Savory Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a hearty ground sausage and rice skillet brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

Savory spices mingle with tender meat and fluffy grains, creating a one-pan wonder that satisfies hungry appetites.

Mediterranean and southern cooking traditions inspired this delectable combination.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of protein and carbohydrates that keeps you feeling full and content.

Quick cooking techniques ensure minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Jump into this delicious adventure and let your taste buds celebrate a truly remarkable meal.

Savory Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This sausage and rice skillet delivers bold flavors that appeal to everyone from picky kids to adventurous adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: With just one skillet and simple ingredients, you'll create a hearty meal that cuts down on prep time and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap out sausage types, add extra veggies, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully flexible.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from sausage and filling rice, this dish provides a balanced meal that keeps hunger at bay and energy levels high.

Ingredients for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

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

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide a sweet and slightly crunchy texture to the recipe.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Rice: A staple grain that serves as the hearty foundation of the skillet meal.
• Diced Tomatoes: A juicy ingredient that adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and infuses additional flavor.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Parsley: An optional fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, green touch.

Cooking Instructions for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan, stirring and cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Introduce ground sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

• Ground sausage
• Olive oil

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs)

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

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

Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your hearty one-pan meal.

Expert Advice for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Select high-quality sausage and crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and texture in your skillet.
• Drain excess grease from sausage to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a balanced meal.
• For perfectly cooked rice, ensure the broth-to-rice proportion matches package instructions for ideal consistency.
• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes to personalize the dish's taste profile.
• Swap ground sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative that still delivers robust flavor.

Flavor Variations for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace ground sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or crumbled tofu seasoned with smoked paprika and fennel seeds for a meat-free version.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Substitute rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that adds more nutritional value and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to create a low-carb, keto-friendly option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Spicy Cajun Edition: Add cayenne pepper, andouille sausage, and extra red pepper flakes to transform the skillet into a zesty Cajun-inspired meal with a bold kick.

Serving Ideas for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Hearty Family Platter: Serve this skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, casual dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese on top just before serving to add a creamy, melty layer of flavor.
• Fresh and Bright Finish: Top with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to add freshness and contrast to the rich, savory dish.
• Side Companion Options: Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread to complete the meal and balance the hearty sausage and rice.

Storing Tips for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the seal is tight to maintain freshness.
• Pack the skillet in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the skillet in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture, stirring gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage based on your preference or dietary needs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Use mild sausage for less heat or spicy sausage if you want more kick.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free sausage and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to make the entire recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

You can easily mix in additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms during the cooking process to boost nutrition.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty ground sausage and rice skillet delivers comfort in one pan with Italian-inspired flavors. Simple ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal that provides warmth and nourishment for hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground sausage (Italian or breakfast)

Grains:

• 1 cup white or brown rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 1 bell pepper (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground sausage into the vegetable mixture, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until the meat turns golden brown and is completely cooked through, around 5-6 minutes.
3. Pour rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into the skillet, then sprinkle in selected seasonings, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Elevate heat to high and allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer quietly for 18-22 minutes.
5. Remove lid and gently fluff rice with a fork, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and rice has absorbed liquid completely.
6. Transfer skillet contents to serving dishes, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and added flavor complexity, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose a spicy or mild sausage based on your heat preference, allowing customization of flavor intensity.
• Opt for brown rice or quinoa as healthier alternatives, boosting nutritional value and adding interesting texture.
• Pat sausage dry before cooking to ensure better browning and prevent excess grease in the skillet.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, maintaining the recipe’s rich, savory profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg