Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory sausage, tender rice, and colorful vegetables. This easy Sausage and Rice Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a balanced and comforting dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Protein
- 12 oz sausage (Italian, smoked, or favorite type), sliced into bite-sized pieces
Rice and Grains
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers and onions finely, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage pieces until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the leftover sausage fat, cook the onions, peppers, and garlic until onions become translucent and peppers soften, releasing a sweet aroma.
- Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet along with chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Return the sausage to the skillet and mix evenly.
- Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and broth absorbed. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
- Final Touches: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use quality sausage with natural casings for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip browning sausage and veggies to build flavor depth.
- Long-grain white rice gives fluffier results; brown rice requires longer cooking time.
- Adjust broth quantity based on rice type and preferred moisture level.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to retain vibrant color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: sausage, rice skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner, gluten-free, easy recipe, sausage and rice
