Sausage Casserole Recipes | Rice & Sausage Bake + Lentils and Sausage

Sausage Casserole Recipes

These vintage sausage casseroles are hearty, satisfying comfort-food classics—great for family dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Choose a crowd-pleasing sausage-and-rice bake, or a savory lentil-and-Italian-sausage casserole with carrots, tomato sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Use the jump links below to go straight to the recipe you want.

Recipes on this page

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🍲 Sausage Casserole

Hearty sausage and rice casserole with vegetables and a crunchy celery topping.

🌡️ Oven Temp: 375°F ⏱️ Bake Time: 30 minutes 🍽️ Servings: 10–12 🍳 Equipment: Heavy skillet + 13×9×2-inch pan

Ingredients

  • 2 lb pork sausage meat
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cups celery, chopped (use 1 cup during cooking; reserve 1 cup for topping)
  • 2 bouillon cubes
  • 4 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1/4 cup margarine, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Brown sausage in a large heavy skillet; drain excess fat.
  2. Add green pepper, onions, and 1 cup chopped celery; cook 5 minutes.
  3. Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water; stir in rice. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in sausage mixture and salt; mix thoroughly.
  5. Turn into a 13×9×2-inch pan. Sprinkle remaining celery on top and drizzle melted margarine over all.
  6. Bake 30 minutes at 375°F.

🥘 Casserole of Lentils and Sausage

Hearty baked lentils with Italian sausage, vegetables, and a tangy tomato-vinegar sauce.

🌡️ Oven Temp: 350°F ⏱️ Bake Time: 65 minutes 🍽️ Servings: 6–10 🍳 Equipment: 4-quart casserole

Ingredients

  • 12 oz lentils
  • 4 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 2 teaspoons salt or seasoned salt
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, sliced 1/4 inch
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar

Instructions

  1. Wash and sort lentils. Place in a covered 4-quart casserole with boiling water, salt, and mashed garlic.
  2. Bake covered at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
  3. Remove sausage casing and cut sausage into 1-inch pieces. Brown sausage; stir into lentils.
  4. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Sauté onion until limp; add onion and carrots to lentils.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce and vinegar.
  6. Return to oven and bake uncovered about 20 minutes.

Sausage Casserole FAQ

What sausage works best in these casseroles?

Pork sausage meat works well for the rice casserole. For the lentil casserole, Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but regular sausage also works.

Can I make these casseroles ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a little extra time if the dish is cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool, refrigerate in a covered container, and reheat until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.

Do lentils need soaking first?

No. Lentils cook quickly—just rinse and sort them before baking.

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