Name: Sausage and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups white rice (uncooked); 2 tsp olive oil; 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced); 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 fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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If you’re anything like me, you know the value of a quick, satisfying meal after a busy day. That’s where this Sausage and Rice Skillet comes in—packed with bold flavors, a bit of spice, and all the comfort of a hearty one-pot meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking just for yourself, this dish is a sure winner. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up! You’ll find it’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious supper without spending hours in the kitchen.

A close-up of Delicious Sausage and Rice with browned sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful bell peppers, showcasing a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I was looking for something quick yet hearty. I had rice, sausage, and a few veggies lying around, and before I knew it, I had made a dish that my whole family asked me to make again. The combination of smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice creates the ultimate comfort food that’s filling and satisfying. If you’re craving something with a little kick, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Rice Skillet

Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes!
One-Pan Wonder: No fuss, no mess—everything comes together in one skillet.
Hearty & Flavorful: With smoked sausage, bell peppers, and rice, it’s a meal that will keep you full.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spice it up to your liking!

Ingredients

This recipe uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, but feel free to get creative! Here’s what you’ll need:

Rice: Use uncooked white rice, which will absorb all the flavors from the sausage and seasonings as it cooks.
Olive oil: For sautéing, giving a nice richness to the vegetables and sausage.
Smoked sausage: Pick your favorite variety like andouille, kielbasa, or any other smoked sausage. Slice it into rounds to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Bell peppers: A combination of red and yellow bell peppers adds color and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory sausage.
Onion: A small white onion, quartered and sliced thinly. It will soften as it cooks and bring a slight sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced. Garlic is the foundation of flavor here, infusing the whole dish with a warm, aromatic note.
Kosher salt and black pepper: These are the basic seasonings for balancing out all the flavors. The salt enhances the ingredients, while the pepper adds a mild kick.
Tomato paste: This adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor and helps thicken the dish’s sauce.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth, divided, will bring all the ingredients together into a savory, flavorful sauce.
Paprika: The sweet version, not too spicy, but it’ll add depth and a lovely reddish color to the sauce.
Cayenne pepper: A dash of this gives the dish just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish to the dish

How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet

1. Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once it’s ready—you’ll be mixing it back into the skillet later.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the sliced smoked sausage. Let it brown for about 5 minutes, turning it until both sides are crispy and caramelized. Then, remove the sausage and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Once done, remove the veggies and set them aside with the sausage.

4. Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato paste and about 3/4 cup of the chicken broth. Whisk everything together until combined, and let it simmer for about a minute. Add in the paprika and cayenne pepper, which will give the dish its nice warm kick.

5. Combine Everything

Now for the fun part—add the cooked rice, sausage, veggies, and the remaining chicken broth back into the skillet. Stir it all together, ensuring everything is mixed well and heated through.

6. Garnish & Serve

Once everything is combined and hot, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

A close-up of Delicious Sausage and Rice in a dark skillet, showing browned sausage slices, fluffy rice, colorful bell peppers, onions, and fresh parsley, highlighting a flavorful one-pan meal.

Tips & Variations

Want more heat? You can increase the cayenne pepper or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
Change up the sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage—Andouille, chorizo, or even turkey sausage all work wonderfully here.
Make it cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy touch.
Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great additions if you want to sneak in more greens.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for brown rice, as it usually takes longer to cook.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

More Recipe Ideas

If you’re looking to try more delicious, easy recipes that pair well with rice or sausage, check out these links:

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a perfect weeknight meal—quick, flavorful, and full of comforting goodness. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on Instagram!

If you’re in the mood for more easy supper ideas with rice, give this recipe a try! And remember, you can always customize it to fit your preferences, so get creative and make it your own!

Happy Cooking!