Sausage and Rice Skillet

Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s easy to make and full of savory, hearty ingredients. This dish combines smoky sausage with tender rice and a mix of colorful bell peppers and onions, all cooked together in a rich, seasoned broth. The addition of paprika and cayenne pepper brings just the right amount of warmth, while the tomato paste adds depth and a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy nights when you want something simple yet packed with flavor.

The beauty of this Sausage and Rice Skillet lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a complete, comforting meal in under an hour. It’s also highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking. This dish is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the perfect combination of smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables. The seasoning is bold and flavorful, with paprika and cayenne pepper adding a deliciously warm kick without overwhelming the dish. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning you’ll have fewer dishes to clean up afterward—always a win!

The recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add additional veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even tomatoes to enhance the dish and make it your own. The rice soaks up the savory broth, making each bite delicious and satisfying. It’s easy, quick, and will leave everyone at the table wanting more!

Ingredients

For the Skillet:

• 1 1/4 cup 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)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for an extra spicy twist.
• Different Meats: Swap out the smoked sausage for chicken sausage, andouille sausage, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Rice Substitutes: If you prefer a low-carb option, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and sauté until they begin to brown and become crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir to coat the vegetables. Sprinkle in the paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the tomato paste has evenly coated the vegetables.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Rice

Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet and loosen any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer and allow it to reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Combine the Sausage and Rice

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the cooked rice. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth and stir everything together. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the rice and sausage are fully combined and heated through, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sausage Tips: If you want extra crispy sausage, cook it in batches, allowing enough space between the slices to crisp up in the pan.
• Rice Tips: Make sure to fluff the rice before adding it to the skillet to prevent it from clumping together. This will help the rice absorb the flavors evenly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit it entirely.
• Add-ins: This dish is great with additional vegetables such as corn, peas, or even chopped tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

How to Serve

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. You can also serve it alongside a simple green vegetable, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach, for added nutrition.

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. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth to help restore the creaminess and prevent the dish from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use chicken sausage, andouille sausage, or even ground sausage in place of smoked sausage for different flavors.

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

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when ready to serve.

5. Can I use instant rice?

You can use instant rice, but it may not absorb the broth as well as long-grain rice, so the texture might be slightly different.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños to the skillet for an extra kick of heat.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and use plant-based sausage or another vegetarian protein source for a meat-free version.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian or to suit dietary preferences.

9. How long will this dish last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Sausage and Rice Skillet for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat it thoroughly when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal that brings together smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth. The combination of spices, including paprika and cayenne pepper, gives it just the right amount of warmth and depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for a family meal, this dish is a perfect go-to recipe that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Enjoy the rich, smoky goodness of Sausage and Rice Skillet, and share it with friends and family for a meal they’ll love!

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