If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that combines smoky, spicy, and savory notes in every bite, look no further than this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe. This delightful dish is packed with tender smoked sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce spiced with Creole seasoning. It’s comforting, colorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests without any fuss. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite go-to meal in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to bringing out the best flavors and textures in this dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the smoky sausage that adds depth, to the colorful peppers that brighten it visually and taste-wise. The rice soaks up all those aromatic liquids, making every spoonful a delight.
- 13 ounces smoked sausage (beef or pork): Sliced rounds provide the savory, smoky backbone for the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant kick that elevates all the flavors.
- 2 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips: Adds sweetness, color, and a fresh crunch.
- 2 cups uncooked white rice: The perfect base that soaks up delicious juices.
- 8 ounces can tomato sauce: Gives richness and a subtle tangy undertone.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Infuses extra flavor while cooking the rice perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning: Adds a spicy, smoky complexity; cayenne pepper works as a substitute.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all flavors in balance.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Necessary for sautéing ingredients to develop their full flavor.
How to Make Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating oil in a heavy bottom pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage rounds and brown them on both sides. This caramelization process is crucial because it builds the rich, smoky flavor that sets the foundation of the entire dish. Don’t rush this step—you want a nice golden crust on each piece.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables with Sausage
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers with your sausage. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes. This step lets the aromatic flavors meld beautifully, infusing the oil and sausage with sweetness from the onion and freshness from the peppers, creating layers of flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Now add your uncooked rice straight into the pan with the sausage and vegetables. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice grains to toast lightly. This toasting step is a game-changer as it improves the rice’s texture and helps it absorb more of the savory liquid later, making each bite wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce along with the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Creole seasoning. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste and stir everything well to combine. The tomato sauce adds richness and slight acidity that balances the smoky sausage and sweet peppers, while the broth keeps the rice moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Keep an eye on it—if the rice looks too dry before fully done, add a splash more broth or water. This slow cooking infuses the rice with all the vibrant flavors and ensures a perfect texture.
Step 6: Fluff, Taste, and Serve
When the rice is ready, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your moment to make it just right for your palate. Serve it hot, optionally garnished with some fresh herbs or extra strips of pepper to brighten the presentation. This final step not only adds visual appeal but also a pop of fresh flavor.
How to Serve Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
At serving time, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions really lifts this dish. A few extra raw bell pepper strips can add a lovely crunch and color contrast, making each plate look as enticing as it tastes. If you love a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds freshness and balance. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate. You can also serve it alongside steamed greens for an extra nutrient boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish inside hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes instead of rice. It also makes an excellent filling for stuffed baked potatoes or as a hearty topping for nachos. The combination of bold sausage flavors and tender vegetables is versatile enough to inspire lots of creative plating ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe, allow them to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice has absorbed too much liquid and become too dense. Reheating slowly helps maintain the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked beef or pork sausage is traditional here, you can swap in chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked or smoked to keep the depth of flavor.
What if I don’t have Creole seasoning?
If Creole seasoning isn’t available, a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano can be used as a great substitute. Cayenne pepper alone also works well if you prefer a simpler spice profile with a little heat.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables first, then combining everything with the rice, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or until the rice is tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you check the labels on your sausage and Creole seasoning to ensure no gluten-containing additives, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great hearty meal option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I use brown rice or another grain?
You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid to fully cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness. Quinoa or farro can be experimented with for a twist, but the texture and liquid ratio will vary.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying any time of year. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises comfort and deliciousness with every spoonful. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, American
Description
This Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining savory smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tender rice simmered in a spiced tomato broth. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a rich Creole-inspired kick.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 13 ounces (369 g) smoked sausage (beef or pork), sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips (any color)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
Rice and Liquids
- 2 cups (370 g) uncooked white rice
- 8 ounces (227 ml) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper as a substitute)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a heavy bottom pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides to develop a rich, savory flavor base for the dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the pan with the sausage. Cook while stirring for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromas into the oil and meat.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice and cook for 1-2 minutes so the grains are lightly toasted, enhancing their texture and flavor absorption capability.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Add creole seasoning (or cayenne pepper) along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Occasionally check and add extra broth or water as needed to prevent drying.
- Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or extra peppers for added color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille for different flavor profiles.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if desired.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce when serving.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
