Vegetarian Sausage and Rice Casserole

Savor the hearty comfort of this Vegetarian Sausage and Rice Casserole, a wholesome one-dish meal that's packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich vegetarian sausage, and aromatic spices. Ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, this easy casserole features tender brown rice simmered in savory vegetable broth with diced tomatoes, red bell peppers, and zucchini, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Seasoned with cumin, paprika, and thyme, each bite bursts with warmth and depth. Topped with optional melted cheddar cheese, this dish offers a cozy, crowd-pleasing finish. With a simple prep time and oven-baked convenience, this satisfying meatless recipe is both delicious and nutritious, making it a must-try for vegetarians and anyone craving a flavorful casserole.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Slice the vegetarian sausage links into 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and zucchini, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Add the sliced vegetarian sausage to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 7

Stir in the brown rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 10

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 11

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.

Step 12

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.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious vegetarian sausage and rice casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1995.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1933.6

Total Fat 104.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 120mg	0%
Sodium 6590.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.8g	0%
Total Sugars 40.2g
Protein 100.2g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1276.2mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 3731.5mg	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: 48.5%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 30.9%