Kittencal's Spicy Mexi Sausage and Rice Casserole

Bring bold flavors to your dinner table with Kittencal's Spicy Mexi Sausage and Rice Casserole—a one-skillet wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This hearty casserole combines zesty ground spicy sausage, tender long-grain rice, and a medley of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, all simmered in a flavorful blend of chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and warming spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish is as comforting as it is vibrant. Ready in under an hour, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and your favorite Tex-Mex sides. Perfect for fans of flavorful, easy-to-make Mexican-inspired recipes!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground spicy sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Ro-Tel)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the ground spicy sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil and vegetables, toasting it lightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is nearly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 9

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it into the rice mixture.

Step 10

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 11

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

If desired, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end to create a golden, slightly crispy cheese layer.

Step 13

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 14

Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1964.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2578.6

Total Fat 183.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 499.1mg	0%
Sodium 9168.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 103.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.4g	0%
Total Sugars 17.4g
Protein 125.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1492.0mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 2444.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.3%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 16.2%