Zucchini Rice Casserole

1 1/2 cups long grain brown rice
3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
4 cups diced zucchini, and/or summer squash
2 red or green bell peppers, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3/4/ teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups low fat milk
3 Tablespoons salt
2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
2 teaspoons evoo
8 ounces turkey sausage, casings removed
4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Pour rice into an 9x13 inch baking dish. Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir hot broth into the rice along with zucchini, 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, 35-45 minutes mores.

3. Meanwhile, whisk mild 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 teaspoon over the casserole. Top with jalapenos.

6. Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.


NOTE: I have used this as a side dish without the turkey sausage.