HOPPIN' JOHN BLACK-EYED PEA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Combine rice mix, water, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish lightly with cooking spray.
• Cook and stir sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain, reserving some grease in the skillet, and place in a bowl.
• Cook and stir onion and green bell pepper in the skillet until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice, sausage, and hoppin' John until evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top. Continue baking until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.