Looking for an easy, hearty, and delicious meal? This Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect one-pan dish, filled with flavor, veggies, and protein. The combination of smoked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice creates a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping a meal for the family, this skillet recipe has you covered!
Why Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Is So Irresistible
This dish brings together the savory smokiness of sausage with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the warmth of perfectly cooked rice. It’s simple but packed with flavor. The addition of cheese makes it extra creamy and delicious, but it’s just as satisfying without it. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. This is the kind of meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups minute rice (or regular rice, cooked)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet
1. Get Prepped:
- Start by chopping all your vegetables, mincing the garlic, grating the cheese, and cooking the rice (if you’re using regular rice, cook it ahead of time to ensure it’s ready).
2. Cook the Rice:
- Follow the instructions on the rice package to cook it. If you’re using long-grain rice, allow it to cook until tender and set aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds before adding the smoked sausage. Cook the sausage for about 2 minutes, until lightly browned.
4. Add the Vegetables and Cook:
- Add the chopped broccoli, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5 minutes. If your pan is dry, feel free to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help cook the veggies.
5. Add the Rice and Seasoning:
- Once the veggies are tender, add the cooked rice to the skillet along with the seasoned salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Add the Cheese (Optional):
- Take the skillet off the heat and add the cheddar cheese (if using). Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the rice and sausage mixture.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, like parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Substitutions:
- If you don’t like smoked sausage, you can substitute it with leftover chicken, steak, or even shrimp for a different twist.
- Feel free to add any other veggies like asparagus, peas, or frozen mixed vegetables for more variety.
- For a healthier option, you can use brown rice instead of white rice and opt for low-fat cheese.
- Leftover Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing:
- This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. When reheating, you may need to add a little liquid to restore the sauce.
Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet
A one-pan dish with smoked sausage, sautéed veggies, and perfectly cooked rice. This hearty meal is flavorful and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup onion diced small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces smoked sausage sliced
- 2 cups broccoli chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper sliced
- 2 cups minute rice or regular rice, cooked
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated (optional)
Instructions
- Get Prepped: Chop vegetables, mince garlic, grate cheese, and cook rice.
- Cook the Rice: Follow package instructions for rice.
- Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Sausage: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, cook onion for 4 minutes, then add garlic and sausage, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables and Cook: Add bell peppers and broccoli, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the cooked rice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in cheese and let it melt into the mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 589kcal (per serving)