Experience a burst of flavor with this incredibly creamy Instant Pot Sausage Rice Casserole! This effortless one-pot meal combines rich cream of mushroom soup, savory ground sausage, and the distinctive kick of Hatch chiles, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or another pressure cooker, prepare to delight your taste buds with this hearty and satisfying casserole, especially if you love a touch of spice from options like Jimmy Dean sausage.

This pressure cooker sausage rice casserole consistently delivers an exceptional depth of flavor. We found that the natural spices within the sausage and the freshness of the Hatch chiles provided ample seasoning, making additional spices unnecessary for an absolutely amazing result. This recipe, proudly brought to you in partnership with Albertsons, is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. For those eager to explore more, you can find over 100 Instant Pot recipes here. (Note: Affiliate links may be present in this article).

Creamy Pressure Cooker Sausage Rice Casserole: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Have you ever explored the culinary versatility of smoked chiles? They are truly remarkable, adding a unique smoky depth to countless dishes. While this casserole shines in a pressure cooker, it’s a dish so beloved, you could adapt a similar version for your oven. Imagine a creamy, hearty blend of all your favorite components, a true “dump and go” style dinner that simplifies meal prep. With meat and rice cooked together, this casserole stands as a complete meal, ready to serve the moment it’s done.

To enhance nutrition and texture, consider adding small frozen vegetables like corn kernels or peas directly into the pot. This recipe is adaptable to any brand of multi-cooker you own. While a traditional oven method is possible (for which you might reference our green chile rice recipe), the pressure cooking method offers significantly quicker preparation and a remarkably tender result, making it our preferred choice for ultimate convenience and flavor.

If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, you’ve come to the right place! We specialize in easy, one-pot meal recipes that simplify your kitchen routine. To help you get started, here are a few essential tips:

• Make sure to bookmark our dedicated Instant Pot recipes page. We’re constantly adding new and exciting dishes each week!
• For a handy reference, print this Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It’s an invaluable tool for understanding how long various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans take to cook in your pressure cooker.
• We highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for your pressure cooker. This small upgrade makes a big difference in preventing food from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • While it’s always good practice to know how to deglaze your pressure cooker after sautéing, a non-stick pot significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering the dreaded “burn” message.

For context, the recipes developed here are typically tested using a 6-quart Instant Pot model, which is versatile enough for most family-sized meals.

Ninja Foodi Sausage Rice Casserole: Air Fryer Option for Extra Crunch

If your kitchen boasts a Crockpot Express or a Ninja Foodi, rest assured this recipe works beautifully in those appliances too! In fact, the Ninja Foodi offers an exciting bonus: its air crisp feature. Imagine adding another layer of melted, bubbly cheese on top of your creamy casserole – the air crisp function can make that a reality, adding an irresistible golden finish. The star of this dish, however, remains the Hatch chiles, which infuse any meal with their distinctive, rich flavor profile.

When selecting Hatch chiles, you’ll often find a range of heat levels, from mild to extra spicy. During a recent roasting event, samples were offered, and I inadvertently tried a spicy one – it was quite an experience for someone who prefers milder flavors! This serves as a great reminder to choose your chiles wisely, aligning with your personal spice preference. If you opt for the mildest chiles, we highly recommend using a spicy ground sausage, such as Jimmy Dean, to ensure a well-balanced and flavorful dish. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant addition these chiles make to our sausage and rice casserole.

Taming the Heat: How to Make Hatch Chiles Less Spicy

While canned Hatch chiles offer convenient options for mild or spicy varieties, finding fresh, large, and vibrant chiles at the store is always a treat. I recently encountered a delightful cooking demo and free sampling event where chiles were being roasted right before my eyes! If you prefer a milder flavor from fresh chiles, the key lies in removing the seeds and the white membrane inside, as these are where most of the capsaicin (the compound responsible for heat) is concentrated. Leaving them intact will result in a significantly spicier experience.

I had the fascinating opportunity to witness the traditional roasting process using large drums. The popping and crackling sounds as the chile skins blackened were captivating. Once roasted, they explained, the skins are easily peeled off, making the chiles ready to be added to any dish or even placed directly on top of a burger for an incredible flavor boost. You can even check out a live demonstration of how to roast chiles in a roasting drum here!

Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Casserole

Crafting this flavorful Instant Pot sausage rice casserole requires a straightforward list of ingredients, each contributing to its rich taste and comforting texture:

1. Fresh Hatch Chiles: The star ingredient, offering a unique flavor and customizable heat. You can use mild, medium, or hot based on your preference.
2. Ground Sausage: We highly recommend using a roll of savory pork ground sausage.
   1. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, the Spicy Jimmy Dean version is an excellent choice that complements the chiles beautifully.
3. Long Grain White Rice: Added uncooked directly into the pot. Note that if you opt for Instant Pot Jasmine rice, cooking times may vary slightly, so refer to that specific guide for accurate instructions.
4. Celery: An optional but delightful addition that brings a subtle crunch and aromatic depth to the dish.
5. Bell Pepper: Adds a pleasant texture and a touch of sweetness, contrasting nicely with the creamy, soft meal.
6. Broth: A blend of half chicken stock and half vegetable broth works wonderfully, providing a rich liquid base for the rice and other ingredients.
7. Cream of Mushroom Soup: This key ingredient is responsible for the casserole’s signature creamy consistency and savory umami flavor.
8. Onions: Another optional yet highly recommended addition. Diced onions offer an inexpensive way to infuse more flavor and a tender texture into the casserole.

Customize Your Casserole: Delicious Variations and Substitutions

While the classic recipe is fantastic as is, there’s always room for personal touches and dietary adjustments. Here are some popular variations and considerations:

• Rice Alternatives: We generally advise against using pressure cooker brown rice for this specific recipe. Brown rice requires a significantly longer cook time, which could overcook the other ingredients, particularly the vegetables and sausage. For the best texture and flavor balance, stick with white rice.
• Protein Swaps: If you prefer chicken over sausage, we recommend using our dedicated Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe, which is specifically formulated for that protein. You could also experiment with ground turkey or chicken sausage in this casserole if preferred, though you might consider adding a dash of Cajun seasoning to boost the flavor.
• Adding Vegetables & Beans: Feel free to incorporate up to 1/2 cup of other drained canned items like black beans or kidney beans, or even frozen vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn. These can be added along with the other ingredients without significantly altering the liquid ratio.
• Cheese Topping: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top after the pressure cooking cycle, then let it melt with the residual heat or use your Ninja Foodi’s air crisp function for a bubbly, golden crust.

Remember, when making substitutions, maintaining the crucial liquid-to-rice ratio is essential for perfect results in your pressure cooker. Ready to give it a whirl and discover your new favorite one-pot meal? Let’s get cooking!

The addition of vibrant Hatch chiles truly elevates this pressure cooker sausage rice casserole, giving it an undeniable depth of flavor and a delightful hint of heat! While entirely optional, a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives on top just before serving adds a wonderful fresh texture and a pop of color. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

More Delicious Instant Pot Sausage and Rice Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for comforting, hearty meals, the Instant Pot is your best friend. This casserole is just one example of the incredible dishes you can create. If you’re a fan of the oven-baked casserole style, be sure to try our chile relleno casserole recipe, which offers a similar comforting profile. And for those eager to explore even more Instant Pot sausage recipes, here are a few more fantastic options:

• Our pressure cooker sausage soup is an incredibly flavorful and warming choice, perfect for colder days.
• For a twist on a classic, consider our Instant Pot stuffed cabbage, where you can easily substitute ground sausage for ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• If you’re looking for a delightful vegetarian option, our Instant Pot mushroom rice recipe delivers a rich and creamy meal without meat.

This Instant Pot Sausage Rice Casserole boasts an impressive total preparation and pressure cooking time of approximately 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick, creamy, and satisfying dinner!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Rice and Sausage in Your Instant Pot

Creating this delicious casserole in your Instant Pot or any brand of pressure cooker is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, creamy result:

• Sauté the Sausage: Begin by setting your pressure cooker to the “Sauté” function. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil, then add your ground sausage. Break it up into smaller pieces and cook until it’s no longer pink, typically about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead, but spicy pork sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If using a milder sausage, consider adding a dash of Cajun seasoning for extra zest.
• Add Aromatics (Optional): At this stage, you can add diced bell pepper, onion, and celery if you’re including them. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Deglaze the Pot: Crucially, turn off the pressure cooker (press “Cancel”). Pour in a small amount of your chicken or vegetable broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is vital for preventing the “burn” message and ensures all the flavorful bits are incorporated into your casserole.
• Prepare the Liquid Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
• Layer the Ingredients (Do Not Stir!):
  1. Spread the cooked sausage mixture evenly across the bottom of the inner pot.
  2. Carefully pour the whisked soup and broth mixture over the sausage. Again, do not stir.
  3. Evenly distribute your diced Hatch chiles and any optional celery on top of the liquid.
  4. Finally, sprinkle the uncooked white rice over everything. Gently push the rice down with the back of a spoon to ensure it is mostly submerged in the liquid below, but still do not stir. Proper layering is key for even cooking.
• Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on LOW pressure for 10 minutes. (If your model doesn’t have a “low” pressure option, use the “Rice” button if available, or cook on high for 5-6 minutes, followed by a natural release as described below.)
• Release Pressure: Allow for a 2-minute natural release (meaning, do nothing for 2 minutes after cooking finishes), then carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam release valve to “Venting.” Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, carefully open the lid, tilting it away from you to prevent condensation from dripping into the casserole.
• Thicken and Serve: Stir the casserole gently. It might appear a bit liquidy at first, but allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes. The rice will continue to absorb liquid and the casserole will thicken to a perfect creamy consistency.
• Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh diced green onions or chives for an extra burst of freshness and color.

To visually guide you through each step and see just how easy this casserole is to prepare, watch our recipe video (link to be provided).

Recipe Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

Pressure Cooker Sausage Rice Casserole

By
Justine

The best creamy pressure cooker sausage rice casserole, perfect for your Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot! This easy one-pot meal is packed with flavor from Hatch chiles, spicy Jimmy Dean sausage, and more, making it a family favorite.

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
10 mins

Total:
20 mins

Servings:
6

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Equipment

• 1 Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork sausage, ground (regular or spicy version recommended for flavor)
• 2 stalks celery, diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp Hatch chiles, roasted, skin, seeds, and membrane removed, then diced. Use mild to extra spicy based on preference. Can be diced fresh if roasting isn’t an option – they will soften during cooking.
• 1/2 onion, diced (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 1/4 cups broth, chicken or vegetable
• 1 cup white rice, long-grain, uncooked
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 green onion, diced (for garnish, optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Set your pressure cooker to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil and then your ground sausage. Break it into smaller pieces and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes until it is no longer pink.
2. If you are including them, add your diced onion, bell pepper, and celery now. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and the vegetables start to soften. You can also add your diced Hatch chiles at this stage for more integrated flavor, or layer them later.
3. Important Step: Press the “Cancel” button on your pressure cooker to turn off the Sauté function. This prevents any “burn” warning later. Add a splash of broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, ensuring a clean cooking surface.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and cream of mushroom soup until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Spread the cooked ground sausage mixture evenly across the bottom of your inner pot.
6. Carefully pour the whisked soup/broth mixture over the sausage. Do not stir the ingredients at this point.
7. Add your diced celery (if not added with onion/pepper) and Hatch chiles. Then, sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the top layer. Gently push the rice down with the back of a spoon to ensure it is mostly submerged in the liquid below, but still do not stir. Proper layering is key for even cooking.
8. Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and close the steam release valve (set to “Sealing”). Set the cooker to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on LOW pressure for 10 minutes. (If your specific model does not have a “low” pressure option, use the “Rice” button if available, or cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes instead.)
9. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam release valve to “Venting” until all pressure is released. Quickly lift the lid off, tilting it away from you to prevent any condensation from dripping back into the casserole.
10. Stir the casserole gently. It may appear a bit loose, but it will continue to thicken significantly as it rests. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
11. Serve hot and optionally garnish with freshly diced green onions or chives for an added burst of freshness and color. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful casserole!

Recipe Video

Watch our step-by-step video guide to see just how easy it is to prepare this delicious Instant Pot Sausage Rice Casserole. Visual instructions make cooking a breeze!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 3oz,
Calories: 431kcal,
Carbohydrates: 31g,
Protein: 16g,
Fat: 26g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Cholesterol: 56mg,
Sodium: 1285mg,
Potassium: 355mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 2g,
Vitamin A: 660IU,
Vitamin C: 15.8mg,
Calcium: 25mg,
Iron: 1.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary.

Additional Information

Course:
Entree, Main Course

Cuisine:
American