Hearty Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe For Cozy Nights

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

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth.

Weeknight meals demand quick solutions that pack serious flavor.

Robust ingredients combine effortlessly in this one-pan wonder.

Tender rice absorbs the rich seasonings from perfectly browned meat.

Simple techniques make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Flavorful And Filling

• Quickly Craft a One-Skillet Meal: Streamline your cooking process by preparing an entire dinner in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, using different bell peppers, or adding extra spices to match your family's taste preferences.
• Pack Protein and Nutrition: Combine lean protein from sausage with fiber-rich rice and nutritious vegetables, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.
• Family-Friendly Dinner Solution: Create a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Ingredients For Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

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

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and savory base that enhances the overall flavor of the recipe.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic element to the dish.

• Rice: A hearty and filling grain that absorbs the delicious flavors of the skillet.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that create a well-balanced and tasty spice profile.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rice.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy and slightly acidic note to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the skillet meal.

Step-By-Step Preparation For Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss ground sausage into the pan and break it into crumbly pieces while cooking.

Stir frequently until the meat turns golden brown and develops a rich, appetizing color. Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Prepare Veggie Base

Use the same skillet to create a flavor foundation. Slide chopped onions and bell peppers into the pan.

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and stir quickly to release its aromatic essence.

Step 3: Create Rice Mixture

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the skillet.

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat. Cover the skillet and let the rice absorb all the delicious flavors for 15-18 minutes.

Step 4: Final Blend And Serve

Return the browned sausage back to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and warm through.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips For Perfect Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Swap ground sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Select short-grain rice like arborio for a creamier texture, ensuring each grain absorbs maximum flavor from broth and spices.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent taste throughout the skillet.
• Enhance dish's depth by adding a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables, which brings complex undertones to the overall flavor profile.
• Allow rice to rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to help grains absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.

Variations For Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or seasoned tofu crumbles for a meat-free version that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the dish's hearty texture and spices.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Style: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of traditional white rice, and add Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme for extra depth of flavor.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Incorporate chorizo instead of traditional sausage, add black beans, and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a zesty southwestern spin on the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions For Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this skillet as a complete one-pan meal with warm crusty bread on the side, perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
• Spicy Southwestern Twist: Top the dish with fresh sliced jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of sour cream to add zesty Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Brunch Champion: Transform leftovers into a breakfast skillet by adding a fried egg on top and serving with hot sauce for an extra morning kick.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the busy work week, staying fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Storage Advice For Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the food cools completely before sealing.
• Separate portions into individual containers to maintain freshness and make reheating easier.
• Freeze the skillet meal in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, leaving a small space at the top for expansion.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the skillet.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your spices are certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels to be certain.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe’s spice level depends on the type of sausage you use. Mild sausage will create a less spicy dish, while hot or spicy sausage will add more heat and kick to the meal.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the skillet meal and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Quick and Tasty Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory ground sausage and rice skillet brings hearty comfort to weeknight dinners. Balanced flavors and simple ingredients combine for a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables:

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

Grains and Liquids:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind the flavorful drippings.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce uncooked rice to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat with the pan’s residual oils. Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, creating a rich liquid base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and allow the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender, approximately 15-18 minutes.
5. Reintegrate the previously cooked sausage into the rice mixture, gently stirring to distribute evenly. Warm through for 2-3 minutes to ensure complete temperature uniformity.
6. Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a moment. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternatives that maintain similar flavor profiles.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains instead of sticky clumps.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning or Italian herbs to transform the dish’s flavor without changing core ingredients.
• Prepare this skillet meal in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg