Name: Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian sausage, kielbasa, or smoked sausage work well); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean sausage, otherwise you can skip this); 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth (or water); 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika if you like extra smokiness); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for color and texture); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect weeknight meal that combines savory sausage, hearty rice, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a quick and easy dish that packs a punch with bold, flavorful ingredients and comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger and taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. The rice absorbs all the savory flavors from the sausage and vegetables, creating a delicious, cohesive dish with minimal effort.

2. Hearty and Filling

With sausage, rice, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is a complete meal that’s both filling and comforting. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner.

3. Quick and Easy

In just 30 minutes, you can have a fully cooked, flavorful meal on the table. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method make it an excellent option for even the busiest cooks.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Add more veggies, use a different type of sausage, or spice it up with hot sauce or chili flakes—this dish is versatile and adaptable to your preferences.

5. Packed with Flavor

The combination of sausage, garlic, and seasoned rice creates a rich and savory flavor profile. Plus, the sausage adds a satisfying protein element, while the rice makes the dish hearty and filling.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian, smoked, or any variety you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Sausage: Use spicy sausage for an extra kick, or add chili flakes to the dish for some heat.
Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
Different Sausage: Try different types of sausage, such as turkey sausage, chorizo, or chicken sausage, for a lighter or more exotic variation.
Rice Alternatives: Swap the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture and nutritional profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the vegetables and oils. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Rice

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Lid: When simmering the rice, make sure to cover the skillet. This helps trap the steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Sausage Choices: You can use any type of sausage—just make sure it’s cooked through before adding the rice. If using raw sausage, be sure to cook it all the way before adding the rice and broth.
Adjust the Broth: If you’re using brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly the amount of broth to allow the rice to cook fully.

How to Serve

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

Side Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: For some extra flavor, serve with crispy garlic bread to help scoop up any leftover sauce.
Steamed Veggies: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus can add some extra color and nutrients to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, add a bit of chicken broth or water to the skillet and warm over low heat until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add more broth.

2. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and replace it with plant-based sausage or just add extra veggies and beans to make a hearty, vegetarian version.

4. Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Yes, you can use any sausage you like—chicken, turkey, or even a spicy sausage like chorizo for more heat.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and ensure that your broth is gluten-free.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or spicy sausage to the dish to give it a fiery kick.

7. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While this recipe is quick, you can make it in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

8. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but if you’d like to add a cheesy element, opt for dairy-free cheese or simply skip it.

9. Can I make this recipe with rice other than white rice?

Yes, you can substitute with brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or any time you need a quick and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the perfect blend of sausage, rice, and vegetables, all cooked together in one pan!