Best 8 Italian Rice Casserole Recipes

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**Introducing Italian Rice Casserole: A Culinary Journey into Italy's Comfort Food**

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with our delectable Italian Rice Casserole, a comforting dish that combines the richness of Arborio rice, the savory goodness of sausage, and the vibrant flavors of vegetables. This hearty casserole is a symphony of textures and tastes, with creamy Parmesan cheese adding a touch of decadence.

Our comprehensive guide features two enticing variations to satisfy every palate. The Classic Italian Rice Casserole embodies the traditional flavors of Italy, while the Cheesy Italian Rice Casserole is a delightful indulgence for cheese lovers. Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions, ensuring a perfect casserole every time.

Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our Italian Rice Casserole, a dish that promises to warm hearts and create lasting memories at your dinner table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ITALIAN SAUSAGE RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Sausage Rice Casserole image

The key to the distinctive flavor in this casserole is the use of Italian sausage. The nice balance of ingredients gives it an old-fashioned taste and it's just the right amount for two.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup uncooked instant rice
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, cook the sausage, onion and red pepper over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Stir in the rice, basil, soup, water and 1/4 cup cheese., Transfer to an ungreased 3-cup baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442 calories, Fat 18g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 1531mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Sausage and Beef Rice Casserole image

Inexpensive and easy to make...you can't beat that. Even my pickiest of eaters asks for 2nds. This recipe actually makes enough meat and sauce to freeze half and make the dish a second time saving even more money.

Provided by tabasco0697

Categories     Rice

Time 40m

Yield 1 1/2 cup, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb mild Italian sausage (ground not links)
1 lb ground chuck
1 medium vidalia onion (diced)
1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
2 garlic cloves (diced)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
26 ounces dei fratelli rustic cut tomatoes
1/2 cup beef broth
2 cups jasmine rice (cooked to package directions)
1 teaspoon fresh fresh coarse ground black pepper (divided)
1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)

Steps:

  • In large skillet heat oil. Add both the diced onions and diced green bell peppers along with the minced garlic, and half the salt and pepper and saute until the onions and peppers are soft.
  • Add both the Italian sausage and ground chuck and brown until there is no more pink. While browning the meat make the rice to package instructions.
  • Drain most but not all of the excess grease. Add the rustic cut tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce and the remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove half the meat mixture and place in freezer bag to save for another time.
  • Pour rice into large serving bowl and pour remaining meat mixture on top. Mix well then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 720.3, Fat 36.5, SaturatedFat 12.9, Cholesterol 95.3, Sodium 1514.1, Carbohydrate 62.1, Fiber 4, Sugar 5.3, Protein 33.6

ITALIAN SAUSAGE & RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Sausage & Rice Casserole image

I found the original of this recipe on Allrecipes.com. I changed it quite a bit to suit our tastes. The kids like it, too!

Provided by cuisinebymae

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb mild Italian sausage, cut in small pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 (4 1/2 ounce) package chicken noodle soup mix
3 1/2 cups hot water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Saute sausage, onion and red pepper until sausage is no longer pink and the onion, celery and red pepper has softened.
  • Drain off fat.
  • Put sausage mixture in a 2 quart ovenproof casserole.
  • Stir in rice, soup mix and water.
  • Bake, covered, at 325 F.
  • for 1 hour.

ITALIAN RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Rice Casserole image

An exchange student who stayed with us made this rice casserole for us. It's good served with crusty rolls. Now I like to make this, especially when we're having company over who knew our "other daughter".

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound Italian sausage
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 medium sweet red pepper, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, diced
3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
3 cups boiling water
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 cans (4 ounces each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
3 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
3 hard-boiled large eggs, sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook sausage in oil until a thermometer reads 160°; drain. Cut into 1/2-inch slices. Return to pan; add onion and rice. Cook until rice is lightly browned. Stir in the red pepper, carrots, bouillon and water. Bring to a boil. , Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the liquid is almost absorbed, stirring occasionally. Add the peas, mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes longer or until heated through. , Remove half the mixture to a serving bowl. Top with half of the olives, eggs and cheese. Repeat layers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 934mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

ITALIAN GREEN BEAN AND RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Green Bean and Rice Casserole image

This is my variation of a casserole my mother-in-law makes.

Provided by Beverley Williams

Categories     Side Casseroles

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 (15 oz.) can(s) cut green beans, drained
2 c cooked rice
1 medium mild onion, diced
2 c grated italian blend cheese
2 can(s) cream of mushroom soup
2 Tbsp butter

Steps:

  • 1. Saute onion in butter until clear.
  • 2. Add soup, rice and half the cheese. Stir to mix.
  • 3. Place beans in a casserole dish. Add onion mixture. Mix well.
  • 4. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.
  • 5. NOTE: You can make this a day or two ahead of time. It freezes well.

ITALIAN SHRIMP AND RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Shrimp and Rice Casserole image

This was a throw together casserole that I came up with while trying to use up leftover ingredients and clean out the fridge. It became a family favorite.

Provided by barbara lentz

Categories     Casseroles

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 c cooked shrimp
2 c cooked leftover rice
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion chopped
3 clove garlic minced
1 c crushed tomatoes
1 jar(s) spaghetti sauce
1/2 bottle zesty italian dressing
basil for garnish
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven 350 degrees.
  • 2. Melt butter in saute pan and saute onions and garlic until onions are translucent.
  • 3. Mix together all ingredients except for shrimp and basil. Bake for 20 minutes. Add shrimp and bake another 10 minutes. Garnish with basil

ITALIAN-SPANISH RICE CASSEROLE BARBAJA W.



Italian-Spanish Rice Casserole Barbaja W. image

Italian Spanish Rice casserole uses up leftovers from other meals fast. Can microwave in a hurry. May make ahead then put in fridge with a lid to heat when you get ready. I threw it together when needed to use up leftovers

Provided by barbaja w.

Categories     Grains

Time 25m

Yield 1 casserole, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

rice (that you previously cooked for example minute rice or from another meal that is leftover)
0.5 (1 ounce) envelope onion soup
1 lb cooked crumbled lean hamburger
chopped fresh onions or chopped dehydrated onion
spaghetti sauce (leftovers if possible) or taco sauce (leftovers if possible)
canned corn or frozen corn, drained
canned mushroom, drained
fresh cooked drained bacon (save the drippings)
shredded cheese

Steps:

  • Mix the rice and tomato sauce together place in a microwave safe casserole.
  • Take the hamburger that is mixed with a little bacon drippings (this is ok because the hamburger was 90% lean).
  • Layer the meat in next.
  • Layer in the corn then layer the mushrooms.
  • Then the corn then the bacon for flavor and decoration.
  • Now the shredded cheese.
  • Microwave on high 5 minutes or so until heated through and the cheese is melted.
  • This sounds strange, so if you are a health nut remember that the hamburger was 90% lean and the bacon is for garnish so there is only a little (do not use bacon bits). Did you know you can also add chili beans as a layer if you want. The 1/2 envelope of onion soup might be used to add flavor to the tomato sauce if the sauce is a variety that is boring or bland. Use a little and taste to see if you want to add more or use none if not needed.

ITALIAN RICE CASSEROLE



Italian Rice Casserole image

This was a recipe entered in the March 00 Head Start rice cookoff. My daughter loved it!

Provided by Megan Stewart

Categories     Casseroles

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tomato
4 boneless chicken breasts
soy sauce
italian salad dressing
1 can(s) mushrooms
1 red onion
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
16-24 oz sour cream
16 oz shredded cheddar
4 pkg minute rice
butter
hot sauce
seasonings

Steps:

  • 1. Cut chicken into pieces, cook with butter, soy sauce, and dressing to taste. Cook until done. Set aside. Dice vegetables and cook in enough butter mixture to cook. Boil rice and add italian dressing to coat. In 9x13 layer in order: Rice, Chicken, Vegetables, sour cream, then cheese. Repeat second layer. Bake at 350 degrees long enough to heat through.

Tips:

  • Choose the right rice: Arborio or Carnaroli rice are the best choices for Italian rice casserole, as they hold their shape and texture well during cooking.
  • Toast the rice before cooking: Toasting the rice in a little butter or oil before adding the liquid helps to develop its flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the rice will greatly impact the flavor of the casserole. Use a good-quality broth, such as homemade chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth.
  • Add vegetables and protein: Vegetables and protein can be added to the rice casserole to make it a more complete meal. Common additions include peas, carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers, chicken, and sausage.
  • Season to taste: Be sure to season the rice casserole to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Common seasonings include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
  • Bake until golden brown: The rice casserole should be baked until the top is golden brown and the rice is cooked through. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
  • Let it rest before serving: Allow the rice casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Italian rice casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a perfect Italian rice casserole that will impress your family and friends.

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