Description
One-Pan Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice is an easy and flavorful skillet meal combining smoky smoked sausage, tender rice, and a tangy BBQ sauce blend. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a single pan, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Rice & Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Dish: Return the browned sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile—smoky, spicy, or sweet varieties work well.
- This recipe is flexible and can be made with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully, making it great for packed lunches the next day.
