Sausage and Rice Skillet

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy a simple yet flavorful skillet filled with smoked sausage, fluffy white rice, sweet bell peppers, and savory onion. This hearty dish comes together quickly in just one pan with garlic, paprika, tomato paste, and a touch of cayenne for gentle heat. Simmered with chicken broth and finished with fresh parsley, every bite is nicely balanced and aromatic. The combination of satisfying protein and tender vegetables makes this a great weeknight solution with minimal cleanup. Try it with your favorite sausage or add extra heat for a Cajun spin. Serve hot, straight from the skillet!

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:09:46 GMT
A skillet full of sausage and rice. Save
A skillet full of sausage and rice. | lilicooks.com

This Sausage and Rice Skillet became my secret weapon on busy weeknights. Everything comes together in one pan for a warm, flavorful meal that disappears fast at my table. There is something so comforting about smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and fluffy rice all mingling in a rich tomato broth.

I made this for my husband after a long day and he swears it beats any takeout. Now it is a regular in our weeknight rotation whenever we need something hearty in a hurry.

Ingredients

  • White rice: It soaks up the savory sauces and delivers the perfect fluffy texture Choose long grain for best results
  • Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and veggies while adding a light richness Use extra virgin for better flavor
  • Smoked sausage: Adds smoky depth and a savory bite Look for natural-casing sausage for extra snap
  • Red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper: Bring color crunch and a touch of sweetness Go for firm shiny peppers
  • White onion: Brings mild sweetness and tenderness Slice it thin to help it melt into the dish
  • Garlic: Boosts aroma and deepens the dish’s savory backbone Use fresh for the brightest flavor
  • Kosher sea salt: Balances everything and brings out flavors Use a flaky variety for easier sprinkling
  • Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a sharp finish Freshly ground always wins
  • Tomato paste: Brings a robust tang and natural umami Go for double concentrated if possible
  • Low sodium chicken broth: Loosens everything and keeps the dish moist Pick a high quality broth with clean ingredients
  • Paprika: Brings warm color and subtle smokiness Use Spanish smoked paprika for a boost
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds just a touch of heat Adjust to your spice comfort
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped at the end for brightness and color Flat leaf has the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice:
Begin by preparing the rice in a small saucepan following package instructions Use just enough water to keep it fluffy not mushy
Brown the Sausage:
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high Once hot drizzle in the olive oil Add smoked sausage slices Spread them into a single layer Cook about five minutes until both sides are golden and crisp Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet add sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the onions Stir them often for four to five minutes until they are softened and fragrant Add minced garlic salt and black pepper Sauté one more minute until the garlic blooms with scent Scoop the veggies to the plate with sausage
Build the Sauce:
Add tomato paste to the empty skillet Pour in about three quarters cup chicken broth Whisk to blend and allow to simmer for one minute Sprinkle in paprika and cayenne letting them wake up in the steamy sauce
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked rice sausage vegetables and remaining broth to the skillet Stir gently to mix and coat every grain with sauce Let everything warm through about two minutes Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet Spoon into bowls and serve immediately while steaming hot
A skillet of sausage and rice. Save
A skillet of sausage and rice. | lilicooks.com

One of my favorite parts is the way the bell peppers stay a little crisp and colorful Every time I make this my family argues over who gets the last scoop right from the pan Sometimes we eat it straight out of the skillet at the table and those are my favorite memories

Storage Tips

Leftover sausage and rice skillet keeps well for up to three to four days in the fridge Use a tight container to lock in moisture When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or water so the rice stays soft Heat gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave so nothing overcooks

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the smoked sausage for turkey or chicken sausage if you want a lighter version Try brown rice if you want a little more fiber and nutty bite You can also use whatever bell peppers you have or even toss in zucchini or spinach at the end

Serving Suggestions

I love this dish with a big green salad or sautéed green beans If you want to double down on comfort serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the saucy rice For a party you can scoop it into lettuce wraps or stuff it into bell pepper halves and bake for a fun twist

A skillet of sausage and rice. Save
A skillet of sausage and rice. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Notes

Rice and sausage dishes like this one have roots all over the world from jambalaya in Louisiana to classic Spanish paella This version brings those global flavors together in a weeknight friendly pan and gets bonus points for shopping your own pantry

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of sausage works best in this skillet?

Smoked sausage brings classic flavor, but you can use Italian, andouille, or chicken sausage to suit your taste or dietary needs.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and add extra broth as brown rice needs longer to become tender.

→ How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Cook rice separately and stir in at the end to maintain its fluffiness. Avoid overcooking once combined with other ingredients.

→ What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Pepper and onion provide sweetness and depth, but add peas, corn, or zucchini to customize the dish to your liking.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Sausage and Rice Skillet

Spicy sausage, fluffy rice, and sweet peppers simmered in one skillet for a quick, satisfying meal.

Preparation Time
8 min
Cooking Time
22 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cup white rice, uncooked
02 2 tsp olive oil
03 12 oz smoked sausage
04 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
05 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
06 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
07 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 1/2 tsp kosher sea salt
09 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
10 5 tbsp tomato paste
11 1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided
12 1 tsp paprika
13 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
14 1 1/2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

In a small saucepan, cook rice according to the package's directions.

Step 02

Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 03

Add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet, and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and black pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from the pan and set aside with the sausage.

Step 04

Add tomato paste and about 3/4 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for 1 minute. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper.

Step 05

Stir in the cooked rice, sausage, remaining chicken broth, onions, and peppers until well combined. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

  1. For an Italian version, use Italian sausage and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
  2. For a Cajun version, use andouille sausage and 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.

Required Tools

  • Small saucepan
  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 284
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 10 g