Easy and savory: transform leftover sausages into a delicious ninja foodi casserole

Indulge in the savory flavors of a hearty sausage casserole, effortlessly prepared in the convenience of your Ninja Foodi. This delectable dish combines succulent sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich sauce, promising a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of creating this comforting meal in your Ninja Foodi.

Gather Your Ingredients

To embark on this culinary journey, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice

Prepare the Ninja Foodi

1. Remove the lid and insert the crisping basket into the Ninja Foodi.
2. Select the “Sear/Sauté” function and adjust the temperature to “High.”
3. Allow the Ninja Foodi to preheat for 5 minutes.

Brown the Sausage

1. Once the Ninja Foodi is preheated, add the Italian sausage to the crisping basket.
2. Break up the sausage into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
3. Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Remove the sausage from the crisping basket and set it aside on a plate.
2. Add the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion to the crisping basket.
3. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.

Add the Aromatics

1. Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Return the Sausage

1. Add the browned sausage back to the crisping basket.
2. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Deglaze the Basket

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the crisping basket.
2. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the basket.

Add the Rice

1. Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the sausage and vegetable mixture.
2. Stir to distribute the rice evenly.

Cook the Casserole

1. Place the lid on the Ninja Foodi and select the “Pressure Cook” function.
2. Set the pressure to “High” and the cook time to “6 minutes.”
3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Ninja Foodi to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

Quick Release

1. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
2. Serve the sausage casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Sausage Casserole

• For a spicier casserole, use hot Italian sausage.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
• If you don’t have uncooked rice, you can use 1 cup of cooked rice.
• Serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Variations on the Sausage Casserole

• Creamy Sausage Casserole: Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the casserole before cooking.
• Cheesy Sausage Casserole: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole before cooking.
• Mexican Sausage Casserole: Use Mexican-style sausage and add 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans and 1 (15 ounce) can of corn to the casserole.

The Ultimate Sausage Casserole Experience

Indulge in the culinary bliss of a homemade sausage casserole, effortlessly prepared in your Ninja Foodi. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a creative variation, the versatility of this dish will cater to your every craving. Gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen sausage in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen sausage. Simply thaw it before cooking to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I substitute another type of rice in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of rice you have on hand, such as brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.