Lou's Savory Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole 🌾🍖

This hearty casserole is a perfect blend of flavors and textures—savory sausage paired with nutty wild rice topped with crunchy sliced almonds. It's a great dish for family dinners or potlucks, and will leave your guests asking for seconds! Not only is it delicious, but it's also a one-pan wonder that's easy to prepare and bake, making clean-up a breeze. 🧽✨

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb sausage (your choice: pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 chopped green pepper
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic

For the Casserole

• 1 package long grain & wild rice (with seasoning packet)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans mushrooms (drained)
• 1 can sliced water chestnuts
• Sliced almonds for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the celery, green pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetables with the wild rice (including the seasoning packet), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, drained mushrooms, and sliced water chestnuts. Mix well.

🥄 For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of Italian herbs or some crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick!

4. Bake: Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish or a 9x13 baking pan. Top with sliced almonds for added crunch.

5. Cooking Time: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1.5 hours, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

⏰ Pro tip: Stir halfway through baking for even cooking and to ensure all that flavor is well distributed.

Suggestions for Serving

• Serve this casserole with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the hearty flavors!
• Pair with crunchy breadsticks or garlic bread for a complete meal experience. 🥖

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy: Incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sausage for a spicy kick—perfect for those who love a little heat! 🌶️
• Cheesy: Add a cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) directly into the mixture for a melty and rich flavor.

With Lou's Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole, you’re bound to bring warmth and comfort to any table. Enjoy the cooking process, and your taste buds will thank you later! 👩‍🍳🎉