A few evenings ago, hunger struck like a mini storm. I hadn’t planned dinner ahead of time, and the pantry and fridge looked uninspiring at first glance. I needed something quick, filling, and straightforward especially for the kids who were past due for dinner and starting to grumble.
I grabbed the sausage and chopped it, and within minutes the aroma of sautéing meat filled the kitchen. While that bubbled away, I sautéed onion and celery until they softened and perfumed the air.
In a big bowl, the rice mixed with soup and milk transformed into the creamiest base. After layering in broccoli and shredded cheddar, the casserole went into the oven and quickly turned golden, bubbling with promise.
By the time it came out, every forkful felt like a warm hug. The kids dove in, silencing their complaints with cheesy bites and smoky sausage flavor. No fuss, no fancy techniques just real food that felt like home.
Short Description
A family friendly, Savory Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole that’s simple to prep, filling, and perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients
- 8 smoked sausage links, sliced into ½‑inch pieces
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1½ cups broccoli, chopped and cooked
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13‑inch casserole dish
- Oven
- Cutting board and knife
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch casserole dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add chopped onion and celery to the same skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until both are softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, whisk together cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until uniformly creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Fold in the sausage vegetable mixture, cooked broccoli, 1½ cups cheddar, seasoned salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly so every grain and veggie is coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, level it out, and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden on the edges.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. That helps it firm up for clean slices and avoids lava hot cheese spills.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Uses simple pantry staples and leftover ingredients
– Cheesy and satisfying without being heavy
– Balanced nutrition with protein, rice, and veggies
– Kid friendly tastes and textures
– Perfect for hectic weeknight dinners
– Make ahead friendly for busy households
– Easy clean up with just one bake dish
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using raw rice: If you skip cooking it first, the casserole will be gritty or underdone. Always start with fully cooked rice.
Skipping the softened veggies: Raw celery or onion can taste harsh. Cook until soft and aromatic before mixing.
Over‑seasoning with salt: The sausage and soup already carry salt. Start with less, taste, and adjust.
Cheese burns on top: If the top brown too fast, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Skipping rest time: Cutting into it immediately can result in a soupy mess. Let it rest to set.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side
– Pair with chilled sparkling water, lemonade, or a light white wine
– Ideal for family style dinners or casual buffet spreads
– Slice into squares for convenient individual servings
Storage and Reheating Tips
– Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
– Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes
– Microwave reheating works too use 30 second intervals and stir in between
– Add a splash of milk if it seems dry before reheating to restore creaminess
FAQs
1. Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes, just use cooked brown rice it’s heartier and adds fiber. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.
2. What if I want a lower‑fat version?
Use turkey sausage and reduced‑fat cheddar, and switch soup to a low fat cream alternative.
3. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or spinach all blend well into the casserole.
4. What can replace cream of mushroom soup?
Try cream of chicken soup or even white béchamel sauce if you want fresher flavors.
5. Can this be frozen?
Yes. Freeze the unbaked mixture in foil‑lined dish or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.
Tips & Tricks
– Cut sausage and vegetables evenly for consistent cooking
– Use sharp cheddar for flavor without needing extra seasoning
– Toast the slices of sausage longer for deeper color and crispness
– Stir the rice base well to avoid clumps of soup or milk
– Top with breadcrumbs or Parmesan before baking for extra texture
Recipe Variations
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeño peppers, use pepper jack cheese, and stir in taco seasoning. Bake as usual.
Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sliced mushrooms and white beans. Use vegetable based cream soup.
Tex‑Mex Twist: Mix in canned green chilies, taco seasoning, and Mexican cheese blend. Serve with avocado slices and salsa.
Low‑Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice for white rice and reduce baking time to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
When hunger hits hard and you need dinner fast, this cheesy sausage casserole comes through. It’s straightforward, kid approved, and offers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Every forkful delivers gooey cheddar, smoky sausage, and veggies tucked in creamy rice.
If leftovers happen, reheated portions are just as delightful. Finally, making it once means discovering just how flexible it can be tweak one ingredient, and you have a whole new version. Keep this recipe in your back pocket: dependable, satisfying, and truly comforting.
Savory Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole
Print ThisIngredients
- 8 smoked sausage links, sliced into ½‑inch pieces
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1½ cups broccoli, chopped and cooked
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Brown sausage slices in a skillet with olive oil for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté chopped onion and celery until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until smooth.
Step 5: Stir in sausage mixture, cooked broccoli, 1½ cups cheddar, and seasonings.
Step 6: Spread into dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for clean, cheesy slices.
