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Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Casserole

Cheesy sausage Zucchini Rice Casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in 30 minutes. Cheesy rice with smoked sausage, and loaded with fresh zucchini.

A bowl full of rice casserole.


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I love making casseroles they are just such an easy one-dish meal to feed a growing family. And usually budget-friendly like my Easy Breakfast Casserole, Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole, or Crescent Sausage Casserole that my entire family devours.

Why this recipe works

You will love this homestyle sausage zucchini rice casserole. Not only is it an easy one-pot meal and a great way to use up that abundance of zucchini from your garden. Looking for something sweet try my Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies.

Ingredients Needed

All the ingredients needed for this recipe.

Ingredient Notes

  • Olive oil: Melted butter can be used instead.
  • Sausage: I like to use smoked beef sausage. But a spicy Italian Sausage, Kielbasa sausage, or turkey sausage will also work.
  • Chicken broth: Can substitute for vegetable broth.
  • Rice: I prefer to use jasmine rice.
  • Cheese: I used white cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.

How to make this recipe

Sliced smoked sausage cooked in a skillet and onions and red peppers added.
  • Step 1: Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil and sliced sausages and cook the sausage until browned.
  • Step 2: Add in the onions, red bell peppers, and garlic and cook just until softened.
White rice added to the skillet then chicken stock.
  • Step 3: Stir in the rice to the cooked sausage mixture and saute just until lightly toasted.
  • Step 4: Add in the chicken stock give it a good stir and let simmer.
The lid placed on top then zucchini and cheese mixed in.
  • Step 5: Cover the skillet and cook.
  • Step 6: Fold in the shredded zucchini and cheese and stir until melted.
Zucchini casserole in a skillet.

Recipe tips

  • Leave the smoked sausage out and you have a side dish that goes with any protein like my Crispy Chicken Cutlets.
  • Don't use pre-shredded cheese, it doesn't melt as well.
  • Make sure you cook your rice on the smallest burner, on the lowest setting.
  • You must use a dish with a cover like my Cast Iron Casserole Dish.
A fork picking up a bite.

Recipe Faq's

How to store leftovers

This zucchini casserole is even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I don't recommend freezing this recipe. Zucchini holds a lot of water, and when it thaws after being frozen it will release a lot of extra moisture and the dish will become mushy.

Can I use yellow squash?

Yes, this is an easy recipe that's very versatile. Yellow squash is also known as crookneck will work just fine in place of zucchini.

What should I do if the rice isn't cooked all the way?

If the rice still has a crunch, but you still see liquid in the skillet replace the lid and cook a few more minutes. If you don't see any liquid in the skillet add about 1/8 of a cup more broth or water over the rice, place the lid back on and cook another 5 minutes.

A white bowl full of zucchini casserole.

Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Casserole

4.62 from 13 votes
Written By: Wendie
Cheesy sausage zucchini rice casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in 30 minutes. Cheesy rice with smoked sausage, and loaded with fresh zucchini.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 569

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb Smoked Beef Sausage cut into slices
  • ยฝ cup onion diced
  • ยฝ cup red bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 ยฝ cups shredded zucchini
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese I use white cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and sliced sausages and cook just until browned about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in diced onions, red pepper, and garlic and cook until softened about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in the rice and stir around for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice.
  • Stir in the chicken stock and let it come to a boil. Reduce heat to the lowest setting (and smallest burner) place the lid onย and cook for 18-20 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, add in shredded zucchini and cheese and stir until combined.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and serve!

Video

Notes

I like to use smoked beef sausage. But a spicy Italian Sausage, Kielbasa sausage, or even turkey sausage will also work.
Don't use pre-shredded cheese, it doesn't melt as well.
Make sure you cook your rice on the smallest burner, on the lowest setting.
You must use a dish with a cover like my Cast Iron Casserole Dish or you can place a piece of aluminum foil tightly around the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 569kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 24gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1040mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Entrees
Cuisine American
4.62 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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