Description

This Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Casserole is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoked beef sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it combines tender jasmine rice cooked in savory chicken stock with the fresh taste of shredded zucchini. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole is easy to prepare and makes a comforting dish for the whole family.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb Smoked Beef Sausage, sliced
½ cup onion, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups shredded zucchini

Grains and Dairy

1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (white cheddar preferred)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Liquids and Oils

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chicken stock

Seasonings

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sliced smoked beef sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crisped.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring frequently.
Toast the Rice: Stir in the jasmine rice with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the rice and coat it in the flavors.
Add Chicken Stock and Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Combine Zucchini and Cheese: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the shredded zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly combined and the cheese starts to melt.
Season and Serve: Season the casserole with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty cheesy sausage zucchini casserole.

Notes

You can substitute smoked beef sausage with smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Using white cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor, but you can use yellow cheddar if preferred.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding the zucchini and cheese; undercooked rice will result in a harder texture.