Savory Sausage and Rice Recipe: A Hearty One-Pot Wonder

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty sausage and rice recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Robust flavors dance across your plate with minimal kitchen effort.

Savory links mingle perfectly with fluffy grains, creating a one-pot wonder.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking make this dish accessible for anyone seeking a quick meal.

Spices weave magic through each bite, ensuring maximum flavor impact.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into a memorable dinner experience you’ll want to make again and again.

What Makes Sausage And Rice So Satisfying

• Whip Up a One-Pan Wonder: This recipe eliminates multiple dishes and cooking steps, making cleanup a breeze with everything prepared in a single skillet.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap sausage types or add different vegetables to match your taste preferences and create a personalized meal.
• Pack Protein and Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of hearty sausage and fluffy rice delivers a satisfying, filling dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed For Sausage And Rice

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the one-pan dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide a savory base and enhance the overall flavor of the recipe.

• Rice: The primary starch that absorbs the delicious flavors of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds depth to the rice cooking process.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that bring warmth, herbal notes, and balanced seasoning to the dish.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the completed meal.

How To Prepare Sausage And Rice Step By Step

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add sausage and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and is cooked through.

Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

Saute the vegetables until they become soft and release their fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

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

Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Allow the rice to cook for 15-20 minutes.

The rice should become tender, and all the liquid should be absorbed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the delicious one-pan meal.

Handy Tips For Perfect Sausage And Rice

• Choose high-quality smoked sausage or andouille for deeper flavor and authentic taste.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and ensure it fully absorbs the chicken broth without becoming mushy.
• Swap bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to add extra nutrition and personal touch.
• Adjust paprika and Italian seasoning quantities to match your preferred heat and flavor intensity.
• Clean and reuse the same skillet for each cooking stage to preserve and build delicious layered flavors.

Creative Twists For Sausage And Rice

• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace meat sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Add cayenne pepper, andouille sausage, and extra hot sauce to create a bold, zesty Louisiana-style dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, low-calorie meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free chicken broth for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas To Elevate Sausage And Rice

• Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Serve this sizzling sausage and rice dish with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with a sunny-side-up egg or sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese to boost protein and add extra deliciousness to each bite.
• Mediterranean Style Twist: Accompany with a dollop of cool tzatziki sauce or a side of quick pickled cucumber slices to introduce tangy Mediterranean-inspired accents that complement the dish's warmth.
• Weekend Gathering Delight: Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or serve alongside crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices, making it perfect for casual weekend gatherings.

Best Ways To Store Sausage And Rice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the sausage and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa are perfect because they add rich flavor and hold up well during cooking.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase liquid and cooking time by about 10-15 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the sausage you choose. Andouille will be spicier, while kielbasa is milder. You can always add red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork, add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and choose low-sodium chicken broth to reduce calories and salt content.

Sausage And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage and rice casserole brings comfort from Italian-American kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Melted cheese, savory sausage, and tender rice create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound sausage (sliced or crumbled, Italian, smoked, or andouille)

Grains:

• 2 cups white or brown rice (uncooked)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)

Liquids:

• 2 cups chicken broth

Oils and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
2. Sear sausage pieces until golden brown and caramelized; transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until they become translucent and aromatic.
4. Introduce uncooked rice to the vegetable mixture, then pour in chicken broth and sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Reintegrate the browned sausage into the skillet and elevate heat to create a rolling boil.
6. Reduce temperature to low, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 18 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and absorbs all liquid.
7. Once cooking is complete, use a fork to delicately separate and fluff the rice grains.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while still hot.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes during cooking.
• Swap rice varieties like brown or cauliflower rice for different nutritional profiles and textures.
• When using lower-sodium broth, taste and adjust seasoning before final simmer to enhance flavor depth.
• Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking and ensure even, quick sautéing for consistent results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg