Easy One Pot Sausage and Rice Bake

 There was a time in my life, back when I was learning how to cook, when I spent hours researching and cultivating these beautiful meals.  I was all about building skill and technique.  It was quite pretentious.  Well, fast forward 12 years later and I am a working homeschool mom, who is crazy busy, and I just need to feed people.  LOL  Sound familiar?  But just because I don't create the same level of meals I used to doesn't mean I don't care about the beauty, creativity, or flavor of the food.  Take this Easy One Pot Sausage and Rice Bake.

Family dinner doesn't have to be weak and dull to be simple. This Easy Easy One Pot Sausage and Rice Bake is so comforting and flavorful it just feels indulgent. It combines savory sausage, fluffy rice, and flavorful spices, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Satisfy your cravings with every delicious bite. Get ready to elevate your dinner game effortlessly!

Let's Go!

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

As with most of my recipes, I have come up with ways to accommodate most dietary needs.

WHY SAUSAGE IN THIS RECIPE:

I like sausage in this recipe because it brings a lot of flavor to the table with minimal effort. This is especially great if you are working with a limited spice cabinet. I also recommend sausage for this recipe because, at the time of writing this post, it is way more affordable. But listen, if sausage isn't your thing you can always feel free to use any ground meat you like.

DO I HAVE TO USE ITALIAN SAUSAGE?

No, you can use any sausage you like.  I have tried this with smoked sausage, chorizo, chicken sausage, breakfast sausage, plant-based sausage, etc.  Use whatever sausage your family enjoys and your budget will allow.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE MADE VEGAN/VEGETARIAN?

ABSOLUTELY!  In fact, we eat it that way most often than not.  The swaps are simple.

1. Swap the traditional sausage with your favorite plant-based version.  
2. Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth or the No-Chicken Broth Base.
3. Swap the traditional cheese with your favorite plant-based one.  I personally like the Daiya brand for melting.  

WHAT IS THE BEST RICE TO USE?

As in any recipe the best thing to use is the one you will eat.  You can use any rice you choose.  HOWEVER, keep in mind that different rice require different cooking times.  You may have to make adjustment to this recipe to accommodate you choice.  

Okay, we've spent enough time on the details.  Let's get to the recipe!