One-Pan Sausage Rice Dinner

This hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet has been my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory smoked sausage and fluffy rice creates a complete meal in just one pan, making it perfect for both family dinners and meal prep.

I first made this dish when my sister unexpectedly dropped by with her hungry kids after soccer practice. With just what I had in my pantry and fridge, this skillet saved the day and has since become our favorite last-minute dinner solution.

Ingredients

• White rice Provides the hearty base for this dish and soaks up all the delicious flavors
• Olive oil Just enough to brown the sausage and bring out its flavor
• Smoked sausage Look for a quality smoked sausage with visible spices for the best flavor
• Bell peppers Red and yellow varieties add sweetness and vibrant color
• White onion Adds essential aromatic flavor and slight sweetness when caramelized
• Garlic Fresh cloves provide that unmistakable depth of flavor
• Tomato paste Concentrated flavor that creates the foundation of the sauce
• Chicken broth Use low sodium so you can control the salt level
• Paprika Adds a subtle smoky quality that complements the sausage perfectly
• Cayenne pepper Just a pinch brings gentle heat without overwhelming the dish
• Fresh parsley Brightens the final dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice

Begin by cooking your rice according to package directions in a separate saucepan. This ensures perfectly cooked rice that will maintain its texture when added to the skillet later. For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water.

Brown the Sausage

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat until hot, then add olive oil and let it shimmer. Add sliced sausage and cook until deeply browned on both sides, about 5 minutes total. This caramelization is crucial for developing rich flavor. Remove the browned sausage and set aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the colorful bell peppers and onion to the same skillet, letting them pick up all those delicious browned bits from the sausage. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some texture. Add the minced garlic along with salt and pepper, cooking just until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Remove this vegetable mixture and set aside with the sausage.

Create the Sauce Base

Add tomato paste directly to the empty skillet along with about three quarters cup of chicken broth, whisking to combine. Let this mixture simmer for a minute, allowing the tomato paste to bloom and release its full flavor. Stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper to infuse the sauce with warming spices.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Add the reserved sausage, peppers, onions, and remaining chicken broth, gently folding everything together until well combined and heated through. This final step allows all the components to meld together beautifully.

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The smoked sausage is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered this when I made it with a premium apple wood smoked sausage from our local butcher. The depth of flavor was incredible compared to standard grocery store varieties. My family still talks about that version, and now I splurge on quality sausage whenever I make this dish for special occasions.

Make-Ahead Tips

This skillet dish works beautifully for meal prep and can be prepared in stages to save time. Cook the rice up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also slice all the vegetables and sausage the night before and keep them in separate containers in the fridge. When dinnertime arrives, simply follow the cooking steps with your prepped ingredients for an even faster meal.

Easy Variations

The basic recipe serves as a wonderful canvas for different flavor profiles. For an Italian inspired version, substitute Italian sausage and add a half teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end. For Cajun flair, use spicy andouille sausage and incorporate a half teaspoon of Cajun seasoning into the sauce. You could also transform it into a Spanish inspired dish with chorizo and a pinch of saffron.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sausage and rice skillet straight from the pan for a rustic presentation that minimizes dishes. A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes the perfect side dish. For heartier appetites, warm crusty bread is excellent for sopping up any remaining sauce. If you want to stretch the meal further, add a fried egg on top of each portion for extra protein and a silky sauce when the yolk breaks.

Storage Instructions

This recipe makes excellent leftovers that actually improve in flavor overnight. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally for even heating.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of sausage works best in this skillet dish?

This versatile dish works well with various sausages. The recipe calls for smoked sausage, but you can easily substitute Italian sausage for an Italian-inspired version or andouille sausage for a Cajun twist. Polish kielbasa, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage can be used based on your preference or dietary needs.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking method. Since brown rice takes longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes), prepare it separately according to package directions before adding it to the skillet with the other ingredients. This substitution will add more fiber and nutrients to your meal.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, you can add more cayenne pepper (up to ¼ teaspoon), include red pepper flakes (½-1 teaspoon), use a spicy variety of smoked sausage, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers, or incorporate hot sauce to taste when serving. Adjust gradually according to your spice preference.

→ What can I use instead of bell peppers?

If you don't have bell peppers on hand, you can substitute with zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, broccoli florets, or frozen mixed vegetables. For a different flavor profile, try using roasted red peppers from a jar (drained and chopped). Each alternative will bring its own unique texture and taste to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this sausage and rice skillet is excellent for meal prep. Prepare the entire dish, cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, and heat either in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed. The flavors often develop and improve over time.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

The base recipe can be gluten-free, but you must verify the ingredients in your specific sausage brand, as some may contain gluten fillers. Also check your chicken broth and tomato paste for gluten-containing additives. With certified gluten-free versions of these products, the dish is naturally gluten-free as rice does not contain gluten.