If there’s one thing I love more than a satisfying meal, it’s an easy one that delivers big on flavor. Enter: Sausage and Rice Skillet! This dish is all about simplicity, yet it packs a punch with its smoky sausage, sautéed veggies, and rich tomato sauce. Plus, it comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Quick & Easy: One pan is all you need, making cleanup a total breeze.
- Flavor-Packed: Smoky sausage, sweet peppers, savory onions, and a tangy tomato sauce come together to make every bite mouthwatering.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, tweak the spices, or add extra protein to make it your own.
- Comforting & Filling: Hearty sausage, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies make this a complete meal that will keep you satisfied.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Cooking the Rice
Start with 1 1/4 cups of white rice. The best way to prepare it is by following the instructions on the package—typically, bring water to a boil, add the rice, cover, and simmer until fluffy. Once it’s done, set it aside for the next step.
Pro Tip: For added flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish!
Step 2: Browning the Sausage
Next, we need 12 oz of smoked sausage. Smoked sausage is perfect because it already has tons of flavor, and when it crisps up in the pan, it becomes irresistible.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the sausage slices enough space to brown properly.
Step 3: Sautéing the Veggies
In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add:
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies soften. Then, add:
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Stir everything together and cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Set the veggies aside with the sausage.
Pro Tip: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies!
Step 4: Making the Flavor-Packed Sauce
To create a rich, tangy sauce, reduce the heat to medium and add:
- 5 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
Whisk the mixture together and let it simmer for about 1 minute. Stir in:
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for some smoky heat
Pro Tip: Feel free to add extra cayenne if you like your food with more spice!
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Now for the fun part—combine everything! Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir in the sausage and veggies. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: The Final Touch – Fresh Herbs & Serving
To finish off the dish, sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness. Give everything a gentle stir and serve hot.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have parsley, cilantro works great, too!
Ways to Customize This Dish
One of the best things about this Sausage and Rice Skillet is its versatility. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Swap the Sausage: Try andouille for extra spice, kielbasa for a milder flavor, or chorizo for a bold, smoky taste.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be delicious additions.
- Make It Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy, melty finish.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to lighten things up without losing flavor.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
- Minimal Cleanup: It all happens in one pan, which means less time scrubbing dishes!
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Smoky sausage, savory sauce, and sweet peppers come together in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can swap the smoked sausage for andouille, kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken or turkey sausage.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet is hearty on its own, but you could pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fried egg on top!
5. How can I make it spicier?
To kick up the heat, try doubling the cayenne, adding red pepper flakes, or using a spicier sausage like andouille.
6. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to prepare it separately before adding it to the skillet.
7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and use a plant-based alternative, or simply load up on more veggies. Use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Make This Sausage and Rice Skillet Tonight!
This Sausage and Rice Skillet is everything you want in a meal—quick, flavorful, and filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with smoky, savory goodness and just the right amount of spice. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!
So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Did you add a twist? Spice it up? I’d love to hear your creative spin on this dish!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your Sausage and Rice Skillet!