Print

Sausage and Rice Skillet

Sausage and Rice Skillet

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal combining savory sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables to create a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. It’s easy to customize with your favorite proteins and veggies, making it a versatile, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb sausage (Italian or smoked, sliced or crumbled)

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice (uncooked)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 12 bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra veggies

Liquids

  • 1 cup canned tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan option)

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced or crumbled sausage and cook until browned and crisp around the edges. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Toast the rice briefly for 1 minute to enhance flavor and texture.
  4. Pour in Liquids: Add canned tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid to keep steam trapped.
  6. Return Sausage and Serve: Stir the browned sausage back into the skillet to reheat. Adjust seasoning as needed, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve warm. Optionally, top with shredded cheese to melt or other garnishes.

Notes

  • Use quality sausage to maximize flavor.
  • Toasting rice before cooking improves texture and flavor.
  • If canned tomatoes are watery, drain a bit to prevent soggy rice.
  • Cover skillet tightly while simmering to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
  • Let the skillet rest off heat for 5 minutes after cooking to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage skillet, one pan meal, quick dinner, sausage and rice, family dinner, easy skillet recipe, gluten free sausage recipe