If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, simple, and packed with layers of flavor, look no further than this Sausage and Rice Recipe. Imagine juicy, smoky sausage, colorful veggies, fluffy rice, and a savory tomato broth—all bubbling away in one skillet. This is that magical kind of dish that comes together fast enough for weeknights but feels like something you’d happily serve to family or friends. Whether you’re new to skillet dinners or you make them every week, this one is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sausage and Rice Recipe is how each ingredient plays its role in making the dish shine—nothing is fussy, and everything brings big flavor or satisfying texture. Let’s go over what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!

Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and vegetables, adding richness and depth to the pan.
Smoked sausage: The star of the show, offering smoky, savory bites; use your favorite kind for a personal touch.
Onion: Brings sweetness and aroma, which forms the essential base for so many classic dishes.
Green bell pepper: Adds color and a touch of earthy, fresh flavor for balance.
Garlic: Just two cloves (minced) turn up the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and boosts color, tying in nicely with the sausage.
Dried thyme: Adds a hint of herby brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs all those lovely flavors and cooks up perfectly tender in the skillet.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with extra savoriness—use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
Can of diced tomatoes (undrained): Lends acidity, color, and an extra layer of flavor to the mix.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust as needed for your palate.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch that elevates the final look and taste of the dish.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s nice and warm, add the sliced smoked sausage. Let it sizzle away until it’s gorgeously browned on both sides—this takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Those caramelized bits at the bottom? That’s pure flavor, so don’t let them burn! Scoop out the sausage and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper

In the same pan—no need to clean it—add your diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies look softened and just a bit translucent. They should be picking up some of those wonderful sausage flavors left in the pan.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Paprika, and Thyme

Time for a burst of aromatics! Toss in the minced garlic along with the paprika and dried thyme. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; this wakes up the spices and makes the garlic fragrant without letting it brown too much.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the long grain white rice directly to the pan. Stir to coat each grain with the oil and seasonings. This little step ensures the rice absorbs maximum flavor and gives your final dish that irresistible, slightly nutty undertone.

Step 5: Combine Liquids and Sausage

Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine everything—scraping up any lingering browned bits from the pan. Now, pop the browned sausage back into the skillet to mingle.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it all simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will soak up all that goodness and become nice and fluffy. Peek near the end to make sure the liquid is mostly absorbed and nothing’s sticking to the bottom.

Step 7: Fluff and Finish

Uncover your skillet and fluff the Sausage and Rice Recipe with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. For that perfect finishing touch, sprinkle over some freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve Sausage and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

While this Sausage and Rice Recipe is plenty tasty on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions brings an eye-catching pop of green and freshness to every bite. If you like a kick, consider a dusting of smoked paprika or even a shake of hot sauce over the top before serving.

Side Dishes

You can absolutely serve this dish solo and it’ll be a hit, but if you want to round out the meal, think crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or a simple side of roasted vegetables. A loaf of crusty bread doesn’t hurt either, perfect for soaking up any last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up by serving the Sausage and Rice Recipe in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. For gatherings, spoon it into colorful bell pepper halves and bake until the peppers are tender. Or plate it family-style in a large shallow dish, letting everyone dig in and customize with their favorite toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Sausage and Rice Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for later? No problem! Spoon portions of the cooled dish into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat for easy storage, and the Sausage and Rice Recipe will keep for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date so you never lose track.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s looking dry. You can also microwave individual servings—cover loosely and heat, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer simmer time. Add an extra ½ cup of broth and check the package instructions for timing, usually around 40 to 45 minutes for brown rice to become tender.

What’s the best type Main Course

Smoked sausage works wonderfully, but this dish is flexible! Try kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey or chicken sausage for different flavors and spice levels. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the skillet.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients and steps stay exactly the same, so it’s an easy adaptation.

What can I add for extra heat?

A little red pepper flake, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños sautéed with the onion and pepper will add a punchy kick—customize the spice level to suit your own palate (or the crowd you’re feeding!).

Do I need a cast iron skillet for this Sausage and Rice Recipe?

While a cast iron pan adds a little rustic vibe and helps things brown nicely, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan with a lid will work just fine. Use what you have, and the results will be just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both homey and bursting with flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Sausage and Rice Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike. I hope this one earns a regular spot in your kitchen—give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!

Sausage and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal, this Sausage and Rice recipe is a delicious combination of smoked sausage, vegetables, rice, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
1 small onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, paprika, and thyme; cook for 30 seconds.
Add Rice and Liquid: Add rice to the pan, stir to coat with spices. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes; stir to combine. Return sausage to the pan.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use any variety of fully cooked sausage, such as kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage.
Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Brown rice can be used but will require additional liquid and longer cooking time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Southern