If you’re searching for a hearty, soul-warming dish that can be whipped up with minimal fuss, the Sausage and Rice Skillet absolutely delivers. This vibrant one-pan wonder brings together plump smoked sausage, tender rice, sweet bell pepper, and a symphony of seasonings, all simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave after a busy day, equally fabulous for weeknight family dinners or sharing with friends. Not only is it satisfyingly delicious, but this recipe is also a clever way to add color, texture, and comfort to your table—once you try the Sausage and Rice Skillet, you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation!

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Sausage and Rice Skillet truly shine is the careful balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that layer up big flavors. Each component brings something unique, so don’t skip the details—they combine for a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts!

Smoked sausage: Sliced into rounds, this brings a savory, smoky depth—any variety like kielbasa, andouille, or chicken sausage will work!
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to sauté the ingredients and infuse everything with a lovely richness.
Onion: Diced to release their sweetness and add that essential base flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds a burst of color and a gentle sweetness that beautifully balances the sausage.
Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, brings aromatic magic to the skillet.
Long-grain white rice: The hearty backbone of the dish, soaking up all the tasty juices.
Chicken broth: This flavorful liquid helps the rice cook up fluffy and savory.
Canned diced tomatoes: Undrained, these make the base saucy and tangy; choose your favorite brand for best results.
Paprika: Deepens the color and brings a subtle smokiness—try smoked paprika for even more flavor.
Dried thyme: Just a touch for an earthy, herbaceous note.
Salt: Essential for tying all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Just enough to give the dish a mellow kick.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds mild heat—use to taste!
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end, they add freshness and a pop of green.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and tossed on top for a final flourish of herby brightness.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rounds are lightly browned on both sides. This step builds the base of savory flavor—don’t rush it! Once the sausage is golden, scoop it out of the pan and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, until they start turning soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more—you’ll smell that sensational aroma!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the long-grain white rice directly to the skillet with the aromatics. Give everything a good stir and let the rice toast for 2 minutes. This step coats the grains in oil, giving the finished Sausage and Rice Skillet a beautifully rich texture and flavor.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Spices

Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes (liquid included). Sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—we want all that flavor mingling in!

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce it to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Each grain should be plump and infused with all those savory flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Sausage and Peas

Uncover the skillet and return the browned sausage to the pan, along with the frozen peas. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the peas are bright green and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter the chopped fresh parsley across the top before serving. This not only looks gorgeous but also adds a burst of bright, herbal freshness to each bite of your Sausage and Rice Skillet!

How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching and flavorful finish, sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. If you like a bit more heat or color, add a dash of extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta are fun garnishes that add a luscious tang, making every bowl of Sausage and Rice Skillet a little more special.

Side Dishes

This dish has everything you need in one pan, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad or a platter of crusty bread is perfect. Sausage and Rice Skillet also pairs delightfully with roasted or steamed veggies. For a Southern twist, serve it alongside collard greens or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Sausage and Rice Skillet in shallow bowls for a rustic, cozy feel, or pile it onto a large platter for a dramatic, family-style presentation. Stuff leftovers into bell pepper halves and bake for a clever spin or scoop some into tortillas for a sausage-rice burrito—there’s no end to the creative ways you can enjoy this dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Sausage and Rice Skillet is one of those magical dishes that tastes just as good the next day. Let leftovers cool completely, then pack them into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

Want to make this dish ahead for future meals? The Sausage and Rice Skillet freezes like a dream! After cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your container with the date.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, transfer the skillet mixture to a pan and warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if needed. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Either way, the flavors will come alive and the rice stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can absolutely swap in brown rice for the Sausage and Rice Skillet, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add a bit more broth. Brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid, so keep an eye on it as it simmers.

What’s the best type Main Course

Any smoked sausage works well here—think kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey or chicken sausage. Feel free to choose based on your personal taste or what you have on hand—the smoky, savory character is what really makes this dish sing.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute a vegetarian sausage (there are so many great ones available now) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying Sausage and Rice Skillet experience without any meat.

How spicy is this recipe?

By default, this recipe is pleasantly mild, but the optional red pepper flakes let you dial up the heat to your liking. Feel free to skip the flakes for a family-friendly version, or add more if you crave some extra spice!

What can I do with leftovers?

The possibilities are endless! Leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet makes the perfect filling for stuffed peppers, savory wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s also flavorful enough to serve cold as a picnic salad the next day.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of the Sausage and Rice Skillet is its simplicity and versatility—it truly is a meal that brings people together, with every bite bursting with flavor and comfort. Give it a try and make it your own; it just might become your new go-to for busy nights and cozy gatherings alike!

Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Smoked sausage, bell peppers, and peas come together with rice and a blend of spices for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat with oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir the sausage back into the skillet along with peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Notes:

This recipe works with kielbasa, andouille, or even chicken sausage.
For extra flavor, add Cajun seasoning.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat nicely in a skillet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired