Quick and Simple Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Quick & Tasty Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe For Dinner

Crafting a delectable ground sausage and rice skillet promises a culinary adventure that sparks joy in your kitchen.

Savory aromas will soon fill the air as you combine simple ingredients with precision.

Hearty meals like this bring comfort and satisfaction to busy evenings.

Protein-packed and full of flavor, this one-pan wonder simplifies dinner preparation for home cooks.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender rice and seasoned meat.

Seasonings meld together, creating a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Whip up this skillet and watch faces light up with anticipation of a truly satisfying meal.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage to increase heat.

  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?

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

  • How can I add more protein to this skillet?

Consider adding cooked beans, additional meat like chicken, or stirring in some scrambled eggs near the end of cooking for extra protein.

  • Quickly Craft a One-Pot Wonder: Combine multiple ingredients in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks.
  • Transform Ordinary Ingredients into Extraordinary Meal: Elevate simple ground sausage and rice with vibrant vegetables and bold seasonings, creating a satisfying dish that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Swap out proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a hearty, delicious meal that appeals to both adults and kids, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

Proteins:
  • Ground Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and aromatic base for the recipe.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Grains:
  • Rice: A staple grain that serves as the hearty foundation of the skillet meal.
Liquids:
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and adds additional flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that brings moisture and tangy taste to the dish.
Oils:
  • Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
Seasonings:
  • Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a well-rounded and balanced flavor profile.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: An optional herb that adds a bright and fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble ground sausage into the pan and cook until it turns golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking. Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Saute Vegetable Medley

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Minced garlic

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Toast The Rice And Spices

Add uncooked rice to the skillet with a blend of seasonings:
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and release the spice aromas.

Step 4: Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.

Stir thoroughly, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the skillet bottom.

Step 5: Simmer To Perfection

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

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 6: Reunite The Sausage

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

Gently mix everything together and warm for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if desired.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your hearty meal!

Helpful Tips for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

  • Swap ground sausage with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Select long-grain rice for better texture and prevent mushy consistency during cooking process.
  • Drain excess fat from sausage before returning to skillet to reduce overall dish calories.
  • Enhance dish's nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during sautéing stage.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake while preserving delicious taste balance.

Flavor Variations for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

  • Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Skillet: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that's equally satisfying and nutritious.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Skillet: Substitute Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and add diced jalapeños for a zesty, southwestern-inspired meal that packs extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Rice Variation: Use chorizo instead of standard sausage, incorporate kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

  • Cozy Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty, comforting meal that brings warmth and smiles to hungry faces.
  • Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this skillet in advance, portion into containers, and enjoy quick, delicious lunches throughout the week with minimal effort.
  • Picnic Perfect Potluck Dish: Pack this flavorful rice and sausage combination in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, where it'll be a crowd-pleasing hit that stays warm and tasty.
  • Spice It Up Variation: Swap Italian seasoning for cajun spices, add a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes to give the dish an extra kick of excitement and personalized flavor.

Storage Tips for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety and preserve freshness.
  • Store ground sausage and rice skillet in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the meal sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
  • When freezing, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
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Quick and Simple Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

Quick and Simple Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground sausage and rice skillet celebrates comfort with Italian-inspired flavors. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly for a satisfying meal you can savor quickly and enjoy with family.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Rice and Liquid:

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fat:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, crumbling with a wooden spoon until fully cooked. Transfer sausage to a separate plate, leaving residual oils in the pan.
  2. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Introduce uncooked rice to the vegetable mixture, sprinkling paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toast ingredients for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  4. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, thoroughly mixing and scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom to enhance flavor depth.
  5. Increase heat to high, bringing liquid to a rapid boil. Immediately reduce temperature to low, cover skillet, and allow mixture to simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
  6. Reintegrate previously cooked sausage into the rice mixture, gently folding to distribute evenly. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure uniform temperature.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot, offering a robust and satisfying one-pan meal.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Select high-quality ground sausage with robust flavors like Italian or chorizo for more depth.
  • Use brown rice for added fiber and nutrition, though cooking time might need slight adjustment.
  • Consider gluten-free options by using gluten-free chicken broth and verifying sausage ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 395 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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