If you’re looking for a dish that is every bit as hearty as it is comforting, the Sausage and Rice Recipe will win your heart quickly! With smoky sausage, tender rice, colorful veggies, and a burst of bold flavors, this one-pot wonder is pure weeknight magic. Every spoonful is satisfying, savory, and just a touch nostalgic, making it a favorite from busy family dinners to lazy Sunday suppers. You really can’t go wrong with a recipe that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, and this one guarantees happy faces all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sausage and Rice Recipe is how the simplest ingredients come together for major payoff. Each component plays a key role, adding depth, color, or texture you’ll savor in every bite.

Olive oil: Gets everything going with a rich, subtle flavor that coats your sausage and veggies beautifully.
Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced): The star of the show, lending smokiness and a hearty bite in every spoonful—try Cajun or andouille for extra zing.
Small onion (diced): Lays a sweet, aromatic base for your whole dish.
Bell pepper (any color, diced): Pops of color and a gentle, sweet crunch for every mouthful.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For an irresistible aroma and sharp, savory depth.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Soaks up the broth and flavors, becoming perfectly tender while holding its shape.
Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Delivers moisture and infuses the rice with rich, savory essence.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smoky warmth.
Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): A trace of herbal earthiness that makes the flavors sing.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick—add more if you like things peppy.
Salt to taste: Brings everything together; remember your broth and sausage may already be salty.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): For a fresh, green garnish that brightens every serving.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden and crisp around the edges. This step is key—the caramelization brings a deeply savory flavor that infuses the rest of the Sausage and Rice Recipe. Once browned, set the sausage aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan (don’t clean it—the flavor left behind is gold!), add your diced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their sweetness. Next, toss in your minced garlic and give everything a good stir for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. These beautiful veggies and aromatics create a luscious, flavor-packed base.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Now, stir the uncooked long-grain rice right into the pan. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently so it gets coated in all those gorgeous oils and flavor bits. Toasting the rice like this adds a gentle nutty flavor and sets up a better texture that holds up after simmering.

Step 4: Add Sausage and Simmer

Return your browned sausage to the pan. Pour in your chicken broth, and don’t forget the paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits sticking to the bottom, and bring it all to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let it gently simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as the rice plumps up and absorbs every last drop of flavor.

Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Finish

Once the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the pan from the heat—but leave it covered! Give it five minutes to rest. This makes the rice ultra fluffy and gives the flavors a final moment to mingle. Fluff everything with a fork, sprinkle over fresh parsley if desired, and get ready to serve a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes!

How to Serve Sausage and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley is always delightful atop your Sausage and Rice Recipe, adding a fresh pop of color and brightness. For extra flair, a squeeze of lemon, a dash of hot sauce, or even a scattering of sliced green onions can add new layers of flavor that jazz up the presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but it plays nicely with others, too! Simple green salads with a zesty vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or warm, crusty bread to mop up the juices all make perfect partners. Even a quick saute of leafy greens can create a well-rounded plate without much extra effort.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve your Sausage and Rice Recipe in deep bowls for ultimate comfort food vibes or scoop it into ramekins for a more elevated look. For parties or gatherings, try serving it in mini cups as a handheld appetizer—it’s unique, unexpected, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sausage and Rice Recipe, you’re in luck—it keeps beautifully! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge for that comforting, homemade meal at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water or broth over your rice to keep it moist. Warm it up gently in a covered skillet over low heat, or for a quick fix, pop it in the microwave covered until steaming—just be sure to fluff it with a fork to restore its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of sausage for this Sausage and Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds depth, feel free to substitute with andouille, spicy chorizo, or even turkey sausage depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Each one brings its own unique twist to the recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe with brown rice?

Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but keep in mind it requires more liquid and a longer simmer time—usually about 40 to 45 minutes. Just check for doneness and add more broth as necessary for perfectly tender grains.

How can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Peas, corn, spinach, or chopped tomatoes are all wonderful additions to Sausage and Rice Recipe. Add heartier veggies like peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or fold in spinach at the end just to wilt.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

This meal is fantastic for meal prep! Divide into portions and store in containers—simply reheat as needed. The flavors actually get more robust after a night in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead option.

What’s the best way to keep the rice from getting mushy?

Be sure to keep your pot covered during simmering, and avoid stirring too much once the rice is cooking. Letting it rest off the heat before fluffing also helps maintain those fluffy, separate grains that make Sausage and Rice Recipe so appealing.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough how much joy this Sausage and Rice Recipe brings to my table. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies everyone, from picky kids to busy adults, and always gets asked for again. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s quickly become my go-to comfort food, and I hope it finds a spot in your dinner rotation, too!

Sausage and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sausage and Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Smoked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and garlic are combined with rice and seasonings to create a delicious dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
1 small onion (diced)
1 bell pepper (any color, diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the sausage: Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add rice and broth: Add uncooked rice and stir to toast slightly. Return the sausage to the pan and pour in chicken broth. Season with paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Rest and garnish: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley if desired.