Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Savory Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty ground sausage and rice skillet that promises to satisfy your dinner cravings.

Packed with savory flavors and simple ingredients, this one-pan meal delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Tender rice mingles perfectly with juicy sausage, creating a delightful blend of textures and aromas.

Each bite offers a warm, fulfilling experience that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy households seeking a delicious and filling meal.

Versatile and forgiving, this skillet dish welcomes creative additions like fresh vegetables or herbs.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet: Key Features

  • Whip Up a One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet meal that combines savory sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in one delicious dish.
  • Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, from changing the type of sausage to adding extra veggies or cheese.
  • Master a Hearty Weeknight Meal: Prepare a satisfying dinner quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can confidently tackle.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables packed with herbs and spices that will make everyone at the table happy.

Everything Needed For Sausage And Rice Skillet

Protein Base:
  • Ground Sausage: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add depth and enhance the overall taste profile of the recipe.
Rice and Liquid Components:
  • White Rice: Fluffy grain that serves as the primary starch and absorbs the delicious cooking flavors.
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps cook the rice and infuses additional taste into the dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that adds moisture and a slight tangy undertone to the skillet.
Seasonings:
  • Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that create a well-balanced and robust seasoning blend.
Optional Topping:
  • Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredient that can be stirred in for extra richness and melty texture.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb used as a fresh garnish to add color and a light herbal note.

Sausage And Rice Skillet: How To Prepare

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Cook ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Diced onion
  • Chopped bell pepper
  • Minced garlic

Cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Build The One-Pan Meal

Stir in these ingredients:
  • Uncooked rice
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Paprika
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Simmer To Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.

The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Finish

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired.

The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the skillet.

Serve hot directly from the pan for a rustic, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Making The Most Of Sausage And Rice Skillet

  • Use a colander or paper towels to remove excess grease from sausage for a lighter, less oily dish.
  • Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains.
  • Experiment with different sausage types like spicy Italian or chorizo to add unique flavor profiles.
  • Chop vegetables finely for even cooking and better distribution throughout the skillet.
  • Prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Sausage And Rice Skillet Tweaks To Try

  • Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired skillet meal.
  • Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Substitute sausage with ground lamb, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and mix in crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Ideas For Sausage And Rice Skillet

  • Flavor Burst Toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese on top to add crunch and enhance the dish's richness.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables to create a complete and balanced meal that everyone will love.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for those who enjoy extra tang and heat, allowing each person to customize their plate.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in an airtight container and reheat the next day for a quick lunch, or transform into a stuffing for bell peppers or wrapped in tortillas for a tasty remix.

Store Sausage And Rice Skillet With Ease

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Keep the dish in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain freshness.
  • Portion the cooled skillet meal into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage for varied flavor profiles.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your sausage is gluten-free.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy sausage variety to increase the heat level of the skillet.

  • What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

You can skip the parsley or substitute with dried herbs like chives or green onions for a similar fresh garnish effect.

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Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling ground sausage and rice skillet brings hearty comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Packed with savory flavors and easy preparation, you’ll savor this one-pan meal that combines perfectly seasoned ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground sausage
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic

Vegetables and Grains:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Brown ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat while cooking and discarding excess grease.
  2. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the same skillet for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
  3. Incorporate uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
  5. Simmer the rice mixture for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
  6. Once cooking is complete, remove skillet from heat and let stand covered for 3-5 minutes to allow additional moisture absorption.
  7. Fluff rice with a fork, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  8. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion receives a mix of sausage, vegetables, and seasoned rice.

Notes

  • Customize meat choice by swapping ground sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
  • Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final dish.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture variety.
  • Try different cheese types such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or dairy-free alternatives to personalize flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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