Sausage and Rice Skillet – An Easy One-Pan Comfort Dinner

Some of the best dinners come together in a single pan, and this Sausage and Rice Skillet is a perfect example of simple ingredients turning into something deeply satisfying. It’s hearty without being heavy, packed with flavor, and ideal for busy nights when you want real food without a sink full of dishes. Juicy sausage, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings all simmer together, creating a meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

This recipe is inspired by classic home-style cooking, where sausage is used to flavor the entire dish. As it browns, it releases rich, smoky oils that coat the rice and vegetables, building flavor from the very first step. The rice absorbs seasoned broth as it cooks, becoming tender and aromatic while soaking up every bit of savory goodness.

What makes this skillet especially appealing is its flexibility. You can swap the sausage, adjust the spices, or toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s equally perfect for feeding a family or meal-prepping lunches for the week. Comforting, practical, and endlessly customizable, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil and vegetables.
6. Pour in chicken broth, then stir in smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7. Return sausage to the skillet and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
8. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and garnish before serving.

Sausage and Rice Skillet

A hearty one-pan meal with smoked sausage, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings—perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Skillet Base

• 14 oz smoked sausage sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 medium bell peppers diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth

Equipment

• Large skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Brown sausage in skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and peppers until softened.
3. Add garlic and rice, stirring to coat.
4. Pour in broth, season, and return sausage.
5. Cover and simmer until rice is tender.

Notes

Let rest covered before fluffing rice for best texture.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use smoked sausage or kielbasa for maximum flavor.
• Don’t lift the lid while the rice cooks—steam is key.
• Toasting the rice briefly boosts nutty flavor.
• Add a splash of broth if rice needs a little extra moisture.

Variations:

• Spicy Sausage Skillet: Use andouille sausage and add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end.
• Veggie-Packed: Add zucchini, peas, or spinach near the end of cooking.
• Brown Rice Option: Increase broth to 2½ cups and cook 10–15 minutes longer.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli.
• Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.

Storage Information:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
• Freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQ:

• Can I use different sausage? Absolutely—chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage all work.
• Is this dish spicy? No, but it’s easy to add heat if you like.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

History / Fun Facts:
Skillet meals like sausage and rice became popular in home kitchens because they were economical and filling. Sausage, once a way to preserve meat, became a staple ingredient for stretching meals and adding bold flavor—making dishes like this a timeless comfort food classic.