Sausage and Rice Skillet
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.
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.