Sizzling Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a hearty sausage and rice skillet sparks joy in my kitchen every single time.

Savory aromas quickly fill the entire space with warmth and comfort.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

Home cooks appreciate meals combining protein and grains in one delicious pan.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating magic without complicated techniques or endless prep work.

Professional chefs and busy parents alike love how effortlessly this dish comes together.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that solves dinner dilemmas with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Sausage And Rice Skillet That Brings Comfort

• Quick and Simple Meal: Dive into a delicious one-pan wonder that combines smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice in a single skillet, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Packed with bold spices like paprika and cayenne, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of savory sausage and zesty vegetables that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Family Favorite: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this hearty dish appeals to both kids and adults, offering a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal cleanup.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit your family's preferences and taste buds.

Ingredients To Make Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Smoked Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds rich and hearty taste to the skillet dish.

• White Rice: A fluffy and neutral base that absorbs the delicious sauce and complements the sausage.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: A classic combination that provides sweetness, depth, and aromatic base for the skillet.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Creates a rich and concentrated base for the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add warmth and complexity to the skillet.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright and fresh herb that adds color and a light herbal note to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle flavor to the sausage and vegetables.

How To Cook Sausage And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Delicious Rice

Place white rice in a small saucepan and follow package instructions for perfect fluffy rice. Once cooked, set the rice aside and let it rest while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Grab a large cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high temperature. Pour olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Drop sliced smoked sausage into the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, turning to brown both sides evenly. Transfer sausage to a separate plate.

Step 3: Transform Vegetables

• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped onions

Saute the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent. Add minced garlic, sprinkle salt and black pepper, and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Remove vegetables and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

Return skillet to heat and add tomato paste and chicken broth.

Whisk ingredients until smooth and let the mixture simmer for one minute. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper to boost the flavor profile.

Step 5: Merge All Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Browned sausage
• Remaining chicken broth
• Sauteed peppers and onions

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure even heating and perfect flavor distribution.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top of the skillet.

Serve hot and savor the delightful blend of flavors.

Tips To Perfect Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains fluffy and separated when mixed into the skillet.
• Pat sausage slices dry with paper towels before browning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and develop deeper flavor caramelization.
• Select different colored bell peppers for visual appeal and varied nutritional benefits, adding brightness and texture to the dish.
• Adjust cayenne and paprika levels according to personal heat preference, starting with smaller quantities and gradually increasing for balanced warmth.
• Use medium-high heat consistently to prevent burning vegetables and maintain even cooking throughout the skillet preparation.

Variations To Mix Up Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Spicy Chorizo Swap: Replace smoked sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that adds extra heat and complexity to the dish.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or grilled tofu cubes, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb option that maintains the same delicious texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Use Italian sausage, swap bell peppers for zucchini, add oregano and basil, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired skillet meal.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Sausage And Rice Skillet

Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the smoky sausage and spicy peppers, enhancing the dish’s rich flavors with its bold fruity notes.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the skillet’s richness, adding a fresh and tangy contrast to the hearty meal.

Choose a spicy Belgian-style ale or amber lager that can stand up to the robust sausage and pepper combination, providing a complementary hoppy undertone.

Include a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious tomato and broth sauce, adding textural variety and extra enjoyment to the meal.

Proper Storage For Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled sausage and rice skillet to freezer-safe containers. Seal completely and freeze for 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa are perfect for this skillet dish, providing rich flavor and great texture.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, adjust the cayenne pepper amount to increase heat. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to suit your spice preference.

• Is this a one-pan meal?

Absolutely! This skillet recipe uses just one pan for cooking rice, sausage, vegetables, and combining everything, making cleanup super easy.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white rice, choose lean turkey sausage, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition.

Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet delivers comfort and flavor in one pan, blending savory Italian sausage with perfectly seasoned rice. Quick, satisfying meals come together effortlessly, giving you a delicious dinner solution that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquids:

• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) white rice (uncooked)
• 5 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare white rice in a small saucepan according to package instructions, then set aside at room temperature.
2. Warm a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil, and sear smoked sausage slices for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Transfer sausage to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and onions for 4-5 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
4. Create a sauce by whisking tomato paste with chicken broth in the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1 minute, then blend in paprika and cayenne pepper for depth of flavor.
5. Consolidate all components by returning cooked rice, browned sausage, remaining chicken broth, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Thoroughly mix and heat until everything is evenly warmed through.
6. Elevate the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Slice sausage uniformly to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Use a cast iron skillet for better heat distribution and deeper flavor development.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and nutty taste.
• Adjust cayenne pepper based on personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild to bold heat levels.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg