Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole

Category: Recipes That Started My Cooking Journey

Bursting with smoked sausage, creamy melted cheddar, and tender broccoli, this satisfying casserole is ideal for any night. Rice forms the hearty base, while sautéed onions and celery infuse extra flavor. A blend of mushroom soup and milk creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite. After assembly, the dish is topped with more cheddar and baked until bubbling and golden. Serve warm for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to prep and wonderfully comforting straight from the oven.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:26:13 GMT
A cheesy sausage casserole with broccoli and sausage. Save
A cheesy sausage casserole with broccoli and sausage. | lilicooks.com

Cheesy sausage casserole is the kind of dish that makes any chilly night better with its layers of smoky sausage, mellow cheese, and tender rice all tucked together in a bubbling casserole. When my oldest son started college, he begged for this recipe to take back to the dorm because just the smell made him think of home.

The first time I made this casserole, we were hosting friends during the holidays. It disappeared in minutes, and everyone wanted the recipe. Since then, it has turned into my go-to for potlucks and cold Friday evenings.

Ingredients

  • Smoked sausage links: sliced for deep savory flavor. Choose a brand with real hardwood smoke for the best taste.
  • Cooked white rice: adds bulk and soaks up the cheesy sauce. Day-old rice holds its texture best.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: gives silky consistency and umami base. Pick a low-sodium option to control saltiness.
  • Milk: helps loosen the soup and melt the cheese. Whole milk gives the richest flavor.
  • White onion: brings sweetness and depth. Select onions that are firm and heavy for their size.
  • Celery: adds an aromatic crunch. Look for crisp, pale green stalks with no soft spots.
  • Broccoli: brings color and subtle bitterness. Use fresh broccoli florets and steam them just tender for the best bite.
  • Shredded medium cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and gives robust flavor. Grate your own cheese for the creamiest result.
  • Seasoned salt: for a savory hit. Pick one with a blend of herbs and a little paprika.
  • Salt and pepper: sharpen flavors. Freshly ground pepper is always worth that extra step.
  • Olive oil: for browning sausage and veggies. Look for extra virgin for more depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about five minutes stirring occasionally until it is caramelized and nicely browned on both cut sides. This step enhances the sausage flavor and gives little crispy edges.
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and celery to the pan with the browned sausage. Cook for three to four minutes stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft and the onion is turning translucent. You want everything to smell fragrant and sweet.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl combine the cooked rice cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir thoroughly until every grain of rice is coated and the mixture looks creamy throughout.
Combine and Season:
Add the sausage and vegetable mixture along with cooked broccoli to the bowl with the rice. Add one and a half cups of shredded cheese seasoned salt and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Fold together gently making sure everything is evenly coated with cheese and soup.
Assemble and Top:
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased nine by thirteen inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a golden crust when baked.
Bake Until Bubbly:
Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five to thirty minutes until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese on top is golden and melted. Do not rush this step as this baking time lets all flavors meld and the cheese forms its signature crust.
Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole sit for five minutes before serving. This rest helps the casserole slice neatly and keeps everyone from burning their tongues.
A cheesy sausage casserole with broccoli and sausage. Save
A cheesy sausage casserole with broccoli and sausage. | lilicooks.com

I always sneak an extra handful of broccoli into this dish because it soaks up the cheesy goodness and is such a tasty way to get extra vegetables into my kids. My favorite memory is my youngest daughter demanding seconds after confidently declaring she hated broccoli.

Storage Tips

This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage freeze individual slices wrapped in foil and pop them straight into the oven or microwave to reheat. If the casserole seems dry upon reheating add a splash of milk and cover loosely with foil.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap broccoli for peas or green beans if those are what you have. Turkey sausage or even cooked chicken can be used in place of smoked sausage. For a gluten free version search out a gluten free cream soup or make your own with cornstarch thickener and sautéed mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own but pairing it with a bright simple salad or pickled beets makes everything taste fresher. Warm crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up all the creamy sauce. For extra zing serve with hot sauce or tangy mustard on the side.

A cheesy sausage casserole with rice and broccoli. Save
A cheesy sausage casserole with rice and broccoli. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

Cheesy sausage casseroles have roots in American potluck and church supper traditions where accessible ingredients and hearty flavors rule. Rice casseroles also pop up in Southern and Midwestern cooking as a thrifty way to stretch meat and cheese for a crowd.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, turkey sausage, or a vegetarian option, adjusting cooking time as needed.

→ What cheese works best for this dish?

Medium cheddar melts smoothly and adds rich flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Certainly. Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach all make tasty additions. Just be sure veggies are cooked before mixing in.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole

Layered sausage, cheese, broccoli, and rice baked for a comforting all-in-one dish everyone enjoys.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Grandma's Legacy

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 8 smoked sausage links, sliced into ½-inch pieces
02 3 cups cooked white rice
03 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
04 ½ cup milk
05 1 white onion, chopped
06 1 cup celery, chopped
07 1½ cups broccoli, chopped and cooked
08 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
09 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
10 Salt and pepper to taste
11 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced sausage until browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Add chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well.

Step 05

Add sausage mixture, cooked broccoli, 1½ cups cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Step 06

Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese.

Step 07

Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 08

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

  1. Pre-cooked rice can save time, and you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn't available.

Required Tools

  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from milk and cheese
  • Contains gluten from cream of mushroom soup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 18 g