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Looking for a quick dinner fix? You’re in the right place! My One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet is easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. With just a few main ingredients, it’s not only simple to make but also packed with taste. Whether you’re looking for meal prep ideas or tips for enhancing flavors, this dish has it all. Let’s dive in and make dinner a breeze!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pan Meal: This recipe simplifies dinner cleanup by cooking everything in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sausage, spices, and veggies creates a deliciously savory dish that’s sure to please everyone.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the sausage for your favorite protein or add more vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish can be prepared in under 40 minutes, making it a great option for those who want a hearty meal in a hurry.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet
To make this dish, you will need:
– 1 pound chicken or turkey sausage, sliced
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
These ingredients blend well to create a hearty meal. The sausage adds protein, while rice serves as a filling base.
Suggested substitutions for ingredients
You can modify this recipe to fit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Here are some swaps:
– Use pork sausage or beef sausage for a different flavor.
– Swap long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati rice for unique textures.
– If you lack bell peppers, try zucchini or corn for a fresh twist.
– Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
– You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer over canned.
These changes still keep the essence of the dish while allowing you to personalize it.
Seasonings and spices to enhance flavor
Seasonings can elevate your meal. Here are some to consider:
– Add red pepper flakes for heat.
– Try Italian seasoning for a herby touch.
– A splash of hot sauce can spice things up.
– Consider fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for added freshness.
These spices and herbs can make your One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet even more delightful. Play around with them to discover your favorite combinations.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the sausage and vegetables
Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of sliced chicken or turkey sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. This gives the sausage a nice flavor. Once browned, take the sausage out of the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add one medium onion, diced, and one bell pepper, diced. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should become soft and fragrant. Then, add two cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. This step brings out the flavors in your dish.
Cooking rice and combining ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in one cup of long-grain rice and the cooked sausage. Add one can of diced tomatoes (with the juices) and two cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of paprika and half a teaspoon of cumin. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
Once everything is in the skillet, bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender.
After 20 minutes, add one cup of frozen peas. Cover again and let it sit for 5 more minutes. This thaws the peas and adds a nice pop of color to your dish.
Cooking tips for perfecting the dish
To make this dish perfect, here are some tips:
– Use a large skillet. It helps to cook evenly.
– Make sure the heat is not too high. This prevents the rice from burning.
– Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking. It makes the dish light and fluffy.
– Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It adds a nice touch.
These steps will help you create a tasty and satisfying meal in no time!
Tips & Tricks
How to achieve the best texture for rice
To make perfect rice, use long-grain rice. Rinse it first to remove extra starch. This helps keep the grains fluffy. When you add the rice to the skillet, stir it well with the sausage and veggies. This mix helps the rice absorb flavors while cooking. When it simmers, keep the lid on tight. This traps steam and cooks the rice evenly. After cooking, fluff it gently with a fork. This keeps it from becoming mushy.
Timing considerations for cooking sausage
Cooking the sausage right is key to this dish. Start by browning it in olive oil. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning gives the sausage a nice flavor. Once it’s done, set it aside. The skillet will have tasty bits left behind. Use these bits to cook the veggies. This timing ensures the sausage stays juicy and adds depth to the overall flavor.
Ways to add more flavor and nutrition
To pack in more flavor, think about adding spices. You can try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of Italian herbs for freshness. Adding more veggies like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition. You can also sprinkle in some parmesan cheese before serving for a rich touch. If you want a bit of sweetness, toss in some corn or diced carrots. These small changes make a big difference in taste and health.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or other herbs at the end enhances flavor and freshness.
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Different sausages bring unique flavors; try spicy or Italian for a twist.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy.
- Adjust Liquid for Different Rice: If using brown rice, increase the liquid and cooking time for perfect results.

Variations
Alternative proteins (beef, vegetarian options)
You can switch the sausage to beef or turkey. Ground beef works well and adds rich flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage. You can also use beans like black beans or chickpeas for protein. Just add them when you combine the rice and broth. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Different vegetable combinations
Feel free to mix up the veggies. You can use zucchini, spinach, or carrots. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. You can also add corn for sweetness or broccoli for crunch. If you have leftover vegetables in your fridge, toss them in. This dish is great for using what you have on hand.
Flavor twists (spices and sauces)
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also stir in some Italian seasoning for a new taste. For a saucy twist, drizzle in some soy sauce or hot sauce. A splash of lemon juice brightens the whole dish. Experiment with flavors until you find your perfect mix!
Storage Info
Best practices for storing leftovers
To keep your One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet fresh, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure each portion is well-sealed to avoid drying out.
How to reheat One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet
To reheat, place the skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Freezing tips for meal prep
For longer storage, freeze the dish in portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you enjoy a quick and tasty meal anytime!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. It takes longer to cook, so adjust the broth and cooking time. Use 2 1/2 cups of broth and cook for 40-45 minutes. Check the rice for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy.
What can I serve with One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet?
This dish is a complete meal, but you can add sides. A fresh salad pairs well. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. If you want more veggies, steamed broccoli or sautéed greens work great. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, try these tips:
– Use turkey or chicken sausage for less fat.
– Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
– Choose low-sodium chicken broth to cut salt.
– Swap out white rice for brown rice for added fiber.
These changes keep the dish tasty and boost nutritional value.
This blog post showed you how to make a tasty One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, smart substitutions, and spices that boost flavor. You learned step-by-step how to cook everything perfectly. Tips helped you get the best rice texture and timing for sausage. I shared fun variations and storage tips to keep your meals fresh. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Try new ingredients and enjoy a quick, delicious meal any day. Happy cookin
One-Pan Sausage and Rice Skillet
A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring sausage, rice, and vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 pound chicken or turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the rice, cooked sausage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
After the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and cover again for 5 more minutes to thaw the peas.
Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword easy meal, one pan, rice, sausage, skillet
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