For the ultimate comfort food that feeds the whole family (with leftovers!), this Easy Sausage and Rice Casserole is absolutely incredible – one dish, simple ingredients, and maximum cozy vibes in just 90 minutes!
This hearty casserole combines savory pork sausage, tender rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that creates the most satisfying dinner ever. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes an instant family favorite (trust me, everyone will be asking you to make this again and again!).
Perfect for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, or when you need to feed a crowd, this versatile dish delivers serious comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and make-ahead friendly – exactly what busy families need!
Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe
This creamy, hearty comfort food made with sausage and rice is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together in one simple casserole dish.
- One-dish wonder – everything bakes together beautifully with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss!
- Family-approved comfort food – the creamy sauce and familiar flavors make this a hit with kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will love this cozy casserole!
- Feeds a crowd – makes generous portions that easily feed 6 people with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day (or freeze portions for future dinners).
- Budget-friendly ingredients – uses simple, affordable pantry staples and ground sausage to create a filling meal that doesn’t break the bank.
- Make-ahead friendly – assemble in the morning and pop in the oven when you’re ready, or prep completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customizable recipe – easily swap vegetables, add extra seasonings, or use different types of sausage to make it your own family’s signature dish.
What You Need
With savory sausage, tender rice, and a rich creamy sauce, this hearty casserole delivers maximum comfort food satisfaction with simple ingredients.
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!
Pork sausage – ground pork sausage adds incredible flavor. You could also use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for different variations.
Diced onion – fresh onion adds sweetness and depth. About one small onion, diced, works perfectly.
Diced celery – adds wonderful texture and flavor. Use about 3 ribs of celery, chopped into small pieces.
Minced garlic – fresh garlic makes everything better! Use jarred minced garlic if that’s more convenient.
Chicken broth – provides moisture and flavor for cooking the rice. Low-sodium broth works great too.
Cream of celery soup – creates that rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
Long grain rice – uncooked white rice works best for this recipe. Jasmine rice is also excellent!
Slivered almonds – the secret ingredient that adds amazing crunch and makes this casserole extra special (but totally optional if you have nut allergies).
Equipment Required
This easy casserole comes together with just basic kitchen equipment!
- A medium skillet for browning the sausage and vegetables
- A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- A 2-quart casserole dish
- Aluminum foil for covering
- An oven for baking
Step By Step Instructions
Get ready for the most comforting, satisfying casserole that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and asking for the recipe!)
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!
Step 1 – Prep And Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2 – Brown The Sausage
Cook the pork sausage in a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until most of the pink is gone.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is completely cooked.
Step 4 – Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage mixture with chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and uncooked rice until well combined.
Step 5 – Assemble And Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and top with slivered almonds. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
Step 6 – Rest And Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving (this helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid).
Expert Tips
Master this family-favorite casserole with these helpful tips for perfect results every time!
- Don’t skip the resting time – letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid for the perfect texture.
- Use long grain rice – jasmine or regular long grain white rice works best. Avoid short grain or instant rice for this recipe.
- Drain excess grease – if your sausage releases a lot of fat, drain some before adding the vegetables to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Customize your vegetables – try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it ahead – assemble completely (without almonds), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add almonds and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes if needed.
- Storage – refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Freezing – this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage work wonderfully. Just adjust seasonings as needed based on your sausage choice.
What if my rice seems undercooked?
If the rice still seems firm after the full baking time, add a bit more broth, cover, and continue baking in 15-minute intervals until tender.
Can I make this without the almonds?
Yes! The almonds add great texture but aren’t essential. Try topping with French fried onions, breadcrumbs, or shredded cheese instead.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This is hearty enough to serve alone, but a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty dinner rolls make perfect sides.
Sausage and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 cup diced onion about 1 small onion
- 1 cup diced celery about 3 ribs of celery
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 14.5-ounce can chicken broth
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Prevent your screen from going dark
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Brown the sausage – add pork sausage to a medium skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, until most of the pink is gone.
- Add vegetables – stir in diced onion, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes longer, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is no longer pink.
- Combine ingredients – in a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage mixture, chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and uncooked rice until well combined.
- Assemble casserole – pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with slivered almonds. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake – place in preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.
- Rest and serve – remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rice texture – if rice seems undercooked after baking, add a bit more broth and continue baking in 15-minute intervals until tender.
- Make ahead – assemble completely (without almonds), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add almonds and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes if baking from cold.
- Substitutions – try Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for variety. French fried onions or breadcrumbs work great instead of almonds.
- Storage – refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave or 350°F oven until heated through.
- Freezing – freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
- Serving suggestions – hearty enough to serve alone, but pairs beautifully with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1007mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 274IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg
