Quick & Cozy Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering ground sausage and rice skillet brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will instantly fill your kitchen with warmth.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly in one pan for a quick meal solution.

Robust flavors merge seamlessly, creating a satisfying dish that everyone loves.

Italian-inspired seasonings add depth to this simple yet elegant preparation.

Spices dance together, transforming basic ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite for weeknight dinners.

One bite promises to transport you to culinary bliss – so let’s get cooking!

Storing Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Properly

• Transfer leftover skillet to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Package cooled skillet in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm in microwave, adding 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, use microwave's defrost setting, then heat thoroughly, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a similar hearty one-pan meal.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the type of sausage you use. Choose mild sausage for less heat or spicy sausage for more kick.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

For this recipe, you don’t need to rinse the rice. The broth and seasonings will add plenty of flavor to the rice.

• Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare this skillet meal ahead of time and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet – Why It’s So Good

• Unleash Hands-Off Cooking: Set the slow cooker and walk away while it transforms tough chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth tender beef without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with robust Italian flavors and juicy, savory meat, these sandwiches guarantee smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
• Customize Your Sandwich: Easily adapt with different cheese options, add extra peppers for heat, or serve on various bread types to match individual preferences.

Ingredients for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Ground Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the skillet dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and slightly crunchy base that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, pungent background note to the skillet.

• Rice: The hearty foundation of the skillet that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild, slightly sweet pepper flavor and warm color to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse more taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add moisture, tanginess, and a fresh element to the skillet.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish and a pop of green color to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the skillet.

Cooking Instructions for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in ground sausage and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color with crispy edges.

Step 2: Veggie Explosion

• Chopped onion
• Diced bell pepper

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Rice Toasting Magic

• Rice
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the rice dance in the pan for 1-2 minutes, developing a nutty, toasted flavor.

Step 4: Liquid Love

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Mix everything thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Simmer And Surrender

Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.

Wait until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious liquid.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Fluff the rice with a fork to create light, airy texture.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Helpful Tips for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Swap ground sausage with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Choose short-grain rice for a creamier texture or long-grain for a fluffier result.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutritional value and create more depth.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, rich finish that enhances flavor complexity.
• Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow rice to absorb remaining moisture and settle.

Flavor Variations for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace ground sausage with spicy chorizo, add corn kernels, use jalapeños instead of bell peppers, and sprinkle with cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap sausage for ground lamb, incorporate oregano and mint, use diced zucchini, add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired skillet.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute sausage with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, include mushrooms for extra umami, use vegetable broth, and add spinach for nutrition.
• Creole Cajun Edition: Use andouille sausage, include cayenne pepper, add okra, mix in some Creole seasoning, and garnish with green onions for a Louisiana-style preparation.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this sausage and rice skillet with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that balances the rich, savory flavors.
• Spicy Tex-Mex Style: Top the skillet with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to add zesty southwestern flair.
• Brunch Transformation: Crack a few eggs on top during the last few minutes of cooking, letting them gently set for a morning-inspired one-pan breakfast experience.
• Quick Meal Prep Option: Portion the skillet into meal prep containers for easy lunches, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before sealing to keep the flavors bright and exciting.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty ground sausage and rice skillet delivers comfort in one pan with Italian-inspired flavors. Savory meat, herbs, and cheese blend seamlessly for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground sausage
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for the ground sausage.
2. Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces and cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and releases its savory aroma.
3. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, allowing them to soften and caramelize, merging their flavors with the sausage.
4. Sprinkle rice into the mixture, along with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty essence for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and create a cohesive base.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 18-22 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
7. Remove from heat, let stand for 3 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork to separate and create a light, airy texture.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous freshness before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Customize your sausage choice by using spicy Italian, mild breakfast, or turkey sausage for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Toast rice carefully to enhance nutty flavors and prevent clumping, stirring constantly for even golden coloration.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, ensuring rich liquid absorption and consistent rice texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium sausage and broth, perfect for heart-conscious individuals without compromising taste intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 459 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg