Looking for a hearty, comforting, and hassle-free dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy?
Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet is your answer—a one-pan meal that combines juicy smoked sausage, perfectly cooked rice, colorful vegetables, and bold spices into a dinner that feels like it took hours to prepare, yet it’s ready in under 35 minutes.
It’s the kind of dish that speaks to both your taste buds and your busy schedule. Ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe offers a canvas for creativity—add your favorite veggies, switch up the spices, or experiment with protein choices. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and most importantly—absolutely delicious.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
✅ One-Pan Convenience
Cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
✅ Bold and Balanced Flavors
The smokiness of sausage meets the warmth of garlic, the freshness of vegetables, and the richness of tomatoes and broth—all soaked into fluffy rice.
✅ Family-Friendly
It appeals to both kids and adults. You can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
✅ Perfect for Busy Weeknights
The prep and cook time is minimal, making it ideal for evenings when you need dinner fast.
✅ Easy to Customize
Make it spicy, make it mild, add extra veggies or use cauliflower rice—this dish adapts to your taste and dietary needs.
The Beauty of One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals are more than a trend—they’re a lifeline for home cooks. Not only do they simplify cooking, but they also:
- Intensify flavors by allowing everything to cook together.
- Reduce the cleanup process to a single pan.
- Allow for layering and building flavor in stages (browning, sautéing, simmering).
This smoked sausage and rice skillet is a quintessential one-skillet wonder—each step is easy, but the result is deeply flavorful and comforting.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Let’s break down the core ingredients and why each one plays a key role in flavor and texture:
🧂 Smoked Sausage (1 lb)
Choose a fully cooked variety such as kielbasa or andouille. The smoky, slightly spicy flavor infuses the whole dish.
🍚 Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup)
This variety stays fluffy and doesn’t clump. Basmati or jasmine are also great options for aroma.
🧅 Aromatics – Onion & Garlic
These form the savory base of flavor when sautéed in oil.
🌶️ Bell Pepper (1, diced)
Adds color, sweetness, and crunch. You can mix red, yellow, or green peppers for more flavor depth.
🍅 Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Brings moisture and a rich, slightly acidic balance that rounds out the dish.
🍗 Chicken Broth (2 cups)
Used instead of water for added flavor absorption in the rice.
🌿 Spices: Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
These elevate the flavor. Smoked paprika adds warmth; oregano brings a Mediterranean touch.
🧀 Shredded Cheddar (optional – ½ cup)
Melts beautifully and offers creamy contrast. You can skip it or swap for mozzarella or pepper jack.
🌿 Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
A touch of green on top makes it feel fresh and balanced.
How to Cook Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet – Step by Step
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add sliced smoked sausage and sear both sides (about 3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Dry Spices and Rice
Stir in 1 cup rice, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Toast everything lightly for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well. Add the cooked sausage back in.
Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Finish
Turn off the heat and let the dish sit (covered) for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese and chopped parsley over the top before serving, if desired.
Smart Tips to Customize It Your Way
- Spice Level – Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Protein Swap – Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even shrimp.
- Vegetable Add-ins – Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, peas, or corn work beautifully.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1 cup.
- Cheesy Finish – Top with a blend of cheeses for extra indulgence.
Healthy Swaps and Dietary Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free sausage and broth.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
- Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and skip added salt.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
What to Serve Alongside
While the dish is a meal in itself, here are a few serving ideas:
- Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Garlic Bread – For extra comfort.
- Pickled Onions – A tangy topping that cuts the richness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep rice moist.
Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly Option
Make-Ahead Tip:
Chop all veggies and sausage in advance. Store in zip-top bags for easy access during the week.
Freezer Meal Idea:
Cook and cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, label with date. To reheat, thaw overnight and microwave or warm in a skillet.
Expert Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet for even cooking.
- Toast the rice slightly before adding liquid for extra depth.
- Don’t lift the lid too early during simmering—trapped steam is key to fluffy rice.
- If the rice is still hard, add a few more tablespoons of water and simmer for 5 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add more broth (about ½ cup).
Q2: Is this spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. Adjust red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your taste.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a large deep skillet or
Dutch oven, and adjust liquid accordingly.
Q4: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the sauté setting for steps 1–3, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes and natural release.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving) (Approximate)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
(Values vary based on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro—even on your busiest nights. It’s warm, savory, deeply satisfying, and comes together without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe will never let you down.
Remember: food should be simple, flavorful, and fun. This dish hits all the marks. Don’t just take our word for it—cook it once, and it’ll become a regular on your table!
📌 Printable Recipe Card
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Total Time: 35 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 4
🥘 Course: Dinner
🌎 Cuisine: American
📒 Tags: one-pan, smoked sausage, rice skillet, easy dinner, weeknight meal
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet. Brown sausage 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
- Stir in rice and spices. Toast lightly.
- Add broth and tomatoes. Return sausage. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes. Fluff and top with cheese and parsley.
