If you have ever craved a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that brings a touch of Southern charm to your dinner table, this Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe has got you covered. Bursting with savory sausage, fragrant herbs, and tender rice cooked perfectly in chicken broth, this dish combines bold spices and fresh veggies for an irresistibly tasty experience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this recipe is exactly what you need to make your mealtime a total joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is straightforward and essential for capturing its signature rich, savory notes. Each component plays a vital role—from the spicy sausage that adds hearty depth, to the fresh vegetables bringing brightness and crunch, and the aromatic seasonings that tie everything together into one harmonious bowl of deliciousness.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): This forms a fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water): Using broth imparts extra savory notes, making every bite pop with richness.
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy): The star protein that gives the dish its bold, meaty flavor and a bit of spice.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color): Brings a crisp texture and a subtle sweetness to balance the sausage.
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Contributes a fresh, slightly earthy crunch that rounds out the veggies.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s unmistakable aroma builds irresistible savory layers.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky essence that elevates the dish wonderfully.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Adds a gentle kick of heat that livens things up.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A hearty herbaceous note that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness to balance the spices and sausage.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors and ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild peppery bite for depth.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, umami dimension that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Offers a bright herbal finish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Adding the ground sausage first lets it cook evenly and releases its flavorful fat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because those browned bits pack tons of rich flavor.
Step 2: Drain Excess Grease
After browning, drain off the excess grease but be sure to leave about a tablespoon in the pan. That little bit of leftover fat will add amazing flavor to the vegetables and spices you add next.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. These veggies bring a lovely texture and natural sweetness that balance the sausage’s savoriness.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly with those warm, aromatic spices that make this Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Liquids
Next, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce directly to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring nothing sticks to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, which jump-starts the rice’s cooking process.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid and turns tender. This slow simmer is the magic that infuses the rice with all the fantastic flavors from the sausage and spices.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to steam and fluff up beautifully. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently and stir in the chopped green onions and parsley. These fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely pop of color.
How to Serve Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation and extra layer of flavor, sprinkle additional chopped green onions and fresh parsley over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also complements the richness of the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This rice dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. To keep the meal hearty, serve alongside cornbread or creamy coleslaw—anything that adds contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try stuffing bell peppers with the rice mixture and baking until the peppers are tender. Or scoop Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe over baked potatoes or use it as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls. The possibilities to tailor this crowd-pleaser are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dirty rice stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing it up to maintain the flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will stay tasty for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwaving covered for 2 to 3 minutes works great for a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy chorizo depending on your flavor preference and dietary needs. Each will give a slightly different but delicious twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage or add extra mushrooms and beans for protein. Adjust seasonings to compensate and you’ll still get that comforting, savory feeling.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem! You can use water instead, though chicken broth adds much more flavor. Another substitute could be vegetable broth for a lighter take.
How spicy is this Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe?
The spice level is moderate with the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust it by reducing or increasing the amount to suit your heat tolerance. Mild sausage will tone it down further, while spicy sausage amps it up.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary repertoire. It’s comforting, packed with layers of flavor, and simple enough for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness it brings to your table as much as I do!
Print
Easy Dirty Rice with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Dirty Rice recipe featuring ground sausage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices cooked together with long-grain rice. This comforting Cajun-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and serves 4 to 5 people.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
For the Meat & Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook sausage: Add ground sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned evenly.
- Drain excess grease: Drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon to keep flavor intact.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and celery to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to evenly coat the mixture with the spices.
- Add rice and liquids: Add uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Rest: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
- Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Dirty Rice hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions and parsley.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor or water for a lighter version.
- Ground sausage can be swapped with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- Letting the rice rest covered after cooking helps improve texture and fluffiness.
- Adding Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami that complements the spices.
