Sausage and Rice Skillet

This Sausage and Rice Skillet transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings everyone to the table. The combination of smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, all coming together in one pan. The rich tomato base infuses every grain of rice with savory goodness, while the peppers and onions add freshness and color to this comforting dish.

The first time I made this skillet dinner, my kitchen filled with such an inviting aroma that my neighbor actually texted to ask what I was cooking! My husband, who typically isn't excited about rice dishes, went back for seconds and then asked if there was enough for his lunch the next day.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Smoked sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor; look for one with visible spices in the casing for extra character
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works beautifully; its fluffy texture absorbs all the flavors while maintaining its structure
• Bell peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color; red and green create a beautiful contrast
• Onion: Forms the aromatic foundation; yellow onions offer the perfect balance of sweetness and pungency
• Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver that unmistakable aromatic punch that ties all flavors together
• Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that creates depth; look for tubes rather than cans for better storage
• Chicken broth: Adds richness and umami; choose low-sodium to control salt levels better
• Paprika: Sweet, smoky notes that enhance the sausage flavor; Hungarian paprika offers exceptional quality
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch provides warmth without overwhelming heat; adjust to your preference
• Fresh parsley: Bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness; flat-leaf has more pronounced flavor

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the perfect rice - In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil for each cup of rice. Add a pinch of salt, then stir in the rice. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute, creating perfectly fluffy grains.

Step 2:

Brown the sausage to develop flavor - Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until you can feel warmth radiating when holding your hand 2 inches above the surface. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and allow it to shimmer across the pan's surface. Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds and add to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deeply caramelized, then flip and brown the other side for another 2 minutes. The caramelization creates complex flavors that infuse the entire dish. Remove the browned sausage to a plate.

Step 3:

Create the aromatic base - To the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and onions, allowing them to sizzle in the flavorful oil and sausage drippings. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and edges begin to caramelize slightly. Add minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, cooking just until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. The aroma at this point will be intoxicating! Transfer this vegetable mixture to the plate with the sausage.

Step 4:

Build the flavorful sauce - Return the skillet to the heat and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook the paste for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning while allowing the sugars to caramelize slightly. This brief toasting intensifies the tomato flavor dramatically. Slowly whisk in ¾ cup of chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain tremendous flavor. Let this mixture simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened, then add 1 teaspoon paprika and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less for milder heat).

Step 5:

Bring everything together - Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Pour in the remaining chicken broth (about ¼ cup), which helps to moisten and flavor the rice. Return the reserved sausage and vegetables to the skillet, gently folding everything together until evenly combined and heated through. Each grain of rice should be coated in the flavorful sauce.

Step 6:

Finish with fresh herbs - Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley, which adds brightness and color contrast. For extra richness, you could stir in a small pat of butter right at the end to create a glossy finish.

The moment this skillet hits the table, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it impossible to resist diving right in. The contrast between the juicy sausage, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice creates the perfect bite every time.

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I'm particularly fond of using andouille sausage in this recipe during the cooler months. The slight heat it provides warms us from the inside out. My daughter, who typically picks around peppers in other dishes, happily devours them in this skillet – something about the way they absorb the flavors makes even vegetable-skeptics enjoy them.

The versatility of this recipe makes it a true kitchen workhorse. During summer, I often add fresh corn cut straight from the cob and zucchini from our garden. In autumn, I might include diced butternut squash for natural sweetness and heartiness.

This dish represents everything I love about home cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something greater than the sum of their parts. The layering of flavors creates depth that belies how quickly it comes together.

While the recipe is perfect as written, sometimes I like to add a splash of white wine before the chicken broth for acidity and complexity. Just a quarter cup added after the tomato paste has caramelized creates another dimension of flavor as it reduces.

For those who enjoy meal prep, this skillet reheats beautifully. I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Adding a fresh sprinkle of parsley just before eating makes it taste freshly made.

This Sausage and Rice Skillet has become one of those recipes I can make almost on autopilot, adjusting and adapting as needed with whatever ingredients I have on hand. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a complete meal in one pan – watching simple ingredients transform as they come together. The ability to customize it means it never feels repetitive, and the way it brings my family together around the table makes it truly special. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or casual weekend gathering, this dish never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of sausage works best in this recipe?

You can use any smoked sausage you prefer - kielbasa, andouille, or Italian sausage all work great. For spicier flavor, try andouille with some Cajun seasoning, or for a milder version, use kielbasa or turkey sausage.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well but requires longer cooking time. Cook the brown rice separately according to package directions before adding it to the skillet, as it won't cook quickly enough in the final step.

→ How can I make this recipe even more flavorful?

Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of Italian or Cajun seasoning depending on your taste preferences. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also add great flavor.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?

Absolutely! Zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or frozen peas would all work well. Add firmer vegetables when you cook the peppers and onions, and add quick-cooking vegetables like peas at the final combining step.

→ Is this recipe good for meal prep?

This is perfect for meal prep! It reheats beautifully and actually develops more flavor overnight. Store in portion-sized containers and reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.