Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

When you’re craving a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor, Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect choice. This dish brings together savory sausage, tender rice, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup. The sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor to the rice, while the seasonings elevate the dish, making it satisfying and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sausage and Rice Skillet can be customized with your favorite veggies or different types of sausage, making it a versatile and quick meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a flavorful lunch, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder

This recipe is a one-pan dish, which means minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Everything cooks together in the same skillet, infusing the rice with the savory flavors of the sausage.

2. Hearty and Filling

The combination of sausage and rice makes this dish filling and satisfying, perfect for a comforting dinner that will keep you full all night.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.

4. Customizable

You can easily modify this dish by adding different veggies, adjusting the spice level, or swapping the sausage for a different type, like chicken or turkey sausage.

5. Packed with Flavor

The sausage infuses the rice with a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasonings and vegetables, creating a deliciously balanced dish.

Ingredients

• Sausage (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or any sausage of your choice)
• Olive oil
• Onion (diced)
• Bell pepper (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Rice (white or brown)
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes (canned)
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini to make the dish even more nutritious.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb.
• Different Sausages: You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a different twist on the recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes (for white rice) or 30-40 minutes (for brown rice), or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Combine Sausage and Rice

Once the rice is cooked, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to taste. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. You can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Pre-Cooked Sausage: If you’re using precooked sausage, like smoked sausage, you can skip the step of cooking it all the way through and just brown it in the pan for extra flavor.

2. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings, such as oregano, thyme, or chili powder, to create a unique flavor profile.

3. Rice Type: If you’re using brown rice, it will require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly and add a bit more broth if needed.

4. Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is large enough to cook everything in one layer. If needed, use a bigger pan or cook in batches.

5. Check Rice for Doneness: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the suggested time, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking until tender.

How to Serve

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a one-pot meal, so it can be served as is for a complete, satisfying dinner. Pair it with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or some garlic bread to round out the meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can also be added for extra richness.

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. Reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little extra broth to keep the rice from drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can use Italian sausage, smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage depending on your preference.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add spicy sausage, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños to the recipe.

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

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and may need to add extra broth.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas to increase the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I use frozen sausage?

You can use frozen sausage, but make sure to thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

7. How can I make this dish low-carb?

To make this dish low-carb, simply swap the rice for cauliflower rice. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

8. How do I make the rice extra fluffy?

To make the rice fluffy, make sure to measure your broth and rice ratio accurately and don’t stir the rice too much while it’s cooking.

9. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use jasmine, basmati, or even wild rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of rice you use.

10. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, a sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can be added just before serving for extra richness.

Conclusion

Sausage and Rice Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With savory sausage, tender rice, and plenty of seasonings, this dish is both hearty and comforting. It’s highly customizable, easy to make, and full of flavor, making it a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you enjoy it with a side salad or on its own, this skillet meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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