Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or any day when you need a quick, satisfying dish that packs in both flavor and convenience. This one-pan meal combines juicy, savory sausage with fluffy rice, seasoned vegetables, and a rich sauce that brings everything together in harmony. It’s simple to make, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd or your family.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can use any kind of sausage – whether it’s spicy, mild, or even chicken sausage – making it adaptable to your taste preferences. With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, the dish delivers a comforting and delicious result that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or meal prep for the week, Sausage and Rice Skillet is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder

This meal is made in just one skillet, which makes for easy cleanup and a hassle-free cooking process.

2. Quick and Easy

The recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

3. Customizable

You can choose from different types of sausage and adjust the level of spiciness, and you can even add in extra vegetables for more flavor and nutrition.

4. Hearty and Satisfying

With a combination of protein from the sausage and carbohydrates from the rice, this dish is filling and balanced, providing everything you need for a complete meal.

5. One-Pot Meal

Since it’s cooked all in one skillet, there’s no need for multiple pots and pans, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

Sausage (your choice of type: pork, chicken, or turkey)
Rice (white or brown)
Onion
Bell peppers
Garlic
Tomatoes (diced)
Chicken broth
Olive oil
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or a hot sauce of your choice to spice up the dish.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even kale to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
Different Rice Types: Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but note that it will take longer to cook.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice and coat it well with the vegetables. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Simmer the Dish

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Sausage Back

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it in with the rice. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Lid: Cover the skillet while simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Stir Occasionally: While simmering, stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

How to Serve

Sausage and Rice Skillet is a meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for an extra serving of veggies. A side of garlic bread or cornbread would also complement the dish nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water to help loosen the rice. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to use pork, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for this recipe.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time by 10-15 minutes.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or peas, to make the dish more nutritious.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Sausage and Rice Skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

5. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or jalapeños to turn up the heat.

6. How can I make this dish less greasy?

If you’re using fatty sausage, you can drain some of the excess grease after browning the sausage to reduce the amount of fat in the dish.

7. How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

The rice should be tender and the liquid should be absorbed. If there’s still liquid in the pan, let it simmer for a few more minutes.

8. Can I make this recipe with quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa for the rice. Just keep in mind that quinoa cooks much faster, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, Sausage and Rice Skillet freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

10. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet with a little chicken broth or water to add moisture back into the rice, or microwave individual servings until hot.

Conclusion

Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together all the goodness of sausage, rice, and vegetables in one dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Plus, with the added bonus of being a one-pan meal, it saves time on both cooking and cleanup. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with extra veggies or just the basics, this recipe is a winner every time. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!