Sausage Rice Skillet

This **one-pan sausage and rice skillet** became my go-to recipe when I needed a filling, flavorful meal that would use ingredients I already had on hand. My kids love anything with cheese, and I was trying to sneak in some vegetables without too much complaining. The smoked sausage gives the dish a rich, savory flavor that's so good, my pickiest eater doesn't even notice the broccoli mixed in with everything else.

My sister's kids, who are usually quite picky, both asked for more when I made this. She was so surprised when I told her it was just sausage and rice because it seemed much fancier than that. Now, she makes it regularly for her own family because it's one of the few meals her whole family will eat without a fight.

What You'll Need

• **Smoked sausage:** The pre-cooked kind from the refrigerated section works perfectly.
• **Long-grain white rice:** Be sure to rinse it first to remove excess starch.
• **Chicken broth:** This adds much more flavor than water.
• **Bell pepper and onion:** A classic combination that adds sweetness and crunch.
• **Frozen broccoli:** No need to thaw it; just add it straight from the bag.
• Colby Jack cheese: This melts smoothly and has a mild flavor.
• **Smoked paprika:** It gives the dish a deeper, more complex taste.

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How to Make It

Prep the ingredients:

Slice the sausage into coins and chop the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.

Brown everything:

In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onions, and peppers over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are soft.

Add aromatics:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it smells fragrant.

Build the base:

Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and seasonings. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet.

Cook the rice:

Let it simmer, covered, for about **20 minutes**, adding the frozen broccoli halfway through. The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.

Finish with cheese:

Stir in most of the cheese, then sprinkle the rest on top and either cover the pan to melt or place it under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

I used to constantly check on the rice because I was worried it would burn, but lifting the lid too much lets all the steam escape. Now I trust the timing and only peek once to add the broccoli, and the results are much better.

Serving and Storage

This skillet meal is a complete meal on its own, but serving it with **cornbread** on the side makes it feel like a proper Southern dinner. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for several days and reheat nicely in the microwave. The rice might absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating if it seems dry.

Ways to Change It Up

Try different vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots instead of broccoli. You can also use other types of sausage, like **andouille** for more heat, or even leftover cooked chicken. Different cheese blends, like sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend, will also change the flavor profile.

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This recipe has become a reliable option for me on nights when I need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. It’s comforting, easy, and always gets rave reviews from my family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the liquid to about 3 cups and extend the cooking time to 35-40 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Try corn, peas, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms. Add frozen vegetables halfway through cooking, or fresh vegetables with the onions and peppers.

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Kielbasa, andouille, or even cooked chicken sausage work great. Just make sure it's fully cooked since we're just browning it for flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.

→ What if my rice seems too dry while cooking?

Add a little more chicken broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until the rice is tender. Different brands of rice can absorb liquid differently.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add some diced jalapeños with the peppers, use spicy smoked sausage, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.