Description
This Red Beans & Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish combining smoky sausage, seasoned dirty rice, tender red beans, and a creamy topping, all baked to bubbly perfection and topped with crispy French fried onions for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) box Zatarain’s Dirty Rice
- 1 lb smoked sausage, chopped
- 2 (15-oz) cans red beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup, undiluted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions
Additional
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
- Water as required by dirty rice package instructions (amount typically about 1 1/3 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Sausage and Prepare Rice: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked sausage until it starts to brown, releasing flavorful juices. Then, add the dirty rice mix along with the amount of water indicated on the package (usually around 1 1/3 cups). Prepare the dirty rice following the package directions, allowing it to fully cook and absorb the liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat once the rice and sausage are fully cooked. Stir in the drained and rinsed red beans, undiluted cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the French fried onions over the top to create a crispy, savory topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the fried onions on top are golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with andouille or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Be mindful of the salt content when using canned soup and beans; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- French fried onions add a signature crunch but can be omitted for a softer topping.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
