Italian Sausage and Rice Bake Recipe
This hearty Italian Sausage and Rice Bake combines spicy sausage, basmati rice, and aromatic seasonings in one skillet for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 12 oz hot Italian sausage with or without casings
- 1 large white onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 2 1/2 c basmati rice rinsed thoroughly under cold water
- 3 3/4 c chicken or vegetable broth
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a glass or ceramic baking dish, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prevent over-browning.
Brown the sausage and onions
- In an ovenproof skillet (such as a 9-inch cast iron), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. If using sausage links, remove the casings. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to achieve a deep brown color. Break the sausage into smaller pieces with a spatula and continue cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until fully browned.
- Add the sliced onions and garlic, followed by salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until the onions are translucent and soft, approximately 7 minutes.
Incorporate the rice and broth
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the sausage and onion mixture. Allow the rice to toast gently for one minute to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the broth, stirring once more to ensure even distribution. Cover the skillet tightly with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil.
Bake the dish
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Season and serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for 2–3 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and taste for seasoning, adding additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple salad.
Notes
To make this Italian Sausage and Rice Bake gluten-free, ensure that the sausage you use is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain fillers or additives with gluten. Also, use certified gluten-free broth. The remaining ingredients—rice, vegetables, and seasonings—are naturally gluten-free.
This adaptation maintains the same hearty texture and rich flavor while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.