Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sausage Rice Casserole
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sausage Rice Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors that transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal. With the hearty goodness of brown rice, the zesty kick of buffalo chicken sausage, and the creamy richness from ranch dressing and cream of celery soup, every bite is a warm and satisfying adventure. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to make but is guaranteed to please the whole crowd. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and served with a dollop of cool sour cream and fresh salsa, it’s comfort food at its best!
6
Servings
308
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain brown rice
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken stock
2 1/4 cups (liquid)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
buffalo flavored chicken sausage
4-pack (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
ranch dressing
1/4 cup (light variety)
cream of celery soup
10 ounces (canned)
black beans
15 1/2 ounces (rinsed and drained)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
hot sauce
1-2 dashes (to taste)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
mild salsa
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of long grain brown rice and 2 1/4 cups of chicken stock to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir once, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2
2. While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
3
3. Add minced garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the skillet, cooking for another 1 minute while stirring frequently to release the spices' aroma.
4
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
5. In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked rice, onion and garlic mixture, sliced buffalo chicken sausage, ranch dressing, cream of celery soup, rinsed black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
6
6. Add 1-2 dashes of hot sauce to the mixture (adjust to your heat preference) and stir well to combine. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.
7
7. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
8
8. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a generous spoonful of mild salsa for a refreshing contrast.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
35g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sausage Rice Casserole?
It is a flavorful fusion meal combining brown rice, buffalo chicken sausage, ranch dressing, and cream of celery soup for a satisfying comfort food experience.
Is this casserole considered spicy?
Yes, the dish features buffalo chicken sausage, cumin, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce to provide a zesty kick.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 308 calories, 11g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked long grain brown rice.
How much liquid is needed to cook the rice?
You should use 2 1/4 cups of chicken stock to simmer the rice.
How long does it take to cook the brown rice?
The rice should simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes or until it is bubbly and heated through.
What type of chicken sausage is used?
The recipe uses a 4-pack of buffalo flavored chicken sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices.
Can I use any specific type of ranch dressing?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of a light variety ranch dressing.
What kind of soup is included in the mixture?
A 10-ounce can of cream of celery soup is used to add creaminess to the casserole.
Are there beans in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 15 1/2 ounces of rinsed and drained black beans.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which is mixed in and can also be sprinkled on top.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
Chop 1/2 cup of onion and mince 3 garlic cloves, then sauté them in olive oil.
What spices are needed for the flavor base?
You will need 2 teaspoons of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
How much olive oil is required for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
Yes, you can add 1-2 dashes of hot sauce or more to suit your personal heat preference.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of mild salsa.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for meal prep and is guaranteed to please a crowd.
Should the casserole be covered while in the oven?
No, the instructions specify baking the casserole uncovered.
How do I start the recipe?
Begin by cooking the brown rice in chicken stock in a medium saucepan.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The 3 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
When do I add the spices to the skillet?
Add the cumin and cayenne pepper after the onions are translucent and cook for 1 additional minute.
What order should I combine the ingredients in the casserole dish?
Mix the cooked rice, onion and garlic mixture, sausage, ranch, soup, black beans, and cheese all together in the dish.
Can I use any other soup besides cream of celery?
While the recipe specifies cream of celery, it provides the primary creamy base for the casserole.
Is the sausage pre-cooked or raw when added to the dish?
The recipe lists sliced buffalo chicken sausage to be mixed with the other ingredients before baking, which ensures it is heated through.
What kind of salsa is suggested?
Mild salsa is recommended as a topping for a refreshing contrast.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served warm and topped with sour cream and salsa for the best flavor experience.