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If you are searching for a comforting, vibrant, and downright delicious one-pan dinner, this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Combining savory sausage, tender rice cooked perfectly in flavorful broth, and a medley of fresh vegetables and spices, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It’s the kind of recipe that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, making weeknight meals feel special without fuss or stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is built on simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role—from the spicy or mild sausage adding richness, to the fresh vegetables brightening the dish with crunch and sweetness, and the aromatic spices bringing that unforgettable kick.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the comforting flavors while staying fluffy and light.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water): Provides moisture and depth, making the rice extra savory and tender.
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy): Adds hearty protein and a punch of juicy, seasoned flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances every bite.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color): Infuses vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness for balance.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds crunch and freshness to the overall texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers an irresistible aroma and savory depth to the skillet.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends smoky warmth and a subtle earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Offers a gentle heat boost, customizable to your taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a hint of herbal brightness that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a delicate, woodsy note that ties the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed): Enhances all the savory elements perfectly without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle spice and seasoning balance.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy, umami punch that rounds out the savory profile.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor just before serving.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a lovely herbal finish and beautiful green contrast.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Add the ground sausage, breaking it apart with your spatula, and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s thoroughly browned. This step is crucial to develop rich flavor and a bit of crispiness on the meat’s edges.
Step 2: Drain Excess Grease
Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet if needed. This keeps the dish from becoming oily while letting all the hearty sausage flavor stay intact.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped celery right into the sausage. Cook this veggie trio for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become wonderfully fragrant.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then sprinkle the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well to make sure everything gets evenly coated with these flavorful seasonings.
Step 5: Incorporate Rice and Worcestershire Sauce
Stir the uncooked rice right into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables, followed by the Worcestershire sauce. This ingredient adds a subtle tangy depth that elevates the entire dish.
Step 6: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good mix. Bring the skillet to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This step allows the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors until tender and perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Fluff
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for five minutes. This resting time lets the flavors settle, and the rice steam to ultimate fluffiness. Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped green onions and fresh parsley to finish it off beautifully.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions and parsley are not just pretty toppings—they add vibrant color and fresh, bright flavors that contrast perfectly with the rich sausage and spices. A sprinkle of extra paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a hearty complete meal on its own but also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some buttery roasted vegetables, or even warm crusty bread to soak up any extra juices. These sides bring texture contrast and additional freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Sausage and Rice Skillet into warm bell pepper halves or hollowed-out tomatoes for an eye-catching presentation. You could also serve it over a bed of leafy greens or stuff it into baked potatoes for an impressive yet easy dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more when rested, making it a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead and freeze, let the skillet cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the rice moist and fluffy. Alternatively, microwave covered for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best because it cooks up fluffy and separate, but you can experiment with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just note that cooking times and liquid amounts may need adjustment.
What sausage should I choose for this recipe?
You can use either mild or spicy ground sausage based on your heat preference. Pork sausage is classic, but chicken or turkey sausage work well too for a lighter twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You might also want to boost the seasoning slightly to maintain the savory richness.
Can I add more vegetables if I want to?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible. Try adding corn, peas, or diced tomatoes to bulk up the dish and add new flavors and textures.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?
Using a good non-stick or well-seasoned heavy skillet helps. Make sure to stir the rice briefly after adding the broth and keep the heat low once simmering to avoid burning or sticking.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe a try soon—it’s an absolute staple in my kitchen when I want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. The combination of spices, sausage, fresh veggies, and tender rice makes it a comforting meal everyone will love. Once you taste it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again for easy weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings with friends. Happy cooking!
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Print
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty sausage and rice skillet that comes together quickly on the stovetop. This comforting one-pan meal combines savory ground sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice seasoned with smoked paprika and herbs for a flavorful dinner option that serves 4.
Ingredients
For the Rice Skillet:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
For the Sausage & Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook sausage: Add ground sausage to the hot skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Drain grease: If there is excess grease in the skillet from the sausage, drain it off to prevent a greasy dish.
- Add vegetables: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped celery to the skillet with the sausage.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook the vegetables for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the sausage and vegetables.
- Mix seasonings: Stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients with the spices and herbs.
- Add rice and Worcestershire sauce: Stir in the uncooked rice and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Add broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to distribute the liquid evenly throughout the mixture.
- Bring to boil: Raise heat to bring the skillet mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming the rice.
- Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a fresh garnish.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and rice skillet hot and enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- Use spicy sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in the dish.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water if preferred.
- If you like extra vegetables, add diced tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit it altogether based on your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
