Name: Spicy Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, any color, diced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

This Spicy Sausage and Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal. With its robust combination of spicy sausage, colorful peppers, and tangy tomatoes, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

28 ounces fresh, ground spicy pork sausage
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cook the Sausage:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the spicy pork sausage until fully cooked. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.

Sauté Vegetables:

To the skillet with the sausage, add the uncooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook and stir the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Combine with Tomatoes and Broth:

Stir in the crushed whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Bake:

Transfer the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 704
Fat: 53g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 19g

This casserole is not only filling but also packs a punch with its spicy flavors, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance out the richness. Enjoy your meal with this satisfying and spicy delight!