Vegetarian Sausage and Rice Casserole
Comforting, wholesome, and fully plant-based, this Vegetarian Sausage and Rice Casserole is the perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with vibrant veggies like red bell peppers, zucchini, and ripe tomatoes, each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and thyme. Featuring hearty vegetarian sausage and nutty brown rice simmered in a rich vegetable broth, this casserole is both nutritious and satisfying. The optional shredded cheddar topping adds a gooey finish your family will adore. Ready in just about an hour and yielding six generous servings, it's a great make-ahead dish that’s both family-friendly and freezer-friendly. Bake into your weekly rotation for a flavorful vegetarian recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for keywords like “vegetarian dinner recipes” and “easy casserole ideas,” this recipe is tailored to please every palate!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 vegetarian sausage links
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the vegetarian sausage links into 1/2-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and zucchini, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the sliced vegetarian sausage to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
Stir in the brown rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil, stir the casserole, and check the rice for doneness. If needed, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender.
If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious vegetarian sausage and rice casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1927 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.5 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.3 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 6169 mg | 268% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 154.0 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.2 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.8 g | ||
| Protein | 100.7 g | 201% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1286 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 3845 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
