Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a meal that’s both incredibly easy and bursting with flavor, you’ve hit the jackpot with this sausage and rice skillet recipe! This one-pan wonder is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty without a ton of cleanup. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; you throw everything into one skillet, and let the magic happen! The savory sausage mingles perfectly with the rice and veggies, creating a comforting, satisfying meal that my whole family devours. Seriously, it’s become a staple in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb sausage (any type you prefer)
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—making this delicious sausage and rice skillet! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add in the sausage. I like to use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want it to get all browned and crispy—that’s where the flavor really starts to develop! This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the more color you get on the sausage, the better!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, it’s time to add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Oh my goodness, your kitchen will smell amazing right about now! This step really enhances the flavor, making everything come together perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Spices
Next, let’s stir in the uncooked rice and paprika. Make sure you mix it all together well so that the rice gets coated in all those delicious flavors. This is key for ensuring each bite is packed with taste! Give it a minute or two to toast slightly, which adds a lovely nuttiness to the dish.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Watch out for splatters! Bring everything to a nice boil—this is crucial because it’s how the rice will cook through. Once it’s bubbling away, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is the magic moment where all those flavors meld together, and the rice cooks to perfection. Just be sure not to lift the lid too often; you want all that steam trapped inside!
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from heat and grab a fork to fluff the rice gently. This helps separate the grains and keeps it light and fluffy—no one wants clumpy rice! Serve it hot, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy. And there you have it—a comforting, flavorful meal ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! While I always say food is meant to be enjoyed, it’s good to know what you’re putting in your body. Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values you can expect from this scrumptious sausage and rice skillet recipe, based on a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, knowing the basics can help you make informed choices while you indulge in this tasty dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder—less mess and easy cleanup, yay!
- Quick preparation—dinner is ready in about 40 minutes!
- Hearty and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Flavor-packed—savory sausage combined with tender rice and vibrant veggies.
- Customizable—swap in your favorite sausage or add more veggies for a personal touch!
- Kid-friendly—my kids can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure yours will love it too!
- Leftover friendly—tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure you nail this sausage and rice skillet recipe like a pro! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your dish and ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
- Choose the Right Sausage: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of sausage! Whether you prefer spicy Italian, smoked sausage, or even chicken sausage, each will bring its unique flavor to the dish. Just remember, the seasoning may vary, so adjust your spices accordingly!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the sausage isn’t just for looks; it adds depth and richness to your dish! Take your time with this step and let it get that nice golden color. It’s worth the wait!
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to throw in additional veggies like peas, carrots, or even spinach! Just toss them in with the other vegetables during Step 2 for added nutrition and flavor. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge too!
- Broth Matters: Using homemade chicken broth can take this dish to another level! If you’re using store-bought, opt for low-sodium to better control the saltiness of your meal.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing the rice. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it extra fluffy!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This meal reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be whipping up the best sausage and rice skillet ever! Happy cooking!
Variations on the Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
One of the best things about this sausage and rice skillet recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep your meals exciting and cater to your taste buds. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Different Proteins: Feel like mixing it up? Swap out the sausage for diced chicken, shrimp, or even ground turkey! Each protein brings its unique flavor, and you can adjust the seasonings to match.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your skillet. It’ll give your dish a delightful kick that’s sure to spice things up!
- Seasonal Veggies: Take advantage of seasonal produce! In the summer, toss in fresh zucchini or corn; in the fall, try adding butternut squash or kale. Each season offers a new way to enjoy this dish!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavors beautifully! Add chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil just before serving for a burst of freshness that livens up the entire meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: For cheese lovers, sprinkle some shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts into gooey perfection!
- One-Pan Mexican Style: Want to give it a fiesta twist? Use chorizo instead of regular sausage, and throw in some black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with avocado and lime juice for a fun Tex-Mex meal!
With these variations, you can make this sausage and rice skillet a new dish every time you cook it! Get creative and let your taste buds guide you. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your sausage and rice skillet! First of all, I’m sure you’ll want to savor every last bite, so here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty.
To store, simply transfer any leftover skillet meal into an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your rice soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—if it lasts that long, that is!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple. I recommend using a skillet to warm it up on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re in a rush, you can also pop it in the microwave! Just place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (this keeps the moisture in), and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method keeps it nice and fluffy!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your savory sausage and rice skillet meal just as much the next day. Happy eating!
For more delicious recipes, check out this one-pot Cajun sausage and rice recipe or this one-pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini recipe!
Print
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe: 6 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful sausage and rice skillet meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in rice and paprika, mixing well.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- Use any type of sausage you prefer.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sausage and rice skillet recipe