Description
A delicious and hearty Brown Rice Casserole made with turkey Italian sausage, cheese, and colorful vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed and finely chopped
- 4 tsp. olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. ground fennel (or more, optional)
- 19 oz. pkg. turkey Italian sausage
- 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
- 3/4 cup cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F/190C.
- Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large heavy frying pan.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and saute until the vegetables are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Italian Herb Seasoning and ground fennel (if using) and saute 1-2 minutes more.
- Remove the cooked vegetables to a bowl.
- Add 2 tsp. more oil to the frying pan.
- Squeeze the turkey Italian sausage out of the casing and cook until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned, breaking apart with a turner as it cooks.
- This will take about 5-6 minutes, but don’t rush the browning.
- When sausage is done, put the cooked vegetables and brown rice into the pan and mix with the sausage.
- Cook this mixture a few minutes, until the rice is warmed through.
- Put the mixture into a casserole dish that you’ve sprayed with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- Put the casserole into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the whole thing is piping hot, about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve the Brown Rice Casserole hot.
- This kept well in the fridge and reheated well in the microwave, although the green pepper flavor was stronger after it was reheated.
Notes
- Optional: Adjust the amount of ground fennel to taste.
- Using a larger casserole dish may be necessary depending on the amount of mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg