If you’re searching for a dish that screams comfort food and family favorite, look no further than this sausage and rice casserole. This recipe takes the classic casserole concept and elevates it with savory sausage, creamy textures, and simple pantry staples. Think of it as your go-to meal for busy weeknights or a potluck star, embodying the hearty, home-style cooking that the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, is famous for.
This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a Pioneer Woman inspired sausage rice casserole that’s destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It’s incredibly versatile, working perfectly as a satisfying main course or a delightful side dish to complement larger meals, especially during holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
My journey with sausage and rice casserole started a few years back when I stumbled upon a recipe from a fellow food blogger’s cookbook. It was an instant hit with my family, but as often happens in the world of food blogging, it got lost in the shuffle of new recipes and culinary experiments. Sigh, the food blogger’s dilemma!
Then, just recently, it felt like the universe was sending a culinary nudge. Sausage and rice casserole recipes started popping up everywhere in my social media feeds. I took this as a sign, a delicious intervention from above, to revisit this classic dish and give it my own spin, perfect for sharing with you all.
What Makes This Sausage Rice Casserole Pioneer Woman Approved?
Close-up of creamy and moist sausage and rice casserole, highlighting its appetizing texture.
Just like Ree Drummond’s signature style, this Pioneer Woman Sausage Rice Casserole is all about approachable, flavorful, and family-friendly cooking. It’s:
- Easy to Make: Utilizing simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with sausage, rice, and creamy soups, it’s a meal that will truly fill you up and leave you feeling comforted.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its savory flavor and creamy texture make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for holiday feasts – it fits any occasion.
We devoured this sausage casserole for dinner the night I made it, and I happily enjoyed the leftovers for lunch the next day. Let’s just say portion control might have been slightly challenged!
A couple of essential tips for casserole success:
- Grease Your Dish Generously: Use softened butter to thoroughly grease your casserole dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Gentle Mid-Bake Stir: About halfway through baking, carefully pull out the oven rack and gently stir the casserole. This prevents the top rice from becoming overly crunchy and distributes the desirable crispy edges throughout the dish.
Sausage Rice Casserole vs. Dirty Rice: Clearing Up the Confusion
Sausage and rice casserole with melted cheese, showcasing its cheesy and flavorful topping.
You might be wondering about the difference between sausage rice casserole and dirty rice. While both feature rice and sausage, they are distinct dishes. Dirty rice is traditionally a skillet-based dish, often containing ground beef, pork, and chicken livers, giving it a “dirty” appearance from the liver and spices. Sausage rice casserole, on the other hand, is baked and primarily uses breakfast sausage, resulting in a completely different flavor profile and texture. They truly taste nothing alike.
Creamed Soups: Are They Necessary?
Yes! Creamed soups, like cream of mushroom and cream of chicken, are key ingredients in this Pioneer Woman style casserole. They are essential for creating the signature creamy texture and adding depth of flavor that makes casseroles so comforting and delicious.
While I advocate for fresh cooking, creamed soups have their place, especially in classic comfort food recipes like this. Used in moderation, they are a fantastic shortcut to achieving that perfect creamy casserole consistency.
Sausage and rice casserole in a glass baking dish, emphasizing the creamy texture and golden-brown top.
For this recipe, I highly recommend using spicy breakfast sausage. The slight heat adds a wonderful dimension to the casserole. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to substitute with mild breakfast sausage.
A plate of sausage and rice casserole, highlighting its moistness and savory appeal as a Southern comfort food.
Ready to make this comforting Pioneer Woman sausage rice casserole? Find the detailed, printable recipe card below.
Pioneer Woman Sausage Rice Casserole Recipe
4.43 from 246 votes
A creamy, savory, and utterly delicious sausage and rice casserole, perfect as a comforting main dish or a versatile side.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
Servings: 1 – 13 x 9 Casserole
Calories: 276kcal
Author: Julia Jordan | Julia’s Simply Southern
Ingredients
- 1 lb Hot Breakfast Sausage
- 1 tbs Butter softened (for greasing the dish)
- 10.5 oz Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 10.5 oz Canned Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 Yellow Onion diced
- 1/2 c Celery diced
- 1 c White Long Grain Rice
- 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
- 1 c Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly grated
- Cracked Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Cook breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, crumble, and drain off any excess grease.
- Grease a 9×13 inch rectangular baking dish with 1 tablespoon of softened butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced yellow onion, diced celery, uncooked white long grain rice, diced red bell pepper, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Season with cracked black pepper to your liking. Important: Do not dilute the creamed soups.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Halfway through the baking time, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir the mixture to prevent the top from becoming too crunchy and to distribute the crispy edges.
Recommended Products
Spode 1607262 Woodland Red Fox Dinner Plate
365 Everyday Value, Organic Long Grain White Rice, 32 oz
Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 ounce ( 4 pack )
Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, 10.5 oz. Can, 4 Count
M KITCHEN WORLD Heat Resistant Silicone Spatulas Set | Rubber Spatula Kitchen Utensils Non-Stick for Cooking, Baking and Mixing | Ergonomic, Dishwasher Safe Bakeware Set of 4, Orange
Notes
* For the best texture, stirring the casserole halfway through baking is crucial to prevent the top from becoming too crunchy. If you prefer a moister casserole, you can cover it with foil during the majority of the baking time, removing it for the last few minutes to allow the top to lightly brown.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 589mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
Pin the Recipe for Sausage and Rice Casserole
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Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Casserole!
This Pioneer Woman sausage rice casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for bringing families together around the dinner table and creating those comforting, home-cooked memories. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
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This recipe has been proudly shared at Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday.
Julia, the author of Julia's Simply Southern blog, smiling and welcoming readers.
About Julia
Hey Y’all! I’m Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia’s Simply Southern. I created my website to share easy-to-follow recipes that empower anyone to put a home-cooked meal on the table. Thank you so much for visiting!
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