Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Cooking always brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and delicious aromas wafting through the air. Cheesy sausage and rice has a special place in my heart; it’s the kind of dish that fills you up while also warming your soul. I remember making this recipe for the first time as a teenager, eager to impress my family with my newfound cooking skills.

Each bite is like a warm hug, the combination of beef sausage and creamy rice creating a flavor bomb. The cheesy goodness melds perfectly with the vibrant colors from bell peppers, celery, and onion, making it visually appealing as well. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also fosters a sense of togetherness.

Creating cheesy sausage and rice is simple and incredibly rewarding, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This meal showcases how you can transform simple ingredients into something delightful that brings family around the table. Let’s dive into the details of making this mouthwatering dish!

Cheesy Sausage and Rice: Fundamentals

Preparation/setup

Cooking cheesy sausage and rice begins with a few essential steps. First, gather all the ingredients. Having everything ready not only makes the cooking process smoother but also keeps you organized. You’ll need a package of beef sausage, jasmine rice, diced bell peppers, celery, onion, a can of Campbell’s cream of chicken soup, and a couple of cans of water. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting this delightful dish.

For the spices, gather kosher salt, Maggie all-purpose seasoning, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes for a hint of heat! Also, have garlic paste handy to enhance the flavor profile even further. To top it all off, you will need sharp cheddar cheese for that creamy, cheesy finish. Once everything is in place, you can move on to the cooking process.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need for your cheesy sausage and rice:

• 1 package of beef sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cup uncooked jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup white onion, diced
• 1 can Campbell’s cream of chicken soup
• 2 cans of water
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp Maggie all-purpose
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil. In a large bowl, mix together the beef sausage, jasmine rice, bell peppers, celery, onion, cream of chicken soup, and two cans of water. Don’t forget to add the seasonings: kosher salt, Maggie all-purpose, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and garlic paste.

Give everything a good stir until well combined. Transfer this mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, ensuring that the rice cooks thoroughly and absorbs most of the liquid. Once done, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt into a gooey perfection.

Cooking Techniques for Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Technique

Mastering the cooking technique for cheesy sausage and rice is crucial to achieving the perfect texture. Consider using jasmine rice, as it cooks beautifully and maintains a tender yet slightly chewy texture. The beef sausage adds depth, richness, and flavor to the dish. Sautéing it for a few minutes before mixing it in can enhance its flavor even more.

Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different. You want the rice to be fluffy and fully cooked, not mushy. The final baking stage will allow everything to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting casserole.

Tips/tricks

For added flavor, experiment with your favorite spices! Consider swapping the Italian seasoning for a blend that matches your taste. You can also include other vegetables like zucchini or corn for additional textures and flavors. Leftover ingredients also work wonderfully, turning a simple dish into something extraordinary.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving. These little touches will elevate your cheesy sausage and rice to new culinary heights!

Perfecting Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Perfecting results

To ensure your cheesy sausage and rice turns out perfectly, give attention to the details. Soak the jasmine rice for about 20 minutes before use; this can help it cook faster and achieve a fluffier texture. Ensure both liquid quantity and cooking time match well to avoid ending up with a soggy or undercooked casserole.

As it bakes, the cheesy top adds a beautiful golden layer that tempts everyone. If you like some crispiness, feel free to broil for a minute or two after baking; this will create a lovely crust, offering texture contrast with the creamy rice.

Troubleshooting/variations

Every kitchen has its quirks, and you might run into some common issues while preparing this dish. If your rice hasn’t fully cooked after the initial baking time, simply add a little more water and continue baking. However, remember to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Regarding variations, you can swap out the beef sausage for chicken sausage or turkey sausage based on your dietary preferences. Non-dairy cheese options are also available if you’re avoiding dairy. Each variation opens new doors for flavor while maintaining the comforting essence of cheesy sausage and rice.

Serving Cheesy Sausage and Rice

Serving/presentation

When it comes time to serve, the presentation can make all the difference. Scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring to capture that delectable melted cheese on top. For added color, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be a fantastic centerpiece, drawing everyone’s attention at gatherings and family dinners.

Pairings/storage

This meal stands well on its own, but if desired, serve it alongside cornbread or crusty rolls for a heartier meal. Additionally, you can save any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for a quick, satisfying meal!

Conclusion

Cheesy sausage and rice shines as a beloved comfort food that enriches the dining experience with its layers of flavor and simple preparation. The hearty ingredients work harmoniously to create a dish that feels festive yet cozy. Ideal for sharing with family or gathering friends around the table, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy the delightful transformation of humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, reminding everyone of the joy of home cooking.

Cheesy Sausage and Rice

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring beef sausage, creamy rice, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package of beef sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup white onion, diced
• 1 can Campbell’s cream of chicken soup
• 2 cans of water
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp Maggie all-purpose seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the beef sausage, jasmine rice, bell peppers, celery, onion, cream of chicken soup, and two cans of water.
3. Add the seasonings: kosher salt, Maggie all-purpose, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and garlic paste; stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, ensuring the rice cooks thoroughly and absorbs most of the liquid.
6. Once done, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt.

Notes

Soak the jasmine rice for 20 minutes before cooking for a fluffier texture. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cheesy sausage, rice, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe