Preheat oven to 350F degrees

1. Lightly butter a 3-quart casserole baking dish. Set aside.
2. Cook the rice according to package directions. Place rice in large mixing bowl.
3. Place a skillet over Medium heat on your stove top.
4. Add the sausage. Crumble and cook sausage until lightly browned.
5. Scoop sausage from the skillet and add to the rice.
6. Slice the celery, about ¼ inch thick slices.
7. Place chopped celery in skillet with reserved grease.
8. Add the frozen vegetable mix.
9. Let vegetables cook for about three minutes, stirring often, until fully thawed.
10. Add the vegetables to the sausage and rice bowl.
11. Add the milk.
12. Add the mushroom soup.
13. Add the salt.
14. Add the black pepper.
15. Stir everything together, mixing well, until fully combined.
16. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish.
17. Sprinkle the top with the grated cheese.
18. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Do not let the cheese burn.
19. Serve while hot.
20. Enjoy!