If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and super easy to throw together, then you’re going to love this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together in one pan, with smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant bell peppers all mingling in a cozy skillet dinner. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together in one skillet, saving you time and cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Smoky sausage and sautéed veggies create a rich, satisfying taste without fuss.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can easily tweak seasonings for mild or spicy versions to suit your palate.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish – it’s a total crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe calls for simple ingredients you’ll probably have on hand or can easily find. The combination works beautifully because the sausage adds smokiness and fat, the peppers bring sweetness and crunch, and the rice soaks up all those amazing flavors.
- White rice: I use classic white rice for that fluffy, tender texture that absorbs the tasty skillet sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil: Just a bit to get the sausage nice and browned without sticking.
- Smoked sausage: The star of the show – smoky, savory, and juicy. Andouille or kielbasa works great!
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These add color, sweetness, and freshness to balance the richness.
- White onion: Gives a subtle sharpness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: For that unmistakable savory punch that amps up any dish.
- Kosher sea salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to lift all the flavors.
- Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato richness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish juicy and tender without overpowering it.
- Paprika and cayenne pepper: For warmth and a hint of heat – adjust the cayenne to your taste.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbal finish.
Variations
I love how versatile this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is — you can easily make it your own depending on your mood or what ingredients you have. Don’t hesitate to play around with spices and veggies!
- Italian Twist: I sometimes swap the smoked sausage for Italian sausage and add a pinch of Italian seasoning; it instantly feels like a new dish with that herby, savory profile.
- Cajun Kick: Using andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning turns this skillet into a spicy Cajun fiesta that my family devours!
- Veggie Boost: Whenever I want it lighter or colorful, I toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even some spinach—it adds freshness and nutrients.
- Rice Swap: Feel free to use brown rice for more fiber—just cook it separately beforehand since it takes longer to soften.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Rice
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. I find using a small saucepan works best here so you can focus on the skillet later. Getting fluffy rice ready ahead avoids sogginess in the final dish. Patience here pays off!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the smoked sausage and cook until nicely browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Browning gives that beautiful caramelized flavor that makes this recipe sing. Once browned, take the sausage out and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onion. Let those cook for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Then add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring for just a minute until fragrant. That garlic smell is the sign that things are coming together!
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Combine Everything
Next up: tomato paste and chicken broth! Whisk them together in the hot skillet to make a rich base, letting it simmer for a minute to blend those flavors nicely. Stir in paprika and cayenne for that warm, smoky heat. Then fold in the cooked rice, browned sausage, remaining broth, peppers, and onions. Mix everything gently until combined and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve up while it’s piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage: It adds depth and that irresistible smoky flavor—trust me, it makes a huge difference.
- Cook Rice Separately: I learned this the hard way—cooking rice separately ensures it doesn’t turn mushy from overcooking in the skillet.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Start light with cayenne pepper; you can always add more later if you like it hotter.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It retains heat evenly and helps caramelize ingredients beautifully without burning.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnish is fresh chopped parsley—it adds a bright, fresh pop that balances the rich sausage and tomato paste flavors. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese on top too, like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a creamy, melty layer that’s seriously addictive.
Side Dishes
I often serve this skillet with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli for extra veggies. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully if you want to turn it into a heartier meal. It’s such a flexible main course!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate this dish in hollowed-out bell pepper “bowls” for a fun and colorful presentation. Another idea is to top it with a fried egg—adding rich yolk makes every bite even more comforting. These small touches always impress guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sausage and Rice Skillet, pack leftover portions into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. This dish stores well for 3-4 days. I like to cool it quickly before refrigerating to keep flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, this skillet freezes beautifully. Just cool it to room temperature, transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do it gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and avoid drying out the sausage or rice. This really helps maintain that fresh, just-made charm.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of rice in this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While white rice cooks faster and absorbs flavors beautifully, you can substitute brown rice or even jasmine rice. Just be sure to cook the rice fully before adding it to the skillet, as different rice types have varied cooking times.
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Can I make this recipe with turkey or chicken sausage?
Yes! Turkey or chicken sausage are great leaner alternatives. Keep in mind they may have less fat, so add a bit more olive oil for flavor and moisture. Also, check the seasoning on the sausage so you can adjust the spices accordingly.
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How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat thanks to paprika and cayenne pepper. If you prefer it mild, reduce or omit the cayenne. For extra kick, add more cayenne or toss in some chopped jalapeños when sautéing the peppers.
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What if I don’t have tomato paste?
Tomato paste adds depth and richness but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, though it will make the sauce a bit thinner. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain the balance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe enough for busy nights when you want a warm, satisfying meal without a ton of effort or washing up. It’s flavorful, adaptable, and always a hit with my family and friends. Next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious, give this a try—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe features tender smoked sausage cooked with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all combined with fluffy white rice and a rich tomato paste sauce. It’s a quick, hearty, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, with optional Italian or Cajun seasoning variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 1/4 cup white rice (uncooked)
Main Dish
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 12 oz package smoked sausage
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 5 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a small saucepan, cook the white rice according to the package’s directions until tender and fluffy.
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once hot. When the oil shimmers, add the smoked sausage pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, cooking for about 1 minute more until fragrant. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Prepare tomato sauce: Add tomato paste and about 3/4 cup of the chicken broth to the skillet and whisk to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 minute to develop flavor. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and stir everything together until fully incorporated and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For an Italian twist, substitute Italian sausage for smoked sausage and add 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
- For a Cajun flavor, use andouille sausage and add 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for 2-3 months.
- When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth and stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
