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This hearty sausage and rice bake is perfect for chilly nights. It combines tasty sausage, soft rice, and colorful veggies all cooked in a rich broth. Everything cooks in one pan, making a comforting meal that hits the spot.
I whipped this up one busy evening and loved how it got everyone gathered happily at the table. Now it’s a go-to meal for us on those hectic nights.
Needed Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage: pick your favorite kind whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoked for the flavor you want
- 2 cups uncooked rice: long grain is great for fluffy results; rinse to get rid of extra starch
- 4 cups chicken broth: gives the rice flavor and cooks everything together nicely
- 1 onion, chopped: adds a sweet, rich background when softened
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: choose firm, shiny peppers for color and mild sweetness
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: really amps up the aroma and taste
- 1 can diced tomatoes: brings a fresh, juicy zing to balance the richness
- 1 teaspoon paprika: adds warm, smoky notes without heat
- Salt and pepper to your liking: makes all the flavors pop
Step-By-Step Directions
- Start the Flavor Base
- Brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat till it’s nicely crisp and the juices are released. Toss in onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until they soften and smell amazing, laying down the flavor.
- Add the Other Ingredients
- Mix in the raw rice with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the rice is coated and everything’s mixed up evenly.
- Get It Ready to Bake
- Pour the sausage and rice combo into a baking dish. Cover it with foil tight so steam builds up and the rice cooks through evenly.
- Bake It Up
- Put the covered dish in a 350°F oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. Then take off the foil and bake another 10 minutes uncovered to get a little crust on top.
- Finish It Off
- Once done, fluff the mixture lightly with a fork to separate the rice and mix all the goodies together. Serve it hot right from the pan.
This dish takes me back to the first time I made it for a family get-together. The smell filled the kitchen and everyone wanted seconds. It became a cozy tradition on cold nights filled with warmth and laughter.
Best Way to Store
Switch Up Ingredients
Tasty Serving Ideas
One last tip: let the dish rest a few minutes after baking. It lets the rice settle and the flavors blend. This meal’s best shared with people you care about around a warm, comfy table.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which sausage is best to use here?
Cooked sausages like smoked, Italian, or breakfast types all work great. Pick what fits the flavor you want.
- → Can I swap white rice for brown rice?
Brown rice is fine but needs more cooking time and extra liquid to get soft while baking.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Throw in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage to turn up the heat and flavor.
- → Do I have to cover it with foil while baking?
Covering traps steam so the rice cooks well and stays moist. Then uncover at the end to get a nice golden crust.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure thing. Put it together a day before, keep it in the fridge, and bake when you're ready. It actually tastes better that way.