Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice brings together everything you crave in a comforting, colorful, and flavor-packed meal. This one-pan wonder is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without fuss, yet it still impresses with its savory smoked sausage, sweet onions, tender peppers, and juicy tomatoes all nestled over a fluffy bed of rice. It’s simple enough for a quick dinner but always feels special — and it never fails to fill the kitchen with tantalizing aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, everyday ingredients, each chosen for flavor and ease. Every element in Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice brings something unique to the table, from vibrant colors to layers of savory delight.
- Olive oil: Acts as the rich, flavorful base to sauté your sausage and veggies, adding a luscious finish.
- Smoked sausage (1 lb, sliced): Choose your favorite—whether it’s classic, turkey, or plant-based—for that irresistible savory bite and satisfying chew.
- Large onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth, softening into the perfect aromatic partner for peppers and sausage.
- Bell peppers (2, any color, sliced): Bring color, crunch, and a gentle sweetness—mix colors for extra visual wow!
- Garlic (1 tsp, minced): A little goes a long way, adding an addictive aroma and earthy bite.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juices): Make everything saucy and tangy, tying all the flavors together.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Sings with herbal Mediterranean notes, balancing the richness of the sausage.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Lends a savory, deep smokiness, and a pretty color boost.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for drawing out every delicious note.
- Cooked white or brown rice (2 cups): The hearty, fluffy base that soaks up every bit of delicious sauce.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): For a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish—totally elevates the final dish!
How to Make Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and let them sizzle until they turn beautifully browned on both sides—about 5 to 6 minutes. The caramelized edges give incredible flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (with all those lovely sausage bits flavoring the oil), toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to brown around the edges. Their sweetness builds the flavor foundation of Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add the minced garlic, letting it cook just a minute until fragrant—you’ll know it by the heady aroma. Then, pour in your can of diced tomatoes along with all their juices. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, smoked paprika, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to meld those flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return your browned sausage to the skillet, nestling it right back into that savory tomato and veggie mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken a bit and those flavors will marry beautifully, making the finished dish juicy, saucy, and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
Spoon your gorgeous sausage and veggie mixture right over warm, fluffy rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and dive in while it’s piping hot. This is that comforting, satisfying moment Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice was made for!
How to Serve Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice
Garnishes
A drizzle of good olive oil, a scattering of fresh parsley, or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan can elevate Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice from a weeknight staple to something dinner-party worthy. Lemon zest or a dash of crushed red pepper also add extra zing if you’re in the mood!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or garlicky sautéed spinach. For a heartier meal, offer warm crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce, or keep it light and simple with classic steamed broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try serving Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice in individual bowls, with rice molded using a cup and the saucy sausage mixture spooned artistically over the top. Or, for a rustic family-style presentation, pile everything into a big platter for a colorful, help-yourself centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep so well! Simply transfer your cooled Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice mixture (keep the rice separate if possible) into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Spoon the sausage and veggie mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers (rice can be frozen separately or together, but separate generally keeps a better texture). Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the sausage and vegetable mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until hot. If reheating rice separately, a minute or two in the microwave with a splash of water works wonders for fluffing it back up.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage all work beautifully and bring their own unique flavors. That’s what’s great about Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice—it’s totally customizable.
What rice works best for this dish?
Both white and brown rice are fantastic bases, but you can also use quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. The rich sauce truly makes any grain shine.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! For a kick, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the dried spices, or use a spicy sausage for a bolder flavor throughout your Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice.
Is there a way to make this meal vegetarian?
Simply swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or hearty sautéed mushrooms, and the dish transforms into a satisfying vegetarian dinner everyone will love.
How do I keep the veggies crisp-tender?
For a little more bite, sauté the peppers and onions just until they’re softened but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This gives a lively texture contrast against the tender rice and sausage.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a big, colorful bowl of Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels both easy and special every time. I hope you’re inspired to make it soon—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Sausage, Onion, Bell Peppers & Tomatoes over Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A satisfying and flavorful dish featuring smoked sausage, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes cooked together and served over a bed of rice. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the sausage: Until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers: In the same pan for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic: Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes and spices: Add oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Return sausage to the skillet.
- Simmer: For 5–10 minutes until heated through and flavors are combined.
- Serve: Hot over cooked rice, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage as alternatives.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- This dish pairs well with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
