Sausage and Rice Skillet: Your New 30-Minute Dinner Hero

Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes? Look no further. This Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. It’s packed with savory smoked sausage, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. This dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

We combine perfectly browned sausage with aromatic onions and peppers, then toast the rice right in the skillet to deepen its flavor. A simple yet powerful blend of seasonings and a savory broth bring it all together. The result is a hearty, all-in-one meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, but it’s ready in a flash.

Why This Sausage and Rice Skillet Belongs in Your Rotation

This isn’t just another quick dinner; it’s a versatile and reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s designed for real life – for those nights when you need something wholesome and delicious on the table without any fuss.

• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes. Everything from searing the sausage to simmering the rice happens in a single skillet.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: This recipe is engineered for speed. It’s the perfect solution for getting a home-cooked meal on the table fast.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable and accessible ingredients like sausage, rice, and basic vegetables, this dish is as easy on your wallet as it is on your schedule.
• Incredibly Flavorful: We build layers of flavor at every step, from browning the sausage to toasting the rice and simmering it all in a seasoned broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab.

For the Skillet:

• Smoked Sausage: The star of the show. Use your favorite brand of pre-cooked smoked sausage or andouille for a spicy kick.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice works best as it absorbs the liquid perfectly without getting mushy.
• Onion & Bell Pepper: A classic combination that builds the aromatic base. I use a yellow onion and a red bell pepper for color.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, savory depth.
• Chicken Broth: This is our simmering liquid. Use a low-sodium version to better control the saltiness.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of undrained diced tomatoes adds moisture, flavor, and a touch of acidity.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
• Seasonings: A simple yet potent blend of smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make the Perfect Sausage and Rice Skillet

Follow these simple steps for a flawless one-pan meal. The key is to build flavor as you go.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Toast the Rice and Spices

Add the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, and oregano to the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in the spices. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return the browned sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve your delicious Sausage and Rice Skillet hot.

Tips for Recipe Success

Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few expert tips.

• Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the sausage first creates a fond—those browned bits on the bottom of the pan—which builds a deep, savory base for the entire dish.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Smoked sausage is already quite salty. Using low-sodium broth gives you full control over the final seasoning.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the skillet to rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking is essential. It lets the rice finish steaming, ensuring a perfect, fluffy texture every time.

Easy Variations & Add-Ins

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great canvas for customization. Try one of these simple variations.

• Add a Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend over the top during the final 5 minutes of resting time. Cover the skillet to let it melt into gooey perfection. Much like our popular Tater Tot Casserole, a cheesy topping is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Introduce More Veggies: Feel free to add a cup of frozen corn, peas, or sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
• Turn Up the Heat: For a spicier version, use andouille sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings, or stir in a chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
• Swap the Protein: This recipe works well with other proteins. Try it with diced chicken thighs or even shrimp. If you like skillet meals with seafood, our Shrimp and Rice Bowl is another great option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as it reheats.

a

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook (around 40-45 minutes) and may require an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of broth.

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How can I make this dish creamy?

For a creamy sausage and rice skillet, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 2 ounces of cream cheese at the end of the cooking time, just before serving. You can also add a cup of shredded cheese and let it melt on top.

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Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check that your brand of sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.

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What kind of sausage is best for a sausage and rice skillet?

Pre-cooked smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille sausage work best because they are firm and won’t fall apart during cooking. Andouille will add a spicy, Cajun flavor to the dish.

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What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe is very versatile! Feel free to add 1-2 cups of other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, corn, peas, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables with the onions and quicker-cooking ones like spinach at the very end.

Save This Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe!

This one-pan meal is a true game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering on both flavor and convenience. It’s a dish your whole family will ask for again and again. For more easy dinner ideas, check out our One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Orzo. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!

Sausage and Rice Skillet: Your New 30-Minute Dinner Hero

This one-pan Sausage and Rice Skillet is the ultimate 30-minute meal! Packed with smoked sausage, fluffy rice, and savory spices, it's a budget-friendly and delicious weeknight dinner hero the whole family will love. Easy cleanup guaranteed!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 14 oz Smoked Sausage sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice uncooked
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 15 oz Diced Tomatoes undrained
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• 1 Cutting Board

Instructions

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir for 1 minute until the rice is lightly toasted.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the sausage to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

Tip 1: Use andouille sausage for a spicier, Cajun-style flavor.
Tip 2: Don't lift the lid while the rice is simmering! This allows the steam to cook the rice properly.
Tip 3: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients and color.