Description
This hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice in a savory tomato sauce. Made in one pan for easy cleanup, this delicious meal brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. The combination of smoked sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner ideas or someone who wants a flavorful meal without much fuss, this skillet recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Skillet:
- 1¼ cups white rice, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice
- In a small saucepan, prepare the white rice according to the package instructions
- When done, fluff with a fork and set aside
- Tip: For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice
- Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
- Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering
- Add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer
- Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onion
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and slightly caramelize
- Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper
- Cook for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly until fragrant
- Remove the vegetable mixture from the skillet and set aside with the sausage
- Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium
- Add tomato paste and ¾ cup of chicken broth to the empty skillet
- Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined
- Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to slightly thicken
- Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper for depth of flavor and a hint of heat
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked rice, browned sausage, remaining ½ cup of chicken broth, and the sautéed pepper-onion mixture back into the skillet
- Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the tomato sauce
- Allow the skillet to simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley
- Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes