If you’re looking for a dish that checks every box—comforting, flavorful, quick to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—the Sausage and Rice Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. Smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful veggies all come together in one pan for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy dinner for yourself, this Sausage and Rice Skillet brings warmth and joy to the table every single time.

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sausage and Rice Skillet is in its humble yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make this dish irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and a quick tip for each:

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
Smoked sausage (such as kielbasa): Brings smoky, savory depth—slice into rounds for the perfect bite.
Yellow onion: Lends sweetness and a savory base to the whole skillet.
Bell pepper (any color): Adds crunch and a pop of color—red, yellow, or green all work beautifully.
Garlic: Just two cloves pack a punch of aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
Long grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs all the flavors and keeps the dish light and fluffy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness—use low-sodium if you prefer.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and lovely color to the skillet.
Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herby note that ties everything together.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the ingredients without overpowering.
Ground black pepper: A classic seasoning that gives a mild kick.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat—add to taste.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top for melty, gooey goodness.
Chopped parsley: A fresh finishing touch for color and brightness.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your sliced sausage. Let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is beautifully browned and caramelized. This step unlocks the sausage’s smoky flavor and gives your Sausage and Rice Skillet a savory foundation.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and bell pepper straight into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are soft and fragrant. This not only builds flavor but also gives the dish a gorgeous color and a satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible! Be careful not to let it burn—just a quick sauté to infuse the oil and sausage with its pungent aroma.

Step 4: Add Rice, Spices, and Broth

Now it’s time for the magic. Add the uncooked rice right into the pan, along with chicken broth, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the rice is submerged in the flavorful broth.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your skillet and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all those incredible flavors, and the liquid will be absorbed. Try not to peek too often—keeping the lid on ensures perfectly tender rice.

Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Serve

Once the rice is tender, take the skillet off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This rest time lets everything settle and makes the rice even fluffier. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if you like, and finish with a generous handful of chopped parsley. Your Sausage and Rice Skillet is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a must for a burst of color and a hint of brightness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top melts into creamy pockets that make each bite irresistible. Add a few extra crushed red pepper flakes for a vibrant kick, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon for a pop of acidity.

Side Dishes

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables can round out your meal beautifully. I also love serving it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every savory bite. If you want to keep things light, a cucumber-tomato salad pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Sausage and Rice Skillet in individual bowls with a variety of toppings—think extra cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. You can even scoop it into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful, edible serving vessel. This dish is also fantastic in a lunchbox or thermos for an easy, satisfying meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet stores beautifully! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you’ll be happy to know this dish freezes well. Let the skillet cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until everything is warmed through. The flavors only get better with time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While smoked sausage or kielbasa is classic, feel free to substitute with andouille, chorizo, or even a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to brown it well for the best taste and texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result is still hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. If you want to use brown rice, add extra broth and allow for a longer cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to become tender.

Can I add other vegetables to my Sausage and Rice Skillet?

Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try adding zucchini, corn, spinach, or even peas. Just be mindful of cooking times—add quicker-cooking veggies toward the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.

How spicy is this Sausage and Rice Skillet?

The level of heat is totally up to you. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out for a milder dish or add extra for some serious kick. Taste as you go and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a recipe that brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and simple prep—all in just one pan. I hope you give this Sausage and Rice Skillet a try soon; it’s a dish that always delivers big smiles and empty plates. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your dinner table!

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky sausage, sautéed vegetables, and tender rice simmered in spices and chicken broth, it’s a comforting and easy recipe that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Rice and Seasonings

1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Toppings

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine Rice and Spices: Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together well to combine.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb the flavors and finish cooking. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Add Cheese and Garnish: If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top while still warm so it melts. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve the skillet warm and enjoy!

Notes

Using brown rice is possible, but you will need to increase the chicken broth to about 2 1/2 cups and extend the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender.
This recipe is very versatile – feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or adjust according to your heat preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American