If you’re searching for a dish that brings together smoky, savory, and colorful flavors all in one hearty pan, look no further than this Sausage and Rice Skillet. It’s everything you crave in a quick comfort meal: juicy slices of smoked sausage, tender rice, bright veggies, and a gentle kick of spices. Best of all, cleanup is minimal and the whole family will be asking for seconds—trust me, this recipe never lasts long around my table!

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Sausage and Rice Skillet is that it transforms everyday ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying dinner. Each component is essential: the smoked sausage delivers big, bold flavor, while peppers and onion add sweetness and color, and spices tie everything together into a cozy skillet meal. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Sliced rounds are classic here; they infuse rich, meaty flavor while browning beautifully.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is enough to sauté the sausage and veggies, adding subtle richness without heaviness.
Onion: A diced onion brings a gentle, aromatic sweetness that’s the foundation of the skillet’s flavor.
Red bell pepper: For a pop of color and natural sweetness; feel free to swap in yellow or orange if that’s what you have.
Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, add bold aroma and depth—don’t skip it!
Long-grain white rice: This is the heart of the dish, soaking up all the savory goodness without getting mushy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with flavor and keeps the dish from turning bland; adjust salt if your broth isn’t low-sodium.
Smoked paprika: Lends a warm, smoky edge that heightens the sausage and adds beautiful color to the rice.
Dried oregano: Just a touch brings an herby, Mediterranean note that plays well with the sausage.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—start with the recipe amount and adjust to taste if needed.
Black pepper: A pinch of freshly ground pepper rounds everything out with mild heat.
Frozen peas: They offer sweetness and a burst of green—toss them in at the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.
Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect garnish, adding herby brightness and color to the finished dish.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and let it get golden and crispy around the edges—this only takes about five minutes, but that bit of browning works magic in the flavor department. Once everything is nice and caramelized, scoop out the sausage and set it aside for later; its delicious fond stays in the pan to flavor the veggies and rice.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out; you want every bit of that smoky flavor), toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become fragrant. This step builds the aromatic base that makes Sausage and Rice Skillet so unbelievably good.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—enough to wake up its flavor, but not so long that it burns. It instantly transforms the skillet into a mouthwatering haven of savory deliciousness.

Step 4: Add Rice, Broth, and Seasonings

Now, pour in your long-grain rice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the rice is fully coated in all that good flavor. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Sausage and Peas

Return the browned sausage to the skillet, along with the frozen peas. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another two to three minutes, just until the peas are warmed through and the sausage is fully reincorporated. Right before serving, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Your Sausage and Rice Skillet is ready to serve!

How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

For the prettiest and most flavorful finish, shower your Sausage and Rice Skillet with chopped fresh parsley right before serving. If you love a little zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon or a grating of parmesan can also be fantastic additions. A dash of hot sauce at the table lets everyone dial up the heat to their liking.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can easily round out the meal with a crisp green salad or a basket of warm crusty bread. I also love serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a quick cucumber-tomato salad for a burst of cool crunch against the warm, smoky rice.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the Sausage and Rice Skillet into individual ramekins for party-friendly servings, or pack it into meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches all week. For a special touch, serve it family-style directly from the skillet at the center of your table—a beautiful, rustic presentation that encourages everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet to an airtight container as soon as it cools. In the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to four days—making it a dream for weekly meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors actually get even better as they meld!

Freezing

Sausage and Rice Skillet freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let it cool completely, then freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the rice fluffy and the sausage juicy.

Reheating

To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up, and heat gently until warmed through. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is evenly hot and the rice stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! Sausage and Rice Skillet is delicious with smoked turkey sausage, andouille, or even chicken sausage. Just pick your favorite and follow the same browning instructions.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is classic, but you can swap in brown rice for more fiber—just increase the simmering time and add a bit more broth as needed. Avoid instant rice, as it can get mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegetarian Sausage and Rice Skillet experience.

How can I add more heat?

If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or serve with hot sauce at the table. Andouille sausage also packs more heat if you want a spicy kick built right in.

Is this meal gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just check that your sausage and chicken broth don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients, and you’re all set.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Sausage and Rice Skillet has come to my rescue on busy nights or when I want something extra comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you’ll turn to again and again—quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to please. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite weeknight staple, too!

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines smoked sausage with aromatic rice, bell peppers, and peas. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Smoked Sausage:

1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds

Rice Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the sliced sausage, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook Rice: Add rice, chicken broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until rice is tender.
Combine: Stir in cooked sausage and peas. Heat through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.