Looking for a quick, hearty, and satisfying one-pan meal that delivers big on flavor? This sausage and rice recipe is your perfect solution. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is fast, flexible, and incredibly tasty. Made with juicy sausage, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables and spices, it’s the kind of comforting classic you’ll turn to again and again.
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Why This Sausage and Rice Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To
There are dozens of reasons to fall in love with this sausage and rice recipe, but here are some of the top highlights:
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for those chaotic evenings.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour it.
- Budget-conscious: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite sausage, veggies, or spice blends.
Whether you’re craving Cajun flavors, something smoky, or even a touch of heat, this recipe adapts to your taste buds beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Sausage and Rice Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sausage (smoked, Italian, chicken, or Andouille)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- Frozen peas, corn, or spinach
- A sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving
- Beans for extra protein and fiber
How to Make This Easy Sausage and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until each piece is nicely seared and golden on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the rice, chopped tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Place the sausage back into the skillet, lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it gently cook for 18–20 minutes (or 35–40 minutes if using brown rice), until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for about 5 minutes. This short resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and helps all the flavors meld.
Helpful Tips for the Best Sausage and Rice
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time—smoked or fully cooked varieties work great.
- Brown the sausage well to build deep flavor into the dish.
- Adjust spice levels based on your preferences. Love heat? Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Don’t lift the lid while simmering—this helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavor.
What to Serve with This Sausage and Rice Recipe
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs well with:
- A fresh side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cornbread
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- A fried egg on top for an extra-rich twist
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
This sausage and rice recipe is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep:
- Make-ahead: Cook the entire dish and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let cool, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to help refresh the rice.
Why This Sausage and Rice Recipe Is a Winner Every Time
From the smoky sausage to the flavorful rice and vibrant veggies, this sausage and rice recipe checks every box. It’s affordable, flexible, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you’ll love that it’s made in just one pot with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
It’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
When you’re craving something hearty, quick, and guaranteed to satisfy, this sausage and rice recipe delivers every time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Give it a try tonight—and don’t forget to share your creation using #SausageAndRiceMagic for a chance to be featured!
PrintSausage and Rice Recipe
This hearty One-Pan Sausage and Rice recipe is a flavorful, comforting meal made with smoky sausage, tender rice, and sautéed vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and comes together in a single pan—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Cook Time: Total cook time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minute
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired American
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional, added at the end)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Toast the Rice:
Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast. Add smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and return the sausage to the pan. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve:
If using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Once done, remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Sausage Options: Smoked andouille brings bold Cajun flavor, while kielbasa or turkey sausage offer milder options.
Rice Tips: Long-grain white rice works best. Avoid instant or quick-cooking varieties, which may get mushy.
Add Veggies: Try zucchini, spinach, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes if you love heat.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese at the end for a rich twist.
Keywords: Sausage and Rice Recipe
