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Simple Sausage and Rice

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

This sausage and rice skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines smoked sausage, bell peppers, and white rice to create a hearty and satisfying dish packed with bold flavors. With minimal cleanup and a 30-minute total cooking time, this recipe is a lifesaver on nights when you need dinner fast. You can easily customize it by swapping the type of sausage, adding a touch of spice like cayenne or red pepper flakes, or including extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more variety. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes the perfect finishing touch.
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Rose
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:42:11 GMT
SAUSAGE AND RICE SKILLET Pin it
SAUSAGE AND RICE SKILLET | lovelylifewithrose.com

This Sausage and Rice Skillet transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that's become a cornerstone in my weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice creates a harmonious blend that's both satisfying and delicious, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

I've made this recipe countless times, adjusting it slightly each time until reaching this perfect version. My family especially loves gathering around the table when they smell the aromatic combination of sautéed garlic and peppers wafting through the house.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • White Rice: Choose long-grain rice for fluffy, separate grains that won't clump together
  • Smoked Sausage: Look for fully cooked varieties with a firm texture and rich color
  • Bell Peppers: Select peppers that feel heavy and have glossy, smooth skin
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm bulbs without any sprouting
  • Tomato Paste: Opt for double-concentrated paste for deeper flavor
  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium allows better control over the final seasoning

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1:
Cook rice separately following package instructions, ensuring each grain remains distinct
Step 2:
Achieve a golden-brown crust for maximum flavor development
Step 3:
Cook until just tender while maintaining some crunch
Step 4:
Create a rich base by caramelizing tomato paste with broth
Step 5:
Combine elements carefully to maintain texture integrity

The bell peppers in this dish hold a special place in my heart. My grandmother always insisted on using both red and yellow peppers not just for color, but because she believed they added a natural sweetness that balanced the smoky sausage perfectly.

Storage and Meal Prep

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually develop further overnight, creating an even more delicious lunch the next day. I often make a double batch specifically for this reason.

Chef's Notes and Tips

  • Toast the rice in olive oil before cooking for enhanced nutty flavor
  • Let the sausage develop a good crust before stirring - patience is key
  • Reserve some chicken broth to adjust consistency at the end

After years of making this dish, I've come to appreciate how it embodies the perfect balance between convenience and comfort. It's a recipe that proves you don't need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a meal that brings people together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use Andouille, chorizo, turkey, or any sausage of your choice.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for extra heat.
→ Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or your favorite vegetables.
→ What cheese would work well with this dish?
Cheddar or Parmesan cheese can be stirred in for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it on the stove or microwave when ready to serve.

Easy Sausage Rice Skillet

A hearty one-pan sausage and rice dinner recipe, perfect for busy nights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Skillet

01 1 1/4 cups uncooked white rice
02 2 teaspoons olive oil
03 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
04 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
07 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 1/2 teaspoon kosher sea salt
09 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 5 tablespoons tomato paste
11 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
12 1 teaspoon paprika
13 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once done.

Step 02

In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring both sides are browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 03

Using the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an extra minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage.

Step 04

Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Stir in the tomato paste and 3/4 cup of chicken broth, whisking until combined. Let it simmer for about a minute, then mix in the paprika and cayenne pepper for seasoning.

Step 05

Return the cooked rice, browned sausage, remaining chicken broth, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Stir everything together until evenly mixed and heated through.

Step 06

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. This one-pan dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day.
  2. Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the seasoned rice and vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~