Name: Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for family comfort food with the irresistible flavors of Italy, this Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Juicy sausage, tender veggies, and fluffy rice come together in a luxurious creamy sauce, all topped with a generous crown of melted cheese. This one-pan wonder is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at the dinner table!

Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This luscious casserole comes together with classic, easy-to-find ingredients that each bring something special. From the robust Italian sausage to the creamy dairy finish, every item plays its part in delivering depth, richness, and soul-warming comfort.

Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy, based on your crowd; it delivers all the herby, savory backbone you crave.
Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to start the base of flavor for sautéing.
Yellow onion: Gives that mellow sweetness and aromatic foundation that every good casserole needs.
Garlic: Don’t skimp—the minced garlic infuses the dish with unmistakable Italian flair.
Red bell pepper: Brightens both the look and the taste, offering a gentle crunch and pop of color.
White rice: The backbone starch; it absorbs all the savory juices and becomes perfectly tender in the oven.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Dried oregano & basil: Classic Italian seasonings that make the dish unmistakably Mediterranean.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat, they wake up all the flavors.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings, but essential for pulling every element together.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Makes the casserole dreamy, luscious, and extra silky.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into glorious gooeyness over the finished bake.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharp finish that beautifully balances the creaminess.
Chopped parsley: The fresh final touch for color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F, so it’s ready and waiting once you assemble everything. Grab a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven—this will be your mixing and baking vessel, saving you extra cleanup. If you don’t have one, just plan to transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

Drizzle the olive oil in your pan over medium heat, then add the sausage (casings removed). Let it sizzle and brown, breaking it up into bite-size crumbles as it cooks. This step is truly the flavor foundation for your Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe! After about 5–6 minutes, when the sausage is deeply browned and aromatic, you’re good to move on.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Let them mingle with the sausage, stirring occasionally. After 4–5 minutes, they should be softened, sweet, and a little golden around the edges—a colorful, fragrant base for your casserole.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the uncooked rice right into the pan, followed by the chicken broth, oregano, basil, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a careful stir to make sure the rice is nestled in the flavorful liquid. Bump up the heat, bring the mixture just to a low boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice start soaking up all that flavor.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Now for that signature creamy finish! Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), gently stirring to combine. The Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe really comes together at this moment, as the sauce starts to look silky and indulgent.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan evenly over the casserole. If your pan is oven-safe, cover and place it directly in the oven. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover, and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly, golden, and totally irresistible.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let your casserole rest for 5 minutes—it allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley, scoop it out, and bask in the cheesy, creamy Italian comfort!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A cloud of freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and visual appeal. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of extra Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes add color and excitement. A wedge of lemon on the side also works wonders for balance!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty main event, but it pairs beautifully with a zesty arugula salad, crisp green beans, or garlicky roasted broccoli. A basket of warm crusty bread is never a bad idea for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and bake until bubbly for a fun, personal touch. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet with tongs for rustic, inviting vibes. You can even scoop leftovers into bell pepper halves and bake for a second-day twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch or quick dinners an absolute breeze.

Freezing

For longer storage, this casserole freezes like a dream. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic and foil. It will keep its flavor and creamy texture for up to two months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of extra broth or cream to keep things luscious. For larger portions, heat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until hot and melty again.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken sausage work wonderfully in the Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe. Just make sure they’re crumbled and pre-cooked to ensure the same flavorful results.

Does this recipe work with brown rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. Plan to increase both the chicken broth and the baking time—check for rice tenderness before pulling it from the oven.

How can I make the casserole extra creamy?

For the creamiest result, use heavy cream (not half-and-half), and don’t skimp on the cheese. You can even stir in a little extra mozzarella just before baking for ultra-indulgence!

Is this dish spicy?

It’s only as spicy as your sausage and any added red pepper flakes. Use mild sausage and skip the flakes for a gentle, family-friendly flavor; add extra spice if you like some heat.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be stirred in before baking for more veggie goodness and color. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly with the casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about gathering around the table for a bubbling, cheesy bake—especially when it’s as irresistible as this Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe. Try it out and see why it’s destined to become a family favorite in your kitchen, too!

Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole. A comforting one-pan meal with savory Italian sausage, tender rice, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection.