If you love meals that come together quickly but deliver big on flavor and comfort, this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. Full of smoky sausage rounds mingling with tender rice, sweet peppers, and a touch of spice, it’s a joyous celebration of simple ingredients coming together in one hearty, satisfying skillet. Perfect for weeknights when you want a fuss-free dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this recipe brings vibrant color and bold taste with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack incredible flavor into every bite. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy notes, while also giving the dish wonderful texture and appealing color.
- Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced into rounds): The star protein that brings a rich smoky depth and satisfying bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing and lending a fruity richness to the base of the dish.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a slight crunch that softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Provides bright color and a fresh, sweet flavor that lightens every mouthful.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth and depth.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Absorbs all the juices and seasonings for a fluffy, tender texture.
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): The cooking liquid that enriches the rice and ties all flavors together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, undrained): Adds moisture, acidity, and a subtle tangy brightness.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky sweetness and beautiful color highlight.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): An earthy herb note that lifts the overall flavor complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and flavor enhancement.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild spicy kick that balances the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little heat, it adds lively warmth without overpowering.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Adds a burst of sweetness and a vibrant pop of green color at the end.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh herbal finish that brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage rounds and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step releases the sausage’s smoky oils and sets the flavor foundation for the whole dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet with those leftover savory bits, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. These soften up as you sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, absorbing all that meaty flavor. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it becomes fragrant but not burnt—this aromatic boost is key to a rich, layered taste that makes the dish so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, stir in the rice and let it toast for about 2 minutes. This simple step helps the rice soak up the oils and flavors around it, which gives it a nuttier taste and prevents it from clumping later on. Keep stirring to coat every grain in that delicious mixture of olive oil, garlic, and sautéed veggies.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, including all the juice. Then sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the skillet to a boil. This boiling point signals that the flavors are about to meld beautifully as the rice cooks.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. This is where the rice absorbs all liquid and flavors, becoming tender and perfectly cooked. Avoid peeking too often, as the steam trapped inside is what makes this dish so wonderfully moist and fluffy.
Step 6: Finish with Sausage and Peas
With the rice tender and the mix aromatic, it’s time to stir the browned sausage back in along with the frozen peas. Cook the combined skillet for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the peas regain their bright green snap. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a fresh, colorful finishing flourish.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh parsley is traditional and brightens the dish with herbaceous notes, but you can also try sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for some creamy contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a pleasant zing that wakes up the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables adds satisfying crunch and freshness. Warm crusty bread is another fantastic companion to soak up any extra juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the sausage and rice skillet in colorful individual cast iron skillets or shallow bowls. You can also top with shredded cheese melted under a broiler for a cheesy crust or add sliced avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce for a lively twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This sausage and rice skillet tastes just as good the next day. Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers very satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags. This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, andouille, or even chicken sausage are excellent alternatives that bring distinct flavors while maintaining the smoky, savory essence of the dish.
Is this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you ensure the sausage and chicken broth you use don’t contain gluten. Always check the labels to be sure.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Though sausage is a key flavor player here, you could substitute it with smoked or spicy plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian while preserving much of the taste profile.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe has mild heat, but the addition of red pepper flakes is optional for those who want a little more punch. You can adjust spice levels to suit your taste easily.
Can I prepare this in advance and reheat for a quick meal?
Yes! This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is ideal for meal prep. Cook it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat quickly when you need a warm, delicious dinner without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about a one-pan meal that comes together quickly yet feels like a special occasion every time. This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe offers that perfect combination. It’s versatile, colorful, and packed with bold flavors that promise to please your family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes for easy, comforting dinners. So grab your skillet, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen!
Print
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner featuring smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it combines rich flavors with simple ingredients cooked entirely on the stovetop for an easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until it is lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to retain its texture and flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to coat the rice in oil and aromatics, enhancing its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Season the mixture with paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything well and bring the skillet to a boil.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavorful liquid.
- Combine and Heat Through: Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stir the browned sausage and frozen peas back into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the dish is evenly warmed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a fresh finish. Serve hot, enjoying this simple and flavorful one-pan meal.
Notes
- You can swap the smoked sausage for kielbasa, andouille, or chicken sausage without altering the cooking method.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add Cajun seasoning during the seasoning step.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat nicely in a skillet to preserve texture.
