Sausage and Rice Skillet
A quick and easy one-pan Sausage and Rice Skillet combining savory sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and adaptable ingredients.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Sausage and Protein
- 1 lb sausage (spicy Italian, sweet, chicken, turkey, or plant-based)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach as desired
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional spices: paprika, chili flakes, dried herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onions and bell peppers, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits behind.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Pour in the rice and stir to coat it evenly in the oil and vegetable mixture. Then, add chicken broth and tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything well.
- Simmer Until Tender: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Give it a final stir to mix all the flavors before plating.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time and add great texture when lightly browned.
- Don’t skip sautéing vegetables as it builds rich foundational flavor.
- Lightly toast the rice in oil before cooking to enhance nuttiness.
- Adjust liquids and cooking time based on rice variety used (brown rice requires more broth and longer cooking).
- Let the dish rest covered off heat for 5 minutes to steam and ensure perfect fluffiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: sausage skillet, one pan dinner, quick dinner, rice skillet, easy dinner, gluten free, family friendly