Cheesy Vegetable, Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole
Try this Cheesy Vegetable Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole recipe
Try this Cheesy Vegetable Turkey Sausage and Rice Casserole recipe
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1-1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 2-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz gluten-free italian-style turkey sausage (i used h
- drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- 2 small zucchini chopped
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 large shallot or 1 small yellow onion chopped
- homemade seasoned salt (see notes)
- 1-3/4 cups milk any kind (i used skim)
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 8 oz gouda cheese shredded then divided
- chopped fresh basil for topping (optional)
- Carbohydrate 8.37762921709333 g
- Cholesterol 43.091275112 mg
- Fat 10.6842455181867 g
- Fiber 1.34616663455963 g
- Protein 10.84757808152 g
- Saturated Fat 6.705751665112 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (158g)
- Sodium 315.153458918667 mg
- Sugar 7.0314625825337 g
- Trans Fat 0.614943624642667 g
- Calories 168 calories
Step-by-step
- Add rice and chicken broth to a small saucepan then bring to a boil. Place a lid on top then turn heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes (broth should just barely be bubbling.) Remove pan from heat then let sit with the lid on for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork then set aside.
- Meanwhile, brown sausage in a large, 12†skillet over heat that’s just a touch above medium. Once cooked, remove sausage to a plate then set aside.
- Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the skillet then add bell pepper and shallot or onion, season with seasoned salt, and then saute until vegetables begin to soften, 5 minutes. Turn heat up slightly then add zucchini and sweet corn, season with more seasoned salt, then continue to saute until all the vegetables are tender, 5-6 more minutes. Add garlic then saute for 1 more minute. Turn the heat down slightly and/or add more extra virgin olive oil at any point. Taste vegetables then add more seasoned salt if necessary, and then set aside.
- Add flour to another small saucepan then whisk while adding milk to get rid of any lumps. Turn heat to medium then whisk until milk is thickened and bubbly, 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat then add 3/4 of the shredded cheese and stir until smooth. Taste and add salt if necessary.
- Add cooked rice, sausage, and cheese sauce to the skillet with the vegetables then mix until well combined. Scoop mixture into a nonstick-sprayed 9x11†baking dish (or similar sized baking dish) then top with remaining shredded cheese and broil until top is golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if using, then scoop onto plates and serve.
Starch Gelatinization and Broth Absorption
Simmering long-grain white rice in chicken broth for precisely ten minutes initiates partial starch gelatinization without fully breaking down the grain structure. Trapping steam off the heat for five additional minutes allows residual moisture distribution to finish, ensuring individual grains maintain structural integrity rather than collapsing into mush when mixed into heavier sauces. Employs a standard two-to-one liquid absorption method scaled down for concentrated flavor retention.The Stovetop Emulsion Process
Whisking gluten-free flour directly into cold milk before applying heat prevents protein agglomeration, yielding a smooth béchamel base. Incorporating gouda cheese off the heat prevents milk solids from separating and oil from pooling, as excessive heat denatures dairy proteins into a grainy texture. Melting three-quarters of the eight-ounce cheese quantity directly into the sauce distributes fat globules evenly throughout the dish.Casserole Traditions and Browning Mechanics
Baking dishes combining grains, proteins, and cheese descend from traditional European one-pot meal preparations designed to maximize residual pantry ingredients efficiently. Exposing the assembled dish to direct overhead heat under a broiler triggers the Maillard reaction in the top layer of shredded gouda cheese. Pulling the dish when the surface turns golden brown prevents bitter burnt protein notes from overpowering the sweet corn and zucchini components.
