Lean protein? Check! Veggies? Yep! Whole grains? Uh huh. The gang’s all here. On my totem pole of house chores, washing dishes is at the very bottom, above only snow shoveling (brrr) and vacuuming (I know it’s easy, but I despise it for some reason). Hence, I’m always to add to my collection of healthy one pan recipes, meals that cram all the healthy food groups you need into a single pan. This sausage and rice casserole is a prime example. All you need to make this Italian sausage recipe is a knife, a cutting board, a wooden spoon, and one sturdy skillet. That’s less time washing dishes, and more time enjoying your tasty dinner (and dessert!).
About this Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
This recipe is an adaptation of my Cabbage and Sausage Skillet. The flavor profiles of the two dishes are completely different, but both offer the speed and convenience I’m seeking on a weeknight. If you plan your recipe prep carefully, this sausage and rice casserole can be ready in just 30 minutes.
The Ingredients
Italian Chicken Sausage. Italian sausage is made of herbs, spices, and whichever type of meat you select. It has oodles of flavor built in, making it an ideal ingredient for a quick casserole. To keep things speedy and healthy, I used sliced, pre-cooked chicken sausage, which is leaner than typical pork sausage. If you prefer, you can use uncooked sausage cut into bite-sized pieces or removed from its casing and broken up. Be sure to cook the sausage pieces all the way through and be aware that it will extend the recipe’s cook time. Bell Peppers. The pepper portion of this sausage and rice casserole. Bell peppers offer vitamin-C, vitamin-K1, vitamin-E, and vitamin-A, folate, and potassium.Spices. Dried basil and red pepper flakes are give Italian flavor and a touch of heat.Brown Rice. To keep things healthy, I used brown rice, which is higher in fiber and minerals than white rice. It cooks in the pan right along with the other ingredients, so no separate pan is required to prepare it.Chicken Broth. Cooking the rice in chicken broth makes it more flavorful than using water. Choose low sodium so your casserole doesn’t become too salty.Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. They add a touch of smokiness. The rice also absorbs some of their flavor as it cooks, and they are ultra convenient.
The Directions
Recipe Adaptations
Ground Italian Sausage. If you’re looking for ground Italian sausage recipes, you can easily swap the sliced Italian chicken sausage links I used in this recipe for ground sausage. Hot Italian sausage and mild both work well here, so feel free to choose whichever you or your family prefer.Italian Sausage and Potatoes. Italian sausage and potatoes (like red potatoes; Yukon gold potatoes may lose their shape when simmering here) is a great combo and what I used in this Italian Sausage Skillet.Vegetable Swaps. The vegetables in this dish are very flexible. Peppers are my favorite, but you can easily swap them for other veggies you have on hand. I think this recipe would be yummy with any mix of chopped broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, and/or mushroom too. (Or try squash like in this Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage!)Sausage Swaps. If you want to try this recipe with cajun, smoked, or Polish sausage, you can easily swap them in. I haven’t tried any of these modifications, but other readers have reported success with them all. I would not recommend ham in this recipe. (For cajun-style sausage, this Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets is a great option.)To Make Keto. If you’re in the market for keto Italian sausage recipes, then I recommend trying this Sausage and Peppers sheet pan meal or Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers. They are both Italian sausage recipes without pasta or rice.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze
To Store. Place leftover casserole in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, adding a splash of broth as needed. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave until warmed through.To Freeze. Store leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole
Salad. A simple, fresh salad always goes well with Italian sausage and peppers. I like this Anytime Arugula Salad or Caesar Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Chickpea Croutons.Vegetables. If you want to add even more veggies to your meal, try serving this casserole with a side of Crock Pot Honey Carrots or Easy Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan.Margarita. Cool things off with this light and refreshing Italian Margarita.
More Healthy Italian Sausage Recipes
Sausage Stuffed Acorn SquashCrockpot Tortellini SoupOne Pan Italian Sausage Butternut Squash GnocchiSlow Cooker Turkey MeatballsMozzarella Meatball Casserole
Recommended Tools to Make Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole
Cast-Iron Skillet. The perfect skillet for making this recipe. It’s an investment piece that you’ll keep for years.Non-Slip Cutting Board. I love that this cutting board doesn’t move around while you’re chopping ingredients.
You’ll love the time this Italian sausage and rice casserole saves, and your friends and family will love you for making it!
