The Perfect Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a hearty ground sausage and rice skillet can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pan marvel that promises maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Comfort meets convenience in this satisfying meal that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Mediterranean and American influences dance across the plate, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

Simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with just a few strategic moves.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.

Jump into this recipe and discover how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Delivers Flavor Fast

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: Perfectly designed for busy weeknights when time is short and hunger is high.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: One-skillet wonder means fewer dishes and faster kitchen cleanup after cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, add different vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its simple, delicious flavors.

Ground Sausage Rice Skillet Components

• Ground Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the dish, choose a spicy or mild variety based on preference.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor, enhances overall taste of the skillet meal.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that bring color, sweetness, and base flavor to the recipe, select fresh and crisp produce for best results.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that balance and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds a subtle, smooth flavor base.
• Cooked Rice: Serves as the filling and substantial foundation of the skillet meal.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Prep Method

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat up a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground sausage into the pan and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Brown the meat until it develops a crispy, golden exterior and is fully cooked through.

Step 2: Awaken The Vegetables

• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors.

The vegetables should look slightly translucent and soft.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Cooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and absorbing the delicious meaty juices and spices.

Step 4: Let The Magic Happen

Reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer.

Cover the pan and allow the ingredients to meld together, about 5-7 minutes.

The rice will soak up the broth, creating a rich and comforting one-pan meal.

Step 5: Finish With Freshness

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a burst of herbal brightness.

Serve the skillet directly from the pan while it’s steaming hot.

Sausage And Rice Skillet – One-Pan Cooking Tips

• Choose fresh, flavorful ground sausage with balanced spices for best taste profile.
• Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushy consistency and maintain perfect separate grains.
• Adjust chicken broth quantity based on rice type to ensure optimal sauce thickness without becoming too dry or watery.
• Toast spices like paprika briefly before adding to develop richer, more complex taste characteristics.
• Swap bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety and personal preference.

How to Reheat and Store Sausage and Rice Skillet Meals

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled skillet in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm in microwave, stirring halfway through, or reheat in skillet over medium heat. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently in skillet, adding extra liquid if needed to restore moisture and texture.

Sausage Rice Skillet Side Pairings

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold Syrah or Zinfandel to complement the spicy sausage's rich flavors and cut through the hearty dish.
• Create Fresh Citrus Salad: Whip up a light orange and arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the skillet's savory and dense profile.
• Elevate with Crisp Herb Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic-herb bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and add textural contrast to the meal.
• Boost with Cool Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a refreshing yogurt-based cucumber dip to provide a tangy, cooling accompaniment that brightens the entire dish.

Sausage Rice Skillet Hearty Custom Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the same seasoning and cooking method for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase heat. Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra flavor punch.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check broth and sausage labels to maintain dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right type of sausage for this recipe?

Select a flavorful ground sausage like Italian, spicy chorizo, or breakfast sausage based on your taste preference. Spicy sausages add more kick, while mild versions work great for family-friendly meals.

• Can I use uncooked rice instead of pre-cooked rice?

No, always use pre-cooked rice for this skillet recipe. Uncooked rice requires different liquid ratios and cooking times, which would disrupt the recipe’s balance and texture.

• What if I don't have fresh bell peppers?

Frozen bell peppers work perfectly as a substitute. They’re pre-chopped and will add the same flavor and nutrition to your skillet. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the pan.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your sausage packaging to confirm. Some processed sausages might contain gluten-based fillers, so read labels carefully for dietary restrictions.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet delivers comfort on one pan with robust Italian-inspired flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a quick weeknight meal packed with savory satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage
• 2 cups (400 grams) cooked rice
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Additional Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Crumble the ground sausage into the pan, breaking it into small, even pieces while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and releases its savory aromatics.
3. Introduce diced bell peppers, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic into the skillet, stirring continuously to allow the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness.
4. Fold in the pre-cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend with the sausage and vegetables.
5. Pour chicken broth over the mixture, then sprinkle paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the depth of flavor.
6. Reduce heat and let the skillet contents simmer gently, allowing the liquid to gradually absorb and the ingredients to meld together, approximately 7-8 minutes.
7. Once the broth has been completely incorporated and the texture appears uniform, remove from heat.
8. Garnish with fresh, finely chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous notes.
9. Serve immediately while the skillet meal remains piping hot, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the robust flavors.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild sausage depending on your heat preference and family’s taste buds.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole grain alternative that boosts nutritional value.
• Consider using pre-cooked rice or instant rice to speed up total cooking time and simplify preparation.
• Prepare extra portions and store in airtight containers for easy meal prep lunches during the week, which stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg