This Italian Sausage Rice Casserole is pure comfort in a single pan—savory Italian sausage, creamy rice, tender veggies, and plenty of flavor in every scoop! It’s the kind of hearty, weeknight-friendly dish my family never lets me forget about, and after one bite, you’ll know why it’s a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-one convenience: This Italian Sausage Rice Casserole comes together in just one skillet—meaning less cleanup, more enjoyment.
- Cozy, crowd-pleasing flavor: The savory sausage, fluffy rice, and creamy finish are a guaranteed hit, whether for a family dinner or potluck.
- Easily customizable: Swap out veggies, adjust the spice level, or go dairy-free—the recipe is flexible for whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Comfort food without the fuss: Every bite feels indulgent, but the process is straightforward and weeknight-approved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian Sausage Rice Casserole comes from simple, wholesome ingredients working together. Every component lends its own flavor, color, and satisfying texture to make each spoonful extra special.
- Spicy Italian sausage: Sausage is the star! Its bold, paprika- and fennel-kissed flavor infuses the rice and veggies. Mild sausage works just as well if you prefer less heat.
- Finely chopped onion: Onion adds natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the sausage and mushrooms.
- Mushrooms (sliced): Mushrooms bring an earthy, meaty bite that makes the casserole extra hearty and satisfying.
- Garlic (minced): Just a couple of cloves create an irresistible aroma and classic Italian nuance.
- Long grain white rice: Rice soaks up all the savory broth and sausage flavor, turning creamy and tender as it cooks.
- Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water infuses even more flavor into the rice.
- Light sour cream: Stirring in a dollop at the end lends creaminess without heaviness—trust me, it’s a game changer!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs to round out the casserole with a savory, herby note.
- Sliced almonds: Almonds add a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor, waking up each bite.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley makes everything pop at the end with color and a burst of freshness.
Variations
This Italian Sausage Rice Casserole is positively begging for personalization! You can easily swap ingredients, bump up the veggies, or tweak flavors to match your mood, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge.
- Vegetarian twist: Use your favorite plant-based sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it totally meatless—but still hearty and satisfying.
- Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini with the onions; this casserole is a fantastic vehicle for veggie-boosting.
- Cheesy finish: Stir in a generous handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan for gooey, cheesy goodness throughout.
- Make it gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as written, just double check your sausage and broth ingredients.
How to Make Italian Sausage Rice Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your largest, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, then crumble in the spicy Italian sausage. Let it cook, undisturbed for a minute or two (for those lovely browned bits!), before breaking it up and sautéing until it’s fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Once browned, scoop it out onto a plate and drain off any excess grease from the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Return the skillet to the heat and toss in those sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms soften and the onion becomes translucent—usually 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
Add the rice to your skillet and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any little brown bits on the bottom (flavor alert!). Stir to combine, bring to a rapid simmer, then cover, reduce heat, and let it gently bubble away for about 20 minutes—until the rice is perfectly tender and has absorbed all that delicious liquid.
Step 4: Stir, Finish, and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the light sour cream and Italian seasoning, stirring until everything is creamy and fragrant. Return the sausage to the pan. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with sliced almonds and plenty of fresh chopped parsley for crunch and color. Spoon into bowls and watch it disappear.
Pro Tips for Making Italian Sausage Rice Casserole
- Use Freshly Browned Sausage: Cooking the sausage until deeply golden adds extra flavor—don’t rush this step, those caramelized bits at the bottom are liquid gold!
- Rice Selection Matters: Stick with long grain white rice for a fluffy casserole; short grain may become too sticky, and brown rice will require extra broth and cooking time.
- Don’t Skimp on the Broth: Chicken broth infuses the rice with savory depth, so use a good-quality low sodium broth if possible—you want the rice to soak up maximum flavor.
- Add Almonds Just Before Serving: For the best crunch, sprinkle almonds over the top right before serving instead of simmering them with the rice.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley and a scattering of sliced almonds bring brightness and texture to your Italian Sausage Rice Casserole. For even more color, a little grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon just before serving will take it over the top.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a superstar all on its own, but it’s also delicious alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. I love serving it with roasted broccoli or a crisp, herby slaw to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or pile it high in a rustic baking dish for family style. For casual gatherings, bake the rice casserole in a hollowed-out round loaf of bread for an edible centerpiece everyone will talk about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Sausage Rice Casserole stores beautifully. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to four days—the flavors only get better as they mingle!
Freezing
This dish is fantastic for freezing. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, and be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely; warm in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to keep the rice creamy and moist. Add fresh parsley or a sprinkle of almonds to revive that just-cooked finish.
FAQs
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Can I use a different kind of sausage for this casserole?
Absolutely! Mild Italian sausage, sweet sausage, or even chicken or turkey sausage will work well—the final taste will reflect the style you choose. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
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What other vegetables can I add to Italian Sausage Rice Casserole?
You can toss in just about anything—think chopped bell peppers, spinach, kale, zucchini, or even frozen peas. Simply sauté them with the onions and mushrooms in step two for that extra veggie boost!
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Will brown rice work in this recipe?
It can! Brown rice will need extra liquid (about 1/2 cup more broth) and a longer simmer time—plan on 35–45 minutes until tender. The end result will be slightly heartier and a bit more nutty.
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Can I assemble Italian Sausage Rice Casserole in advance?
Definitely. You can prepare the casserole through the simmering stage, then stir in sour cream and cool. Refrigerate for up to a day before reheating gently and garnishing with almonds and parsley just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s comforting, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a household legend, give this Italian Sausage Rice Casserole a try. I can’t wait for you to scoop into the creamy, savory, and unexpectedly crunchy goodness—here’s to big, cozy flavors and happy forks all around!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful Sausage and Rice Casserole with a hint of spice and creamy texture, topped with crunchy almonds and fresh parsley. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Italian Sausage:
Vegetable Mix:
Rice Mixture:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and drain excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and onions for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook Rice: Add rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Cover, simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in sour cream and Italian seasoning. Serve casserole topped with almonds and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
