Easy Homemade Sausage And Rice Recipe For Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simple, hearty meals that satisfy hungry crowds.

This comforting sausage and rice recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Savory smoked sausage blends perfectly with fluffy rice, creating a one-pan wonder that screams deliciousness.

Packed with robust seasonings and tender meat, the dish comes together quickly for busy home cooks.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of textures and rich, smoky notes that dance across your palate.

The combination of protein and grains makes this meal both filling and nutritious.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients For Savory Sausage And Rice

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and savory base for the recipe.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and enhances the overall taste.

• Rice: The main starch that serves as the foundation of the dish.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Bring warmth and herbaceous notes to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth to the rice.
• Diced Tomatoes: Optional ingredient that adds moisture and slight acidity.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a pop of color and fresh taste.

Making A Perfect Sausage And Rice Dish

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place sausage slices into the pan and cook until they develop a golden-brown color on both sides.

Transfer the sizzling sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet with remaining oil and sausage drippings, add diced onion and bell pepper.

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally.

Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Stir the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the rice to toast and absorb the seasonings for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Cooking Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Season with salt and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Let the rice simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid completely.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the browned sausage to the skillet.

Gently mix everything together, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the rice.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if desired.

Serve the sausage and rice dish hot and enjoy immediately.

Quick Tips For Great Sausage And Rice

• Cut sausage into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Toast rice with spices before adding liquid to enhance the overall taste profile and create a richer aroma.
• Watch rice carefully during simmering to prevent overcooking or dryness, checking liquid levels periodically.
• Swap mild sausage for spicy varieties or add red pepper flakes to increase the dish's warmth and kick.
• Experiment with different bell pepper colors or add zucchini and mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture variation.

Ways To Tweak Sausage And Rice Recipe

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version.
• Seafood Rice Variation: Swap sausage with shrimp or diced white fish to create a lighter, seafood-inspired one-pan meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and include black beans for a zesty Mexican-inspired dish.

Serving Up Sausage And Rice Tonight

• Quick Weeknight Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty sausage and rice dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Mediterranean Platter Style: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a small Greek salad to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired feast that elevates the flavor profile.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese like parmesan or monterey jack, and add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and a creamy texture that complements the savory sausage.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Offer hot sauce or chili flakes on the side, allowing each person to customize their heat level and add an extra kick to this already flavorful one-pan meal.

How To Store Sausage And Rice Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled sausage and rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with andouille, chorizo, or Italian sausage based on your preference and flavor profile.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

No, the rice is cooked directly in the skillet with chicken broth, absorbing all the flavors during the cooking process.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your sausage and chicken broth labels carefully, as some brands might contain gluten. Choose certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure the recipe meets dietary requirements.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy sausage variety to increase the heat level according to your taste preference.

Sausage And Rice Recipe Flavor Highlights

• Boost Flavor Quickly: Packed with rich, savory sausage and vibrant seasonings that transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Simplify Cooking Process: One-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and reduces kitchen stress, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Versatile recipe appeals to all ages, offering a hearty and satisfying dinner that brings everyone together around the table with minimal fuss.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible dish allows quick ingredient swaps or additions, letting home chefs personalize the meal to match family preferences or pantry contents.

Sausage And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty sausage and rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory Italian sausage with fluffy rice. Warm spices and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sausage (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or andouille sausage)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a richer tomato flavor)

Vegetable and Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (for added color and texture)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (optional)

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Create a savory foundation by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, then sear sausage slices until golden and caramelized, removing them to rest temporarily.
2. Utilize the same skillet to transform diced onions and bell peppers into tender, translucent fragments, approximately 3-4 minutes, then introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to bloom for an additional minute.
3. Integrate uncooked rice with paprika and Italian seasoning, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty undertones and ensure complete spice coating.
4. Incorporate chicken broth and diced tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, then escalate heat to trigger a robust boiling response before immediately reducing to a gentle simmer.
5. Seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the rice to absorb liquid and steam, typically requiring 15-20 minutes of undisturbed cooking until grains become tender and fluffy.
6. Reunite the previously seared sausage with the rice mixture, folding gently to distribute proteins and flavors uniformly throughout the dish.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish, then serve the one-pan meal while piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild sausage based on personal heat preference to customize flavor intensity.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole-grain alternative with extra nutritional benefits.
• Allow sausage to rest briefly after cooking to help retain its juicy texture and distribute internal moisture.
• Drain excess fat from sausage if watching calorie intake, ensuring a lighter final dish without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg