The Ultimate Gluten-Free Instant Pot Brown Rice Stuffing with Sausage
Discover your new favorite holiday side dish or a comforting weeknight meal with this incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing! Not only is this recipe completely gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s also approved for the 21 Day Fix and includes Weight Watchers points, making it a perfect healthy and filling option for any occasion, especially as the weather gets cooler.
Let’s get a confession out of the way right from the start. Brace yourselves, stuffing enthusiasts: traditional Thanksgiving stuffing has never truly captivated my palate. Yes, you read that right! It might sound almost heretical, especially coming from someone who absolutely adores bread in all its forms. I’ve spent nearly forty years trying to cultivate a love for it, to embrace that classic, comforting side dish, but alas, it simply hasn’t happened. I hope you can forgive this culinary peculiarity!
However, when it comes to rice stuffing, that’s an entirely different story. This, my friends, is a revelation! It’s the kind of dish that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about holiday sides. While I initially envisioned this recipe as a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving feast – and it absolutely excels in that role – the truth is, it’s far too good to reserve for just once a year.
In fact, this Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing has become a regular star in my kitchen rotation. Since first experimenting with it in my Instant Pot, I’ve found myself making it almost weekly. It’s not just a side; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes, especially when the temperatures drop and you crave something warm and wholesome.
More Than Just a Thanksgiving Side: Year-Round Comfort
While this Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing is undeniably a phenomenal choice for your Thanksgiving table, I truly believe it deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan long before the holidays arrive. Imagine the ease: no need to juggle precious stovetop burners or valuable oven real estate, which is often at a premium during holiday cooking marathons. The Instant Pot handles everything, allowing you to free up space for other dishes.
Furthermore, the Instant Pot’s ability to keep food warm makes this stuffing incredibly convenient for potlucks or transporting to family gatherings. You can simply prepare it, bring it to your destination, and keep it perfectly heated until it’s time to serve. But don’t let these holiday-specific perks limit you. This stuffing is so profoundly satisfying and straightforward to prepare that it’s perfect for any day of the week.
Consider whipping up a batch for a wholesome lunch or a hearty, healthy dinner tonight. It offers all the comforting flavors of a holiday meal without any of the associated stress. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for those brisk autumn evenings or chilly winter days, offering a delicious and nutritious option that will quickly become a family favorite.
Healthy, Allergy-Friendly & Diet-Approved Stuffing
The inspiration for this delightful brown rice stuffing comes from the excellent work of Julia’s Healthy Italian, which also influenced a popular Skinnytaste recipe. What I particularly love about this version is its commitment to being both gluten-free and dairy-free. Finding delicious holiday side dishes that cater to specific dietary needs can often be a challenge, so having a truly tasty and allergy-friendly option like this is a real game-changer.
For many families, including my own, navigating holiday meals with dietary restrictions can be a source of frustration. It’s disheartening when a loved one, like my son, has to eat different food from everyone else at festive gatherings. That’s why recipes like this Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing are invaluable. It’s a dish that everyone at the table can enjoy, regardless of dietary needs, ensuring no one feels left out and that the focus remains on delicious food and shared moments.
Beyond being allergy-friendly, this recipe is also mindful of various health and wellness programs. It’s 21 Day Fix approved, making it easy to track your containers, and it includes Weight Watchers points, offering a satisfying meal or side without derailing your goals. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy comforting food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during a season often associated with indulgent eating.
Mastering Brown Rice with the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot truly elevates this recipe, taking it from great to absolutely exceptional. If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of cooking brown rice in a pressure cooker, you’re in for a treat! Brown rice is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite things to prepare in the Instant Pot. It consistently yields perfectly cooked, fluffy, and tender grains every single time, eliminating the guesswork and long stovetop cooking times. Say goodbye to mushy or undercooked rice!
This reliability makes it a fantastic staple for meal prepping. I often cook large batches of brown rice to freeze, ready to be pulled out for quick meals throughout the week, as demonstrated in my popular Freezer-Friendly Instant Pot Brown Rice guide. Its versatility also shines in other Instant Pot creations, seamlessly integrating into dishes like my flavorful Instant Pot Jambalaya, proving just how much this appliance can simplify your cooking.
Effortless Holiday Meal Prep with Your Instant Pot
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe, especially during the bustling holiday season, is its complete reliance on the Instant Pot. For those of us who don’t have the luxury of a sprawling, professional-grade kitchen with multiple ovens and endless counter space, this is a true blessing. On holidays, oven and stovetop space become precious commodities, often leading to a stressful juggling act.
With this Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing, you can prepare a delicious and impressive side dish entirely in one appliance, freeing up your conventional oven for roasting turkeys or baking pies. This year, I’m particularly excited to leverage my Instant Pot for a variety of holiday dishes, from sides to desserts, to streamline the cooking process and reduce pre-meal stress. It’s a smart kitchen tool that helps you create incredible meals without feeling overwhelmed.
A Symphony of Flavors: Perfect Ingredients, Perfectly Combined
At the heart of this irresistible stuffing is a harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients: tender brown rice, savory Italian chicken sausage, and a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly comforting. The earthy notes of the mushrooms, the crisp freshness of the celery, and the subtle sweetness of the onions are perfectly balanced by the robust, aromatic spices of the Italian sausage.
The result is a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also delivers an intensely satisfying culinary experience. It’s genuinely “damn good,” as I like to say! This stuffing is so flavorful and hearty that it might just give some of your long-standing holiday favorites a run for their money. My cherished Thanksgiving mashed potatoes and my creamy Sweet Potato Casserole certainly face some fierce competition this year for the coveted spot on the holiday table!
Essential Tips for the Best Brown Rice Stuffing
To ensure your Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing turns out perfectly every time, here are a couple of helpful tips:
Choosing Your Instant Pot:
If you’re still contemplating joining the Instant Pot revolution, now’s the time! This incredible multi-cooker truly makes dishes like this stuffing incredibly simple and efficient. For those wondering which model to choose, this is the exact one I own and absolutely adore. It’s reliable, versatile, and a true workhorse in my kitchen, making everything from perfect brown rice to delicious stews and, of course, this incredible stuffing.
Sourcing Italian Chicken or Turkey Sausage:
Sweet Italian chicken or turkey sausage is a key flavor component in this recipe. Its lean profile and aromatic seasoning contribute significantly to the stuffing’s savory depth. If you’re having trouble locating it at your local grocery store, or if you prefer to have more control over the ingredients, don’t fret! You can easily make your own homemade version. Check out my detailed guide on How to Make Homemade Italian Sausage with Ground Chicken or Turkey. It’s a simple process that ensures you always have this delicious ingredient on hand.
Explore More Gluten-Free Holiday & Healthy Recipes
If you’re as excited about delicious, healthy, and allergy-friendly cooking as I am, then you’re in luck! This Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing is just one of many fantastic recipes designed to make your holiday meals, and everyday cooking, both enjoyable and nutritious. Discover more ways to savor the flavors of the season without compromising your dietary goals or healthy eating plans.
Don’t stop here! Be sure to check out these other popular gluten-free and healthy holiday-inspired recipes:
- 40+ Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes: A comprehensive collection to inspire your entire holiday menu.
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie [Gluten-free | Dairy-free | 21 Day Fix]: A guilt-free classic that tastes incredible.
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole | 21 Day Fix Sweet Potato Casserole [Gluten-free|Dairy-free|Paleo]: A creamy, sweet, and wholesome side dish.
- 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Apple Crisp (Gluten & Dairy Free): A warm, comforting dessert made easy in your pressure cooker.
- 21 Day Fix Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Spinach, and Feta: A beautiful and savory stuffed squash, perfect as a main or side.
- 21 Day Fix Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan, and Balsamic: A flavorful and crunchy vegetable side.
- Cauliflower Au Gratin [21 Day Fix | Keto Friendly | Gluten Free | WW]: A cheesy, low-carb take on a classic comfort food.
With this recipe, you’re not just making a meal; you’re creating a healthier, happier tradition. It’s the perfect way to bring everyone together around a delicious, wholesome dish that satisfies all taste buds and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a truly remarkable stuffing that will change your holiday table forever!
Ready to make this incredible dish? Let’s dive into the full recipe!
Instant Pot Brown Rice and Sausage Stuffing (21 Day Fix)
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 2 cups organic chicken stock or broth
- 1 lb raw sweet Italian chicken or turkey sausage casing removed
- 4 teaspoon olive oil divided
- 6 stalks celery chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms I used baby bellas
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
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Set Instant Pot to saute and add 2 tsp of olive olive to the bottom of the inner liner. Add chicken sausage to pan to brown. Once cooked through, remove from pan and set aside.
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Add remaining 2 tsp of olive oil to pot and add onions and celery. Season with some salt and pepper and saute for 2-3 minutes or until onions start to turn translucent. Add in mushrooms and season again. Saute for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the mushrooms begin to brown.
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Add sausage back to the pot and stir in the rice and broth. Cover pot and set to 22 minutes on manual, high pressure. When cook time is up, do a ten minute natural release before switching over to quick release.
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Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy!
Notes
WW: 11 points (per serving when divided into 6 dinner size portions); 5 points (per serving when divided into 12 side dish portions)