Italian Sausage and Rice Bake

Get ready to savor the bold and comforting flavors of this Italian Sausage and Rice Bake—a one-dish wonder perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This hearty casserole combines juicy Italian sausage, aromatic garlic and onions, and sweet bell peppers with perfectly cooked long-grain rice, all simmered in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Generously seasoned with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, the dish is topped with a luscious layer of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for an irresistibly gooey finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a bake-until-bubbly approach, this recipe is as simple to make as it is satisfying. Serve it straight from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, for a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Keywords: Italian Sausage and Rice Bake, easy casserole recipe, Italian dinner ideas, cheesy baked rice casserole, sausage and rice casserole.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium White onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 medium Bell peppers (red and green), diced
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 2.5 cups Chicken broth
• 14 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or light oil.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 5

Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet and let it toast for 1-2 minutes, coating it with the oil and vegetables.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Transfer the sausage and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage and Rice Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2378.3 grams (2378.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2658

Total Fat 175.00g	224%
Saturated Fat 65.80g	329%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 427mg	142%
Sodium 9191mg	400%
Total Carbohydrate 131.00g	48%
Dietary Fiber 17.70g	63%
Total Sugars 36.20g
Protein 146.70g	293%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1993mg	153%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 3457mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.6%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 19.5%