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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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