Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole (Printer-Friendly Version)
Sausage, cheddar, and broccoli mingle over rice for a creamy, hearty dish perfect any night of the week.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 pound smoked sausage links, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 -
3 cups cooked white rice, day-old preferred
03 -
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium
04 -
3/4 cup whole milk
05 -
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
06 -
2 stalks celery, diced
07 -
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
08 -
2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
→ Seasonings & Cooking Essentials
09 -
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
10 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
11 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
12 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and caramelized on both sides.
02 -
Add chopped onion and diced celery to the skillet with sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent.
03 -
In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix thoroughly until rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
04 -
Add sausage, sautéed vegetables, and steamed broccoli to the rice mixture. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently fold the mixture until well combined.
05 -
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
06 -
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese topping is golden and fully melted.
07 -
Remove from the oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Grate your own cheddar for superior melt. For an added crunchy topping, scatter crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
02 -
Casserole freezes well. Portion leftovers, wrap tightly, and reheat directly from frozen with a splash of milk if needed.
03 -
Substitute broccoli for peas or green beans, or swap sausage for turkey sausage or cooked chicken for variation.