Name: Red Rice Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: Non-stick cooking spray; 1 tablespoon vegan butter; 14 ounces Spicy Italian-style vegan sausage links (cut into ½-inch rounds); 1/4 cup green bell pepper (seeded and diced); 1/4 cup yellow onion (diced); 1/4 cup celery (diced); 1/2 teaspoon garlic (minced); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes (with liquid); 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup water

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Red Rice Casserole ~

This hearty Southern classic is an easy dinner that’s loaded with big and bold flavor!

Round out the meal with Easy Roasted Okra and Vegan Cornbread.

Southern Red Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’ve spent any time in the low-country coastal regions of South Carolina or Georgia, you may know this dish as Charleston Rice, Savannah Rice, or Gullah Rice. As far as I am aware, there is no significant difference and the proper name largely depends upon who you ask.

I like this dish because it’s easy to make and packs a serious flavor punch.

Red Rice Casserole is prepared on the stove and finished in the oven. It starts with the traditional Holy Trinity of Southern cooking, an aromatic trio of bell peppers, celery, and onion, and builds from there. I served this casserole for dinner last night and we were practically licking our plates clean. It’s that good. The flavor is a balance of smoky and spicy from the vegan sausage and Creole seasoning with just a touch of sweetness from the tomato-based rice.

Get ready to knock your family’s socks off with this one!

Ingredients for Red Rice Casserole

Non-stick cooking spray
1 tablespoon vegan butter
14 ounces Spicy Italian-style vegan sausage links, cut into ½-inch rounds
1/4 cup green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
14 ounces petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup water

Ingredient Notes

Vegan Sausage – I use Beyond Sausage in Hot Italian flavor for this casserole. Never mind that this is not an Italian recipe; it totally works, I promise.
Creole Seasoning – Tony Chachere’s Original is my go-to brand. Cajun seasoning has a similar flavor profile to Creole seasoning and can be substituted in an equal amount.

How to Make Red Rice Casserole

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

STEP TWO: Into a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the sausage, bell pepper, onion, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until sausage is browned. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

STEP THREE: Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until very lightly toasted. Add the tomatoes with their liquid, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper.

STEP FOUR: Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Pour in the water, distributing it throughout the casserole. Cover tightly with foil.

STEP FIVE: Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

More Southern Vegan Recipes You’ll Love!

Jambalaya
Yellow Squash Casserole
Southern Tomatoes and Rice
Red Beans and Dirty Rice with Collard Greens
White Pepper Gravy

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