Ingredients
375 grams ground Italian sausage (casings removed, one small package)
2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
½ medium onion (finely diced)
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup salsa or tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cumin
1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook Italian sausage until it starts to brown.
- Add chopped peppers and onion to the skillet and cook until they become crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the salsa (or tomato sauce) and mix well.
- Rinse rice under cold water and add to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat slightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. (*Alternatively, cover tightly and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until cooked through.)
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Meat Substitute: You can swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or beef for a lighter or different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, replace the sausage with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Rice Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice can be used in place of the white rice.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeños or chili flakes to spice up the dish if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
