Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty meal that delivers bold flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen, this Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soul-satisfying, all-in-one dish where smoky sausage meets tender, perfectly cooked rice, all brought together with vibrant veggies and a touch of aromatic spices. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this one-pan wonder is an absolute crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup—a real winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this recipe. Each one is chosen to build layers of flavor and a perfect balance of texture and color that makes this dish as inviting to look at as it is to eat.
- Olive oil: Provides a healthy, flavorful fat base for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Smoked sausage: Use kielbasa or andouille for a smoky, savory depth that’s central to this dish.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and body as it softens during cooking.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness for balance.
- Garlic: Offers a punch of aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
- Paprika: Provides earthy warmth and a hint of vibrant color.
- Dried thyme: Introduces a gentle herbal note that complements the sausage’s spices.
- Long-grain white rice: The star starch that soaks up all the delicious juices perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness, making it far more flavorful than plain water.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the dish’s full flavor profile.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish giving a crisp bite and a bright hint of color on top.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until each side is beautifully browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step not only locks in the sausage’s smoky flavors but also creates those gorgeous caramelized edges that add texture and a savory punch. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside, so the next ingredients can soak up those delicious drippings.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Stir them around for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start to sweeten. Then, add the minced garlic, paprika, and dried thyme. Let them cook together for about 30 seconds, just enough time for the garlic to become fragrant and for the spices to bloom, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, stir in the long-grain white rice. Toasting the rice in the pan with the vegetables and spices for 1 to 2 minutes adds a subtle nuttiness that will make every bite more complex and satisfying. Keep stirring so the rice grains get coated and heated evenly without burning.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cook Everything Together
Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and gently stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the flavorful broth, and all the ingredients meld into one harmonious dish.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice set and ensures a fluffy texture. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds not just a splash of vibrant green but also a mild, zesty crunch that balances the richness of the sausage and rice perfectly. For extra flair, consider adding fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or even a dash of hot sauce for those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables work beautifully. Garlic bread or warm cornbread can elevate it too, especially when you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve straight from the skillet right at the table—it’s rustic, cozy, and inviting. If you’re meal prepping or bringing this dish to a potluck, portion it into individual bowls or colorful ceramic ramekins for an attractive show. You can also top individual servings with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream for an extra comforting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe keeps well for up to 3 or 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully and can be portioned into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator or warm refrigerated leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist, stirring gently until heated through, so it feels fresh and tasty as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier taste and higher fiber content, just remember to increase the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
What types of sausage work best in this recipe?
Smoked sausages like kielbasa or andouille are ideal because their smoky, robust flavor really shines. However, you can also use chicken sausage or any sausage you prefer for a lighter or different taste.
Is this Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and chicken broth. Always check package labels to make sure your ingredients are free from gluten if this is a concern.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach stirred in during the last 5 minutes of cooking are excellent additions that boost the nutrition and color of the dish without changing cooking times drastically.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper with the paprika or serve with hot sauce on the side. You can also choose a spicy sausage variety to deepen the heat level.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a skillet meal where everything cooks together, melding flavors beautifully while keeping things simple. This Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s effortlessly quick, irresistibly delicious, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to staple you reach for again and again.
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Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Sausage and Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring smoky sausage, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice all simmered together with spices in chicken broth, it delivers comforting Southern-inspired flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and dried thyme; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice, toasting it for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together well.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- For added vegetables, incorporate frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Use brown rice for a whole-grain option; however, adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free sausage and chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
