Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and mix well.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Add 2 cups of water to the baking dish and stir to combine.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
10. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 410
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 1060mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken or turkey sausage.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked Italian sausage to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice after it has cooked to prevent it from being too sticky.
- If the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top of the casserole for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
Serve the casserole with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the casserole is too dry, add more water before baking.
- If the casserole is too watery, bake it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the Italian sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine since the 1950s. They are often made with a combination of meat, vegetables, and starches, and are baked in a single dish.
Flavor profiles:
This casserole has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the Italian sausage and herbs. The tomato sauce and diced tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the casserole hot and garnished with fresh herbs.
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