If you’ve been searching for a comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious dinner idea, look no further than this Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe. It perfectly balances savory sausage with tender rice, all brought together by a creamy, flavorful sauce and topped with crispy French fried onions that add a lovely crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or hosting friends, this dish delivers hearty warmth and incredible taste that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish both wholesome and inviting.
- Pork sausage (1½ pounds): Adds juicy, savory richness and a meaty base to the casserole.
- Cooked rice (4 cups): Provides a comforting texture that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Celery ribs (3, chopped): Offer a subtle crunch and fresh note to balance the richness.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Gives a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Enhances the savory profile with a warm, aromatic hint.
- Cream of celery soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Acts as the creamy binder that keeps everything moist and luscious.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that brightens the casserole’s flavors.
- Milk (¼ cup): Lightens the mixture and makes the sauce silky smooth.
- French fried onions (1 cup): Provide a crispy, golden topping that gives the casserole a delightful crunch.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot and ready for the casserole once the mixture is assembled. Then, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Celery
Next, in a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled, meaning no pink remains. Once done, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy. To the same skillet, add the chopped celery and sauté until it becomes tender, around 3 to 5 minutes. This step adds a lovely texture contrast and a gentle, fresh flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce and Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of celery soup, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the cooked sausage, sautéed celery, and fluffy cooked rice, stirring everything gently but thoroughly. Taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. This combination is the heart of the Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe, bringing together savory, creamy, and aromatic notes in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Bake and Add the Crunchy Topping
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the dish to heat through. After that, sprinkle the French fried onions evenly on top, then return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake crisps up the onions into a golden, crunchy topping that’s irresistible. For a fresh color pop, finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest additions often make the biggest impact. A handful of freshly chopped parsley brightens this casserole both visually and in flavor. For lovers of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a welcome kick. You can also top with shredded cheddar cheese before baking for an extra layer of melty goodness.
Side Dishes
This Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe is filling on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides. Think a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the creamy casserole, or steamed green beans simply seasoned with lemon and olive oil. Roasted vegetables or even a bowl of fresh fruit can create a lovely balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a casual dinner or potluck, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant touch. Alternatively, you can bake it in colorful ceramic dishes to add cheer to your table. For meal prep, portion out into microwavable containers for quick grab-and-go lunches that taste homemade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Rice Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This meal reheats beautifully, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners or next-day lunches. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, too. To save for later, cool it fully, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings into the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered. If frozen, allow the casserole to thaw completely before reheating this way. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out—adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, and consider seasoning a bit more to boost the flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free by choosing gluten-free cream of celery soup and ensuring that the French fried onions are gluten-free or substituting with crushed gluten-free crackers or crispy fried shallots.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
What type of rice works best in this casserole?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works beautifully here because they stay fluffy and don’t get mushy. Avoid instant rice since it can become too soft after baking.
Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Of course! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas can introduce more color and nutrients without changing the comforting flavor profile. Just sauté them with the celery in Step 2 for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures makes it an absolute winner any day of the week. Give it a try and see how easily it becomes a beloved staple in your cooking rotation. Trust me, once you taste this cozy casserole, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort meal.
Print
Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. It combines savory pork sausage, tender celery, creamy soup, and sour cream blended with cooked rice, topped with crispy French fried onions for a delicious crunchy finish. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a flavorful all-in-one meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1½ pounds pork sausage
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
Rice and Dairy
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
Seasonings and Toppings
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage and Celery: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up so it crumbles evenly. Remove the cooked sausage and drain any excess grease from the pan. Add the chopped celery to the skillet and sauté until the celery becomes tender, enhancing its flavor and texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together sour cream, cream of celery soup, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Add the cooked sausage, sautéed celery, and cooked rice into the bowl. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the French fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the onions and finish cooking the casserole.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using cooked rice saves time and ensures the rice is fluffy in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, brown the sausage well but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
- You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- French fried onions add a great crunchy topping; avoid adding them too early to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
