- 1 1/2 c long-grain brown rice
- 3 c reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 4 c diced zucchini
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 lg onion, diced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 c low-fat milk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 c shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
- 1 c fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
- 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz turkey sausage, casings removed
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese , (Neufchâtel)
- 1/4 c chopped pickled jalapenos
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Pour rice into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir hot broth into the rice along with zucchini (and/or squash), bell peppers, onion and salt. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 35 to 45 minutes more.
Meanwhile, whisk milk and flour in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until bubbling and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add 1 1/2 cups Jack cheese and corn and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add sausage. Cook, stirring and breaking the sausage into small pieces with a spoon, until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
When the rice is done, stir in the sausage and cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Jack cheese on top and dollop cream cheese by the teaspoonful over the casserole. Top with jalapenos.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
