If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome, and downright delicious meal that comes together in one pan, you are going to adore this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. Packed with smoky sausage, tender veggies, and fluffy rice infused with fragrant herbs and spices, this dish hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to impress anyone at the table. Once you try this one, it might just become your go-to meal when you want something hearty and fuss-free!

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients often make the best dishes, and this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is no exception. Each item on this list plays an essential role—whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing a pop of color to your plate.

1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness without overpowering the other flavors.
12 oz smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced: Provides that smoky, savory backbone and meaty texture that makes this dish so special.
1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth once softened in the skillet.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings vibrant color along with a mild, sweet crunch for contrast.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers an irresistible aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): The tender, fluffy grain that soaks up all the delicious flavors beautifully.
2 cups chicken broth: Enriches the rice with savory depth instead of just water, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky warmth and enhances the color with a subtle red hue.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces an earthy herbal note to balance the richness.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the dish’s full flavor potential.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Offers a fresh, verdant finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as the palate.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because browning develops rich, savory flavors and gives the sausage an appealing texture. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside to make room for the veggies.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Their natural sweetness will start to come alive here, creating a tasty foundation. Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds more—enough to release its fragrance without burning.

Step 3: Toasting the Rice and Adding Seasonings

Now, add the uncooked long-grain white rice directly into the skillet. Stir it around to coat each grain with the oil, onion, and pepper mixture. This gentle toasting step helps the rice develop a nuttier flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy. Next, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the top. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil, setting the stage for the rice to cook in all that fragrant liquid.

Step 4: Simmering Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it’s tender and has absorbed all the broth. Resist lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside, ensuring perfectly cooked rice. This patient cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Return the browned sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine it evenly with the cooked rice and vegetables. Heat everything through for another 2 to 3 minutes, so the sausage warms up again and the flavors integrate. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for that bright, fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.

How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes go a long way with this dish. Fresh chopped parsley gives a wonderful herbal freshness and a splash of green that contrasts beautifully with the rich tones of the sausage and rice. For an extra layer of flavor, you might also scatter sliced green onions or a few red pepper flakes to spice things up subtly.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal can shine as a stand-alone dinner, but pairing it with crisp, seasonal side dishes adds balance. A green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted or steamed vegetables offer additional texture and nutrients. Cornbread or crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any little bits left in the skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, serve the Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe right from the pan so everyone can dig in straight away. For a special occasion, plate it neatly in shallow bowls, layering with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. You can even use bell pepper halves as edible bowls, stuffing them with the skillet mixture for a fun twist that kids will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftover portions into airtight containers promptly after cooling to keep everything fresh and flavorful. Because it contains cooked sausage and rice, it holds its texture well without becoming dry or mushy.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal longer, freezing is an excellent option. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly. This careful reheating keeps the rice fluffy and the sausage juicy, preserving the delicious flavors you love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the smoked sausage for other varieties like chorizo, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage to suit your taste. Just keep in mind the seasoning differences as they can adjust the flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check the labels on your sausage and chicken broth to confirm they don’t contain any gluten additives or fillers.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

You can, but brown rice requires a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time—usually around 40 to 45 minutes. Adjust the broth amount accordingly and keep an eye on the texture for perfect results.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t very spicy by default, but you can easily add heat by using spicy sausage or sprinkling in red pepper flakes while cooking. It’s very adaptable to your preferred spice level.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine ingredients and follow the steps, which saves you some time on a busy day.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a cooking a hearty one-pan meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and comes together with ease. This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe offers all that and more—whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just whipping up something satisfying after a long day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it, and that it becomes a beloved recipe in your kitchen rotation for years to come.

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.3 from 60 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sausage and Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, tender rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients and easy steps to deliver a comforting Southern-inspired dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Seasonings

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds and cook for about 4–5 minutes until they are nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook them for 3–4 minutes until they soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, coating it well with the oil and sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine all flavors.
Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Combine and Heat Through: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly, and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat the sausage through.
Serve and Garnish: Optionally sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm as a satisfying main course.

Notes

For a spicy kick, use hot smoked sausage or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dish.
You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time and add extra liquid accordingly.
Ensure the chicken broth and sausage used are gluten-free if you need to maintain a gluten-free diet.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired