingredients (4–6 servings)

• 1 lb (450 g) sausage (Italian, smoked, or breakfast sausage)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (not instant)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Remove excess grease if needed.
4. Add onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes.

2. Mix the casserole

In a large bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine:

• Cooked sausage mixture
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of chicken/mushroom soup
• Chicken broth
• Paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt & pepper

Stir well.

3. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 baking dish (if you mixed in a bowl).
3. Cover tightly with foil.
4. Bake 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5. Remove foil, add extra cheese on top, and bake 10 more minutes until melted and bubbly.

4. Serve

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

⭐ Tips & Variations

Flavor additions

• Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
• Use smoked sausage or Andouille for a Southern twist
• Add frozen peas or corn in the last 10 minutes of baking

Creamier version

Replace ½ cup broth with ½ cup heavy cream.

Healthier version

Use brown rice (increase bake time to ~75 minutes) and turkey sausage.

If you’d like, I can give you a one-pot stovetop version, slow-cooker version, or extra-cheesy version!