Introduction
This Crockpot Cheesy Sausage & Rice Casserole is an easy, hearty comfort-food dinner made with smoky sausage, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Everything comes together in the slow cooker for a simple family meal with minimal prep!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: About 2½–3 hours
Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
4 cups cooked white rice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ small onion, finely diced
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning, optional
2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. For extra flavor, quickly brown the sausage in a skillet for 3–4 minutes until lightly caramelized around the edges.
- Make the creamy mixture
In a bowl, combine:
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Chicken broth
Melted butter
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Black pepper
Salt
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Layer everything in the Crockpot
Lightly grease the slow cooker.
Add the cooked rice, sliced sausage, diced onion, and about 1½ cups of the shredded cheese.
Pour the creamy sauce over everything.
- Mix
Gently stir until the rice and sausage are evenly coated with the sauce. Don’t overmix, or the rice can become mushy.
- Add the remaining cheese
Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Slow cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW: 2½–3 hours
HIGH: 1–1½ hours
Because the rice is already cooked, you’re mainly heating everything through and allowing the cheese and sauce to melt together.
- Check the consistency
Once hot and bubbly around the edges, gently stir. If the casserole seems too thick, add 2–4 tablespoons of chicken broth and mix.
- Finish
Turn off the Crockpot and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Serve hot while the cheese is still melted and gooey! 🧀🔥
💡 Pro Tips
Brown the sausage first for deeper smoky flavor and crispy edges.
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
Don’t cook the casserole for too long because the rice is already cooked.
If using leftover rice, break up any large clumps before adding it.
For a spicy version, add ½ tsp Cajun seasoning or sliced jalapeños.
You can add diced bell peppers or corn for extra vegetables.
🥘 Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy sausage and rice with:
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Simple green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
🔥 Final Result
Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly comforting—this Crockpot Cheesy Sausage & Rice is the kind of easy dinner the whole family will ask for again! 🌭🧀🍚