This Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect dinner recipe that combines smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant veggies—all cooked in one pan for an easy, no-fuss meal in 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a comforting family dinner, this one-pan dish delivers incredible taste with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Rice Skillet
- One-Pan Simplicity: Less mess, more flavor!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to match your taste and dietary needs.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Perfect for feeding the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Main Ingredients:
- Smoked Sausage – Adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish.
- Rice – Fluffy and perfectly absorbs all the flavors.
- Tomato Paste – Brings a rich, concentrated tomato taste.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory goodness.
- Bell Peppers & Onion – Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- Garlic – Enhances the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Paprika & Cayenne Pepper – Gives a touch of smokiness and heat.
- Salt & Black Pepper – To balance and enhance the flavors.
- Olive Oil – Helps in sautéing and bringing everything together.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Extra Vegetables: Try mushrooms, zucchini, peas, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Cook the Rice – Prepare rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the sliced sausage until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies – In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Build the Sauce – Add tomato paste and ¾ cup chicken broth. Stir well and let simmer for 1-2 minutes. Mix in paprika and cayenne for an extra kick.
- Combine Everything – Stir in the cooked rice, browned sausage, remaining chicken broth, and sautéed veggies. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Sausage and Rice Skillet
1. Choose the Right Sausage
- Smoked sausage gives a deep, rich flavor.
- Kielbasa, chorizo, or turkey sausage work great as substitutes.
2. Get the Texture Right
- Use long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati for fluffier results.
- Let the rice absorb flavors by simmering it with broth instead of just adding pre-cooked rice.
3. Make It Healthier
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
- Use lean turkey or chicken sausage to cut down on fat.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Freezing:
- Freeze in portions for easy meal prep.
- Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat with a little broth over low-medium heat.
- Microwave: Cover and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sausage and Rice Skillet with these delicious sides:
- Garlic Bread – Complements the savory flavors.
- Green Salad – A fresh, light contrast to the rich dish.
- Steamed Vegetables – Adds extra nutrition and balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Uncooked Rice?
Yes! Just increase the broth to 2 cups and let the rice cook directly in the skillet.
2. What Other Proteins Can I Use?
You can swap sausage with diced chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take on this meal.
3. How Can I Make It Spicier?
Add extra cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to bring up the heat level.
4. Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
More Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake
- Honey Sriracha Chicken: A Sweet & Spicy Dinner Recipe
- BEST Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
- Creamy White Bean Tomato Soup
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Rice Skillet is the ultimate dinner recipe for anyone looking for a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking up a comforting dish for your family, this skillet recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Try it tonight and let the flavors speak for themselves!
Sausage and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup white rice - uncooked
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 12 oz pkg 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 – Prepare rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the sliced sausage until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies – In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Build the Sauce – Add tomato paste and ¾ cup chicken broth. Stir well and let simmer for 1-2 minutes. Mix in paprika and cayenne for an extra kick.
- Combine Everything – Stir in the cooked rice, browned sausage, remaining chicken broth, and sautéed veggies. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
1. Choose the Right Sausage
- Smoked sausage gives a deep, rich flavor.
- Kielbasa, chorizo, or turkey sausage work great as substitutes.
2. Get the Texture Right
- Use long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati for fluffier results.
- Let the rice absorb flavors by simmering it with broth instead of just adding pre-cooked rice.
3. Make It Healthier
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
- Use lean turkey or chicken sausage to cut down on fat.
