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Sausage and Rice Skillet

Featured in: Satisfying Hearty Mains

This easy one-skillet meal combines smoky sausage, fluffy rice, and bell peppers in a flavorful tomato sauce for a satisfying 30-minute dinner.

Tags: #quick-recipes #chicken #sausage #rice

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Clare Greco
Updated on Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:59:00 GMT
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe | recipesbyclare.com
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Sausage and Rice Skillet combines fluffy white rice, browned smoked sausage, sweet red and yellow peppers, onion, and a paprika-tomato sauce. Cooking the rice separately protects its texture while the cast-iron skillet develops the savory browned base.

The recipe serves 6 in 30 minutes, including 8 minutes of preparation and 22 minutes of cooking. Brown the sausage for about 5 minutes, soften the vegetables for 4–5 minutes, simmer the sauce briefly, and combine everything only at the end.

Sausage and Rice Skillet Ingredients

White rice, olive oil, smoked sausage, red and yellow pepper halves, onion, four garlic cloves, seasonings, tomato paste, broth, and parsley
White rice, olive oil, smoked sausage, red and yellow pepper halves, onion, four garlic cloves, seasonings, tomato paste, broth, and parsley | Recipes by Clare
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Prepare 1¼ cups uncooked white rice and 2 teaspoons olive oil. The protein and vegetables are one 12 oz package sliced smoked sausage, ½ red bell pepper, ½ yellow bell pepper, 1 small white onion quartered and sliced, and exactly 4 minced garlic cloves.

For seasoning and sauce, use ½ teaspoon kosher sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 5 tablespoons tomato paste, 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth divided, 1 teaspoon paprika, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne, and 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas.

How to Make Sausage and Rice Skillet

Four stages showing rice cooked, smoked sausage browned, peppers and onion simmered in tomato sauce, and the finished skillet combined
Four stages showing rice cooked, smoked sausage browned, peppers and onion simmered in tomato sauce, and the finished skillet combined | Recipes by Clare
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  1. Cook 1¼ cups white rice according to its package directions and set aside.
  2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high, then add 2 teaspoons oil.
  3. Brown the sliced sausage for about 5 minutes and remove it.
  4. Sauté both peppers and the onion for 4–5 minutes.
  5. Add four garlic cloves, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute, then remove the vegetables.
  6. Whisk tomato paste with about ¾ cup broth and simmer 1 minute.
  7. Stir in paprika and cayenne.
  8. Add rice, sausage, vegetables, and remaining broth; heat through and finish with parsley.

For storage details after serving, the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.

Cook the Rice Separately

Heat the Cast-Iron Skillet

Brown the Sausage for Five Minutes

Sauté Both Peppers and Onion

Add Four Garlic Cloves

Whisk the Tomato Sauce Base

Season With Paprika and Cayenne

Combine All Components

Finished sausage and rice skillet with red and yellow peppers and parsley
Finished sausage and rice skillet with red and yellow peppers and parsley | recipesbyclare.com
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Finish With Fresh Parsley

Control Moisture and Texture

Try the Documented Variations

Store and Reheat Leftovers

Keep the Thirty-Minute Workflow Moving

Conclusion

Cook 1¼ cups white rice according to the package. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a cast-iron skillet, brown sliced smoked sausage about 5 minutes, and remove. Sauté red and yellow pepper with onion for 4–5 minutes; add four garlic cloves, salt, and pepper for 1 minute, then remove. Whisk tomato paste with about ¾ cup broth and simmer 1 minute. Add paprika and cayenne, then return rice, sausage, vegetables, and the remaining broth. Heat through and garnish with parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook the rice separately?

Separate cooking keeps the grains fluffy and prevents them from becoming mushy in the sauce.

→ How long should the sausage brown?

Brown the sliced sausage for about 5 minutes, turning it for color on both sides.

→ Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, the listed recipe is dairy-free; check the sausage label for brand-specific ingredients.

→ Can the skillet be frozen?

Yes. Freeze cooled portions for 2–3 months and add a splash of broth when reheating.

4.30 from 145 votes

Sausage and Rice Skillet

Preparation Time:
8 Minutes
Cook Time:
22 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:
30 Minutes
Number of Servings:
6
Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
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Hearty one-skillet meal with smoky sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful bell peppers in a savory tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Rice & Oil

  • Protein & Vegetables

  • Seasonings & Sauce

How to Make It

1.

1. Cook the Rice: In a small saucepan, cook the white rice according to package directions until tender and fluffy. Set aside when done.

2.

2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and let it shimmer before adding other ingredients.

3.

3. Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, turning to brown on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.

4.

4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and onion to the same skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and develop some color.

5.

5. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the vegetables and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove vegetables and set aside with the sausage.

6.

6. Create the Sauce Base: Add tomato paste and about ¾ cup of chicken broth to the skillet, whisking to combine. Let it simmer for 1 minute to develop the flavors.

7.

7. Add Spices: Stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture, combining well to create a flavorful base.

8.

8. Combine Everything: Add the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and remaining chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

9.

9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Extra Information

  1. For an Italian version, use Italian sausage and add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  2. For a Cajun version, use andouille sausage and add ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  3. This dish is naturally dairy-free and stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days
  4. Can be frozen for 2-3 months - add a splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture

Essential Tools

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Small saucepan for rice
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Warnings

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains pork from smoked sausage
  • May contain gluten depending on sausage brand

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 284
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 10 g