If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dinner that delivers incredible flavor without leaving a pile of dishes behind, the Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal is going to be your new kitchen best friend. Imagine smoky sausage mingling with tender rice and veggies, all cooked together in a single skillet for an effortless, ultra-tasty family meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. The bonus? It all comes together in just over half an hour, making it your trusty go-to when neighbors pop by or when your own cravings demand real, robust flavor right now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these vibrant pantry staples and basic fridge ingredients—each one plays a unique role in building layers of savory, colorful, and irresistible results in your Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal.
- Olive oil: Creates a rich base for sautéing, adding heart-healthy flavor and helping everything caramelize beautifully.
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa (1 lb, sliced into rounds): The smoky, hearty centerpiece of this dish, lending a luxurious and toothsome bite.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Infuses the skillet with sweet, aromatic backbone and savory richness.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brings a pop of color and a subtle, tempting sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and classic “can’t-stop-eating” flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Deepens the smokiness and tints the rice a gorgeous red-orange hue.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Infuses a gentle herbal note that uplifts every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a gentle kick that wakes up the dish—add more if you love heat!
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Absorbs all the flavors and becomes irresistibly fluffy.
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Adds extra savory, layered flavor as the rice cooks to perfection.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Lend a burst of freshness, color, and tender sweetness at the end.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touches to balance all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Gives a final flourish of freshness and inviting color.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Let them sizzle until each side is beautifully browned—about 4 to 5 minutes. This browning step draws out the smoky goodness and forms the foundation for the rest of your Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal. Remove the sausage onto a plate and set aside; you’ll return it to the party later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (no need to wash—those sausage drippings are gold!), toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Stir and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant, and the onion is invitingly translucent. You’ll already notice the color and aroma amping up in the pan!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let these sizzle for just about a minute—enough to unlock their flavors and create an irresistible scent, but not too long to burn the garlic. This spice blend truly sets your Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal apart.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Pour in the uncooked rice, stirring gently to coat each grain in the aromatic oils and spices. This little trick gives the rice a wonderful nutty undertone and helps it absorb all the goodness that’s been building up in the skillet.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any flavor bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring it up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer away for about 15 minutes. The rice will plump up and soak in every ounce of smoky, herby goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Sausage and Peas
Finally, return the browned sausage to the skillet and sprinkle in the frozen peas. Stir to combine, then let everything cook together—uncovered—for 5 to 7 minutes. By the time the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, you’ll have a pan bursting with color, flavor, and excitement.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give your Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal a final taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a beautiful, fresh finish, and serve it up hot to hungry, eager eaters.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
Garnishes
A flurry of fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens the skillet, but you can get playful here! Try a shower of sliced green onions or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a tailored finish. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a delicious zing, especially if your crew loves a little citrusy sparkle.
Side Dishes
Honestly, the Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal is a complete feast on its own, but if you want extras, a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli makes a lovely contrast. Warm, crusty bread also never fails for scooping up those last morsels or sopping up any savory juices on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the skillet straight from the pan at the dinner table for a rustic, family-style vibe. For a more individual touch, portion it into shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of smoky crema or a tiny mountain of microgreens. If you’re taking it to a picnic or potluck, transfer to a lidded casserole and watch as it disappears right before your eyes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—just enough time for the flavors to meld and deepen, making those leftovers taste even better.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Spoon cooled servings into freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening for easy stacking. Label and date, then freeze for up to three months. To maintain the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, splashing in a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. Alternatively, microwave portions in a covered bowl, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Either way, you’ll revive that fresh-cooked flavor in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time, so plan to add an extra half cup of broth and simmer gently until the rice is tender and cooked through.
Which sausage works best for this recipe?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa are fantastic options for the Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal, but you can experiment with andouille for more heat, or even turkey sausage for a lighter touch.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The flavors and heartiness will still shine through!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal is naturally gluten-free, provided your sausage and broth are labeled as such. Always check packaging if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Diced zucchini, baby spinach, or even mushrooms will mix in beautifully. Just add them with the onion and bell pepper, or stir in greens like spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving hearty, hands-off comfort food that brings everyone running to the table, you have to try the Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal at least once. From its vivid colors to its irresistible aroma, this dish will win over busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
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Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a delightful one-pan meal that is bursting with flavors. Smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant spices come together with rice in a savory dish that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the browned sausage and frozen peas, stir to combine, and cook uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using spicy sausage or adding a splash of hot sauce at the end.
- You can also stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
