Cheesy Sausage and Zucchini Rice Bake
This Cheesy Sausage and Zucchini Rice Bake is an irresistible blend of hearty ingredients, creating a comforting one-dish meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The combination of savory eckrich country sausage, tender zucchini, and creamy cottage cheese melds beautifully with fluffy white rice, all topped with a delicious layer of melted cheddar cheese. This casserole not only delivers on flavor but also on ease of preparation, requiring minimal chopping and just one large bowl for mixing. Prepare to have everyone coming back for seconds, as this dish is not only satisfying but also a real crowd-pleaser that won't last long on the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
diced zucchini
2-3 cups (washed and diced)
uncooked white rice
1 1/4 cups (rinsed)
cottage cheese
2 cups (smooth)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 ounce) can (canned)
eckrich country sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1 dash (to taste)
shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cottage cheese until smooth.
3
Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, and a dash of salt, mixing well to incorporate those flavors.
4
Add the uncooked white rice to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
5
Crumble the eckrich country sausage into the bowl and mix thoroughly until the sausage is well combined with the other ingredients.
6
Gently fold in the diced zucchini, making sure all ingredients are coated in the sauce.
7
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down slightly to compact the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is hot throughout.
9
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
10
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Sausage and Zucchini Rice Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal made with savory Eckrich country sausage, tender zucchini, white rice, and a creamy cheese blend.
How much zucchini is required for this recipe?
You will need 2-3 cups of washed and diced zucchini.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the bake?
No, the recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of rinsed, uncooked white rice.
What kind of sausage is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of crumbled Eckrich country sausage.
What type of soup is used in the mixture?
One 8-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used to create the creamy base.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
The recipe uses 2 cups of smooth cottage cheese to provide a creamy texture and flavor.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How long does the casserole bake initially?
It bakes for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture is hot throughout.
When do I add the shredded cheddar cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese over the top after the initial 45 minutes of baking.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long should the cheese bake?
Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash of salt.
Do I need to mix the soup and cottage cheese first?
Yes, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cottage cheese in a large bowl until smooth before adding other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed for ease of preparation with minimal chopping and a single mixing bowl.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be washed and diced before being folded into the mixture.
Should the rice be rinsed?
Yes, the instructions specify using rinsed uncooked white rice.
How do I ensure the casserole sets properly?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let it set before serving.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
The 9x13 inch baking dish should be greased before transferring the mixture.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is described as a blend of hearty ingredients with fluffy rice and a delicious layer of melted cheese.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
While Eckrich country sausage is recommended, you can use any crumbled country-style sausage.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
This recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried garlic powder.
How do I incorporate the sausage?
Crumble the sausage into the bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined with the rice and cheese mixture.
Should I press the mixture into the dish?
Yes, spread the mixture evenly and press down slightly to compact the casserole.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The flavors are savory, cheesy, and creamy with hints of garlic and oregano.
Can this be considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal and a casserole.
How do I know when the rice is cooked?
The rice is ready when it is tender after the initial 45-minute baking period.
Is the oregano fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How is the cheese finished?
The cheese is baked until it is melted and bubbly.