Savory Creamy Sausage & Rice Bake
This Savory Creamy Sausage & Rice Bake combines the rich flavors of seasoned sausage, hearty mushrooms, and sweet onions all enveloped in a creamy blend. It's a comforting side dish that complements a variety of meats, making it a versatile option for family dinners or festive gatherings. Originating from a treasured Junior League of El Paso cookbook, this recipe has delighted taste buds for over two decades. Prepare it ahead of time and simply bake it when you're ready to serve, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. The crunchy blanched almonds on top provide the perfect contrast to the creamy texture, making every bite a delight!
N/A
Servings
162.5
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Long Grain and Wild Rice Blend
1 (6-ounce) package (uncooked)
Bulk Sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
Mushrooms
1 lb (sliced)
Onions
2 medium (diced)
Butter or Margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
Half-and-Half
1/2 cup (whisked)
Chicken Broth
2 1/2 cups (low sodium recommended)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Blanched Almonds
1 (1 3/4 ounce) package (chopped or slivered)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the bulk sausage over medium heat until browned. Crumble the sausage and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
2
In the same skillet, leave about 1 tablespoon of sausage grease. Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the onions become translucent and mushrooms have softened.
3
In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
4
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the oregano, thyme, marjoram, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6
Combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and mushrooms into the thickened sauce. Mix well.
7
For the rice, add the wild rice blend along with its seasoning packet (if using Uncle Ben's). For plain wild rice, adjust spices and add them to the sauce accordingly. Stir everything together until well combined.
8
Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
10
After 50 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the blanched almonds evenly over the top of the casserole.
11
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the almonds are toasted and the dish is bubbly.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creamy Sausage & Rice Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish that combines seasoned bulk sausage, wild rice blend, mushrooms, and onions in a creamy sauce, topped with toasted blanched almonds.
What type of rice is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce package of uncooked Long Grain and Wild Rice Blend.
Can I use plain wild rice instead of a seasoned blend?
Yes, but you should adjust the spices and add them to the sauce to compensate for the missing seasoning packet.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Use 1 lb of bulk sausage, which should be browned and crumbled before adding to the dish.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Cook the bulk sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then crumble it and drain on paper towels.
Do I need to keep the sausage grease?
You should drain the excess grease but leave about 1 tablespoon in the skillet to sauté the onions and mushrooms.
What vegetables are included in this bake?
The recipe includes 1 lb of sliced mushrooms and 2 medium diced onions.
How do I make the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with melted butter and flour, then gradually whisking in half-and-half and chicken broth until thickened.
How long should I cook the roux?
Stir the butter and flour mixture continuously for about 2 minutes before adding liquids.
What liquids are used for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of whisked half-and-half and 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth, preferably low sodium.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried marjoram.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole bake while covered?
Bake the casserole covered with foil for 50 minutes.
When do I add the almonds?
Add the blanched almonds after the initial 50 minutes of baking, once the foil is removed.
How long is the final uncovered baking time?
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the almonds are toasted and the dish is bubbly.
What type of almonds should I use for the topping?
Use a 1 3/4 ounce package of blanched almonds, either chopped or slivered.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to serve.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from a treasured Junior League of El Paso cookbook.
Is this dish considered a main course?
While hearty, it is primarily described as a versatile side dish that complements various meats.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 162.5 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 6.25g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish is creamy and hearty, with a crunchy contrast from the toasted almond topping.
Is the rice cooked before being added to the casserole?
No, the rice is added uncooked to the mixture before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It is a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of meats for family dinners or festive gatherings.