The Perfect Go-To Recipe for Busy Moms
As a homeschooling, entrepreneurial, or working mom, finding time to prepare a delicious and wholesome meal for your family can feel like a juggling act. (It certainly does for me!) This Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Casserole is not just a recipe; it's a strategy for serving love and nourishment without sacrificing your precious time. Whether you're prepping lessons, managing business goals, or tackling your to-do list, this dish will have your back.
Why This Recipe Works for Moms Like You?
Time-Saving Tips: The multitasking-friendly steps let you prep multiple ingredients simultaneously, leaving you more time for family or self-care.
Customizable Options: Adapt this recipe to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs, proving that flexibility is a mom's superpower.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves 7-9 people, making it perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or even meal prep for the week.
The Recipe
Serves: 7-9
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
You’ll Need:
1 large mixing bowl
a cutting board
2-3 bowls
4-quart casserole dish
a baking sheet
2 pots (for the rice & vegetables)
a large deep pot (for the cheese sauce)
4 cups of mixed veggies (frozen mixed vegetables & frozen broccoli)
1 lb of Hillshire Farm Sausage
CHICKEN
2 lbs of thawed boneless chicken thighs or breasts
2 teaspoon season all
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic pepper
1 teaspoon meat seasoning
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
RICE
6 cups water
2 tablespoons of butter
1 ½ teaspoon season all
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups parboiled rice
CHEESE SAUCE
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 ½ onions, finely diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ teaspoon garlic pepper
1 teaspoon garlic, onion & pepper seasoning
3 cups whole milk
3 cups shredded cheese (1 cup Mexican cheese, 1 cup mild cheddar & 1 cup sharp cheddar)
TOPPING
2 cups shredded cheese (1 cup Mexican cheese & 1 cup mild cheddar)
Instructions
SAUSAGE
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a baking sheet, lay out the sausage, and pop it in the oven. Let it bake for 15-25 minutes.
Once it’s cooked, let it cool for about 5-7 minutes. This gives you time to prep your chicken or sip on some tea—your choice!
Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a large bowl. Multitasking Tip: While this is cooking get started on prepping your chicken.
CHICKEN
Time to season that chicken! In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients: season all, black pepper, garlic pepper, meat seasoning, and Italian seasoning.
Cut your chicken into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, then mix it all together. (I used gloves for this step—super handy, literally.)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Pro Tip: While your chicken is marinating, get a head start on steaming your veggies!
Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken until it’s perfectly done, then transfer it to the large bowl with the sausage.
VEGETABLES
Steam your mixed vegetables and broccoli for 7-10 minutes.
Once they’re tender and vibrant, add them to the growing party in the big bowl with the sausage and chicken. Multitasking Tip: This step pairs perfectly with your chicken marinating or cooking time.
RICE
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic pepper, and season all. Stir until everything is blended.
Add the rice, give it a stir, then reduce the heat and cover the pot.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
Once ready, add the rice to the big bowl of sausage, chicken, and veggies. Mix everything thoroughly—this is where it starts coming together!
CHEESE SAUCE
If you turned your oven off earlier, reheat it to 350°F now.
Grease a 4-quart casserole dish and set it aside—it’ll be the final home for your delicious creation.
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large, deep skillet over low to medium heat.
Add the diced onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and mix until melted.
Gradually whisk in 7 tablespoons of flour, one at a time, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, followed by black pepper, garlic pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly.
Add 2 cups of milk, stirring as the mixture thickens. Then repeat with the last 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk.
Stir in the shredded cheese, one cup at a time, letting it melt completely before adding the next. Pro Tip: Give it a taste! Need more seasoning? Adjust as needed.
ASSEMBLY
Pour a third of the cheese sauce into the bowl with the sausage, chicken, veggies, and rice. Mix well. Repeat until all the cheese sauce is incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Be careful not to overfill—it’s bubbly goodness, but we don’t want it spilling over! Pro Tip: Put the baking dish on a bigger baking sheet just in case it bubbles over.
Sprinkle the top with a layer of Mexican cheese, followed by mild cheddar.
BAKE & FINISH
Bake your casserole for 20-22 minutes.
Want that golden, cheesy crust? Switch to broil on low for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt cheese! (Well, maybe some people do...lol)
FINAL TOUCHES
Take a moment to admire your work before digging in. Snap a picture, share it with the world (and me!), and let your family savor the cheesy, savory deliciousness you’ve created.
Cooking with Love
Let me know how your casserole turned out! Share your tweaks and tips in the comments or on social media. Use the hashtag #CheesyEatEatz and tag me:
@eateatz4u on Instagram
I’d love to see your cheesy creation!
Cooking Tips for Busy Moms
Switch It Up: Adjust the seasoning or swap in your family’s favorite cheeses. (Mozzarella, white cheddar, or muenster are some good ones!)
Multitask Like a Pro: Prep different components at the same time—this is the key to balancing everything on your plate. (Both literally and figuratively.)
Make It Your Own: Add your creative twist with extra ingredients or healthier substitutes. (Think about using peppers, ground beef, mushrooms, pulled pork, or celery. Consider using fat-free, gluten-free, low sodium, or plant-based substitutes.)
Use Your Leftovers: Do you have a leftover mixture? You can use it to make brand-new meals such as quesadillas, pot pies, and burritos! (Can you think of another dish?)
For Homeschooling Moms
Turn cooking time into a lesson! Teach your kids math through measurements or science by explaining how heat changes food. Cooking together not only lightens your load but creates meaningful learning experiences.
For Entrepreneurial Moms
Let this recipe inspire your work-life balance. Just as you plan out each step in your business, organizing your cooking process can save you time and energy. Reflect on how strategic multitasking in the kitchen can translate to running your business smoothly.
For Working Moms
This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Spend your evening enjoying family time instead of stressing over dinner. Use your cooking time to unwind and connect with yourself—it’s a simple yet impactful form of self-care.
Call to Action!!
This recipe is all about connection—whether it’s with your family, your passions, or yourself. Once you've tried it, share your results!
💡 What’s Your Twist? Post a picture of your Cheesy Chicken & Sausage Casserole on social media and tag us with your variations. Let us know how you made it your own! Remember, use the hashtag #CheesyEatEatz!
📝 Leave a Comment: What did you love about this recipe? Any tips for other moms? Share your feedback below—we’d love to hear your story.
Follow me on social media
@eateatz4u on Instagram
Use the hashtags #EatEatz #CheesyEatEatz
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