Almond Buffet Casserole

This casserole is a simple and tasty meal. The flavors blend together well, especially the use of almonds to add texture and flavor. It would be great for a make-ahead meal or a pot luck. Also, this casserole works as a main dish or a hearty side dish.

Mom's recipe calls for using dehydrated chicken noodle soup to cook the rice. Instead, I cooked the rice in chicken bone broth, and the recipe turned out just fine. Use the quantity of chicken broth instead of water as called for by the rice cooking directions. Instead of using whole blanched almonds, I used sliced almonds that I had on hand. The almonds add a nice crunch to this dish.

Almond Buffet Casserole 

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth 
• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 2/3 cup almonds

Cook the rice in the chicken broth, as directed. Fry the ground sausage until browned, pour any excess fat from pan. Add celery, onion, and green pepper and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add 1/3 cup almonds and rice and blend together. Pour into a greased casserole. Sprinkle remaining almonds over the top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Enjoy!