If you are searching for a hearty, comforting one-pan meal that bursts with flavor and comes together effortlessly, this Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. Combining the smoky depth of sliced sausage with vibrant veggies and perfectly spiced rice, it’s like a warm hug on a plate that satisfies every craving. Whether you are feeding family on a busy weeknight or simply want a delicious, doable meal, this recipe packs incredible taste and textures into one easy skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe relies on simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have or can easily find. Each item plays a key role in elevating the dish’s balance of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy flavors, along with colorful, fresh textures that bring everything to life.
- Smoked sausage, 14 oz sliced: Adds rich smokiness and meaty texture that’s the heart of the recipe.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables, adding extra depth.
- Small onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness and a fragrant base for the skillet.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Packs bold flavor and a lovely aromatic kick.
- Long-grain white rice, 1 cup: The tender grain that soaks up all those amazing spices and broth.
- Chicken broth, 2 cups: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and moisture for perfect cooking.
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Enhances smokiness while adding warm, earthy notes.
- Dried thyme, ½ teaspoon: Offers herbal complexity that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon (optional): Delivers a gentle spicy heat that you can adjust to your liking.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every bite.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped (optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
How to Make Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until nicely browned on both sides, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Browning the sausage is key to unlocking deep smoky flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Once browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside so we can build the next layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for around 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become slightly translucent. This step creates a wonderful aromatic base filled with sweet and fresh notes. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking it just 30 seconds longer until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 3: Toast the Rice and Spices
Next, add your long-grain white rice directly into the skillet. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if you want a bit of heat), and seasoning with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the rice grains with the spices evenly. Toasting the rice with the spices here deepens the dish’s flavor profile and preps it perfectly for absorbing the broth.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to cook tenderly, soaking up all those smoky, herby, and savory flavors until the liquid is completely absorbed.
Step 5: Combine and Rest
Return the browned sausage back to the skillet and give the mixture a good stir, blending all the ingredients together. Cover it again and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes off the heat. This little resting period helps meld the flavors even further and ensures the rice stays fluffy. Finally, fluff it up with a fork and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a burst of cheerful green color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sausage. It’s a simple touch that makes your presentation pop and adds just the right brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but for extra flair, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A side of steamed greens or a crusty bread roll also pairs beautifully, soaking up any flavorful juices left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep the warmth and give a charming farmhouse vibe. You could also top each serving with a fried egg for brunch or add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and broil it briefly to create a cheesy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for easy lunches or dinners when you’re short on time but still crave something flavorful and comforting.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this skillet freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low-medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even warmth. You might want to add a splash of broth or water while reheating to keep the rice moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice; just keep in mind it requires a bit more broth and a longer cooking time—usually about 40 to 45 minutes—so adjust accordingly for the perfect texture.
Is it necessary to use smoked sausage?
While smoked sausage is ideal for that signature smoky flavor, you can substitute with any cooked sausage you enjoy. Just be sure to use a flavorful, well-seasoned variety to keep the dish delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can absolutely make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and boosting the umami with smoked paprika, mushrooms, or a smoked salt. Add extra veggies like zucchini or tomatoes to keep it vibrant and hearty.
How spicy is this dish with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds just a gentle, warm kick, not overwhelming heat. It’s optional and easy to leave out if you prefer a milder flavor, or increase if you love spicy food.
What can I do to make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, just be sure your chicken broth and sausage don’t contain any gluten-containing additives by checking the labels.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly the kind of comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. From the smoky sausage to the perfectly seasoned rice and tender veggies, every bite feels like a warm, home-cooked hug. Grab your skillet and ingredients, and treat yourself to this simple but sensational dish tonight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Southern-American one-pan meal featuring smoky sausage, aromatic spices, and tender rice cooked together on the stovetop for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Spices: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan along with smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Combine and Rest: Return the browned sausage to the pan and gently stir to combine everything. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice in place of white rice; however, increase the chicken broth to 2.5 cups and extend the cooking time to about 40–45 minutes to ensure the rice cooks fully.
- For additional heat, add sliced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
