If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s big on flavor but low on fuss, you’ve got to try this Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, combining savory sausage with tender rice and colorful veggies in one hearty skillet. This recipe captures all the rich, homey flavors you love, while keeping cleanup to a minimum—making it a go-to dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this dish’s incredible taste and texture. Each element brings something special to the skillet, from the hearty sausage and fluffy rice to the bright veggies and aromatic herbs.
- 1 lb sausage: Choose Italian or your favorite variety for a deliciously rich and meaty base.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, absorbent texture that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, making the rice tender and flavorful.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall savory notes.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant, pungent warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a smoky, slightly spicy undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings earthy, aromatic hints that marry beautifully with the sausage.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the sausage and veggies, adding richness.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): A pop of sweetness and bright green color that livens up the dish.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal finish that makes every bite shine.
How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step is where the magic begins — the sausage browns up beautifully, releasing its fat and flavor. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s fully cooked and golden. After that, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. This not only keeps it warm but clears the pan for the next flavorful steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. The bits of flavor left from the sausage will mingle with the veggies as they soften, creating a deliciously fragrant base. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes just until they become tender and fragrant, giving the dish its colorful and aromatic foundation.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, toss in the long-grain rice. Give it a good stir to coat each grain with the savory mixture of sausage and veggies. This little step helps to add a subtle toasted flavor to the rice and prevents it from getting mushy later on. It’s a small but important move that elevates the entire skillet.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Now pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors. The broth will cook the rice and soak up all those incredible tastes, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and lower the heat to keep it on low. Let it cook undisturbed for about 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the liquid, becoming tender and perfectly cooked. Resist the urge to lift the lid — patience is key for that perfect texture.
Step 6: Finish with Peas
Once the rice is tender, stir in the frozen peas if you’re using them. Let the peas cook with the heat of the skillet for another 3 to 5 minutes, which softens them just right without losing their lovely bright color and sweet flavor. This is the final colorful touch before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a fresh, herbal note and a vibrant green contrast. This garnish takes your Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe from simple to stunning in seconds.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a natural choice for garnish, but feel free to get creative with chopped green onions, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra indulgence. These little touches can personalize the dish and enhance its flavors.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a hearty one-pan meal, but if you want to round it out, consider light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Some crusty bread or warm tortillas also complement the richness wonderfully, giving you texture variety and extra satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this dish in individual cast-iron skillets right from the stovetop or oven, making it feel special and restaurant-quality. Another idea is to let it cool slightly and stuff it into bell pepper halves for a festive presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to cool it fully before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet in a pan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth helps refresh the rice and prevents it from drying out. Enjoy it almost as freshly made every time!
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can swap Italian sausage with chicken sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if the sausage type varies.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and check that your chicken broth doesn’t contain gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a safe and satisfying choice.
What can I use instead of frozen peas?
If you don’t have peas on hand or want a change, try adding corn kernels, diced carrots, or even chopped spinach. These will add texture and color while keeping the skillet vibrant and nutritious.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can chop the veggies and measure spices ahead of time, or even cook the sausage and set everything aside separately. Assemble and cook the dish when you’re ready for a quick, fresh meal.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as written is mildly spiced thanks to the paprika and sausage seasoning. If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili during the sauté step to kick it up a notch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan meal that combines bold flavors, ease, and comforting textures, and the Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress any guest. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll soon see why this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Print
Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavor-packed one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and tender rice, it’s an easy and satisfying dish that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage and Rice Skillet Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian sausage or your preferred variety)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the rice: Stir in the rice to coat it evenly in the sausage and sautéed vegetable mixture, allowing the rice to toast lightly for about a minute.
- Add liquid and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish cooking: Stir in the frozen peas, if using, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top as garnish and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with any sausage variety you prefer, such as chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a spicier version, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have frozen peas, other vegetables like corn or diced carrots work well too.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
