Hoppin' John Black-Eyed Pea Casserole

Found this recipe at a big Christmas get-together. Don't know who gets the real credit for creating this recipe, but it is easy and really, really good! Just a little kick and very filling. Sure to be a hit at any get-together.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
• Calories: 370 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 ¼ cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter (Optional)
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• cooking spray
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
• 1 pound mild sausage
• 1 (6 ounce) package long grain and wild rice mix (such as Zatarain's®)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans hoppin' John

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine rice mix, water, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish lightly with cooking spray.

Step 3

Cook and stir sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain, reserving some grease in the skillet, and place in a bowl.

Step 4

Cook and stir onion and green bell pepper in the skillet until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice, sausage, and hoppin' John until evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top. Continue baking until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.