Italian Rice Bake

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or leftover rice all work well)

• 1½ cups Hidden Foods Marinara pasta sauce

• ½ lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8x8 or similar baking dish.

2. Prepare the sausage:
   Cook Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Drain any excess grease.

3. Combine the ingredients:
   In a large bowl, stir together the cooked rice, marinara sauce, cooked sausage, and half of the mozzarella.

   • Add Parmesan or Italian seasoning if you want extra flavor.

4. Fill the baking dish:
   Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.

6. Serve:
   Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil if desired.