This Easy Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner is a quick one-pan meal that’s full of flavor. Juicy sausage, tender rice, and colorful veggies come together to make dinner a breeze!
You can’t beat a meal that cooks all in one pot—less mess for me! I love how simple it is to whip up on busy nights, and it’s always a hit with my family. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa: These provide great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey sausage or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based sausage or omit the sausage altogether and boost the veggies.
Rice: Long grain white rice is best here for fluffy results. You can substitute with brown rice, but remember it will take longer to cook—around 40-45 minutes. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are good low-carb options as well.
Bell Pepper: Work with any color you like! You can also use other veggies like zucchini, spinach, or carrots to add more nutrition and color. Frozen mixed veggies can be a quick and easy swap, just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian meal. For a more intense flavor, you can use homemade broth or stock. If you’re low on broth, water works too, but you might want to add extra seasoning.
How Do I Make the Sausage Perfectly Browned?
Getting that nice, browned sausage adds depth to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a heated skillet on medium heat—this allows for even cooking.
- Use enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan; it helps with browning.
- Let the sausage sit without moving it around too much, about 4-5 minutes, to get a good sear before flipping.
Once browned, remove it from the pan before sautéing the veggies. This keeps the skillet from overcrowding and helps maintain that yummy brown color on the sausage!
Easy Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red/orange/yellow), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. A quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once it’s browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, throw in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned!
3. Add the Rice:
Now, add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir it well to coat the rice with the oil and mix in the veggies. This helps to give the rice a little flavor before cooking.
4. Pour in the Broth and Season:
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything together so all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Simmer the Dish:
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add Vegetables (Optional):
If you’re using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will warm them through without overcooking.
7. Fluff and Garnish:
Once everything is done, take off the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Easy Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner hot and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any smoked sausage or kielbasa that you prefer. Turkey sausage or chicken sausage are great alternatives for a lighter option. If you’d like a vegetarian dish, try plant-based sausage or simply load up on your favorite vegetables!
Can I Substitute Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but remember that it will take longer to cook—around 40-45 minutes. You’ll need to adjust the liquid as well, using 2.5 cups of broth for every cup of brown rice to ensure perfect cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet and warm it on low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. You can incorporate them during the cooking process just like the bell pepper or add frozen vegetables in the last few minutes of cooking for an easy boost of nutrition.
