The Coziest Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe For Family Meals

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack serious flavor, and this sausage and rice skillet delivers every single time.

One-pan cooking brings maximum taste with minimal cleanup.

Hearty sausage combines perfectly with fluffy rice, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Savory spices dance through each bite, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The skillet method ensures each ingredient develops deep, rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates this simple yet delicious recipe.

You won’t want to miss out on this easy, mouthwatering dinner solution that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why Sausage and Rice Skillet Works Every Time

• Streamline your cooking with this skillet recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Adaptable ingredients allow you to swap sausage types, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables, making this dish a flexible canvas for personal culinary creativity.
• Packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this skillet meal delivers a satisfying dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring happy faces around the table.
• Using simple, accessible ingredients like rice, sausage, and basic pantry spices, this recipe offers a cost-effective solution for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.

What Goes in a Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Sausage: A savory meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the skillet dish.

• Red Onion, Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide sweetness and texture to the recipe.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Rice: The primary starch that absorbs the delicious cooking liquids and spices.
• Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

• Fresh Basil, Dried Basil: Adds a bright, herbal note to the dish.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano: Dried spices that contribute complex flavor layers.

• Pesto: A vibrant sauce that adds a final herbal and rich element to the dish.

Making a Sausage and Rice Skillet Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle olive oil across the surface, allowing it to warm and create a smooth cooking base.

The oil should shimmer slightly, signaling it’s ready for cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Add sausage pieces to the hot skillet, spreading them out evenly.

Let the sausage sizzle and develop a golden-brown crust, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Once browned, transfer the sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Vegetable Medley

• Red onion
• Bell peppers

Stir the vegetables occasionally, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic flavors.

Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Toast Rice and Aromatics

• Thinly sliced garlic
• Rinsed rice

Stir the ingredients together, letting the rice toast and the garlic become fragrant.

This process takes about 2 minutes and helps develop a rich, deep flavor profile.

Step 5: Build the Liquid Base

• Fresh basil
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and to coat the rice completely.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned sausage and its collected juices to the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid.

Reduce heat to low and allow everything to cook undisturbed for approximately 20 minutes.

The rice should become tender and absorb the flavorful liquid.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Once cooking is complete, scoop the sausage and rice onto serving plates.

• A drizzle of pesto
• Additional fresh basil leaves as a garnish

Serve hot and enjoy the robust, comforting flavors of this one-pan meal.

Easy Tips for Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Let sausage pieces sit undisturbed in hot oil to develop a rich, golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Sauté onions and bell peppers until they're slightly softened and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness and adding depth to the overall dish.
• Gently toast rice and garlic together before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and create a more complex, aromatic base for the skillet meal.
• Keep the lid on and simmer on low heat to ensure rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious chicken stock and spice flavors without becoming mushy.
• Finish the dish with a drizzle of pesto and extra fresh basil to add brightness, freshness, and a vibrant green color that makes the meal look as good as it tastes.

Storing Your Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion the sausage and rice skillet into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label the container with the date and contents.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken stock to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, taking about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

What Pairs with Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Pair with Zesty Spanish Tempranillo: A medium-bodied red wine with spicy and smoky notes that perfectly complements the sausage's robust flavors and cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Tangy Mediterranean Salad: Create a light, crisp side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing to balance the skillet's hearty profile and add refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Herb Bread: Prepare a crusty artisan bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs to soak up the delicious pan juices and add textural variety to the meal.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Select a clean, hoppy beer that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sausage's spiciness and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Sausage and Rice Skillet Mix-Up Ideas

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a complete vegetarian meal that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content. Keep all other ingredients and cooking techniques the same for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
• Mediterranean Style Upgrade: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap basil for fresh oregano. Add diced tomatoes for extra moisture and authentic Mediterranean taste sensation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free rice and verify sausage ingredients do not contain wheat-based fillers or additives.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the sausage for Italian, chicken, or spicy varieties. Just ensure they’re pre-cooked and sliced similarly to maintain the recipe’s cooking technique.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and verify that your chicken stock doesn’t contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• What should I do if the rice isn't fully cooked after 20 minutes?

If the rice is still firm, add a few extra tablespoons of chicken stock, cover, and continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes until tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, use spicy sausage, or include a dash of hot sauce when you’re simmering the mixture to increase the heat level to your preference.

Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage and rice skillet promises a delightful one-pan dinner that blends savory sausage with perfectly seasoned rice. Home cooks will savor this simple, satisfying meal that brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table in just minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds cooked Italian chicken sausage, 1/4 inch sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (270 grams) long grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1/4 cup (4 grams) thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pesto, store bought or homemade
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet or braiser over medium-high heat and add olive oil, heating until it shimmers with a slight shimmer indicating readiness.
2. Distribute sliced sausage pieces across the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate.
3. Introduce sliced red onion and bell peppers into the same skillet, sautéing until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate thinly sliced garlic and rinsed rice into the vegetable mixture, stirring to toast the grains and activate the garlic’s fragrance for about 2 minutes.
5. Pour chicken stock over the rice, then sprinkle in fresh basil, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Reintroduce browned sausage and its collected juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs completely.
7. Plate the sausage and rice mixture, drizzling each serving with pesto and garnishing with additional fresh basil for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control salt intake and make the dish more heart-healthy.
• Choose spicy Italian sausage or mild version based on personal heat preference for customizable flavor profile.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final dish.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower rice for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg