Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this irresistible Cheesy Sausage and Rice recipe! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that combines savory sausage, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Dive into the culinary magic that awaits you and discover how to create this delicious dish that will leave everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sliced sausage until it develops a golden color and releases its flavorful oils, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors from the sausage and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a quick simmer.
- Transfer the rice, vegetable, and broth mixture to the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned sausage pieces evenly across the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality sausage—whether it's spicy, mild, or smoked—depending on your preference. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables is crucial for developing rich flavors. Take your time with these steps to ensure a delicious base for your rice.
- Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice works best for this recipe as it remains fluffy and separates nicely. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can become sticky.
- Adjust the Liquid: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add a little more chicken broth or even a splash of cream before baking.
- Experiment with Vegetables: While bell peppers and onions are classic choices, feel free to add other veggies like corn, peas, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish with a fresh, zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 90mg
