Hearty Sausage And Rice Recipe: A Cozy Homemade Classic

Crafting a hearty sausage and rice dish brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Savory aromas will soon fill the space, promising a delightful meal ahead.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that make everyone happy.

Italian sausage pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

Regional spices and fresh ingredients can turn this classic combination into something extraordinary.

Jump into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate a delicious, stress-free dinner.

Ingredient Checklist for Sausage And Rice

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

• Rice: A staple grain that serves as the foundation of the recipe and absorbs the delicious flavors.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These vegetables provide a fragrant and savory base for the recipe.
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste and bring warmth to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds extra depth to the recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used to sauté the ingredients and prevent sticking.

Cooking Directions for Sausage And Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage Slices

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add sliced sausage and cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Step 3: Toast Rice With Spices

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine Liquid Ingredients

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Browned sausage

Step 5: Simmer To Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 6: Let Rice Absorb Flavors

Simmer for approximately 20 minutes. The rice will become tender and absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 7: Fluff And Serve

Remove from heat and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Tips to Enhance Sausage And Rice Flavor

• Choose spicy or mild sausage depending on your heat preference, allowing customization for different taste buds.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions can add bright flavor and beautiful color when sprinkled on top before serving.
• Toast rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and improve overall dish complexity.

Sausage And Rice – Creative Mix-Ins to Try

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning and add andouille sausage for extra heat and authentic Louisiana flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add oregano, thyme, and use chorizo instead of regular sausage for a Mediterranean touch.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or firm tofu, use vegetable broth, and include extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Seafood Fusion: Replace sausage with shrimp or mixed seafood, use white wine instead of some chicken broth, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a coastal-inspired version.

Serving Sausage And Rice for Families

• Rustic Family Dinner Platter: Arrange the sausage and rice on a large wooden board. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and sprinkle extra paprika. Perfect for casual family gatherings with a homemade, comforting feel.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Portion the sausage and rice into meal prep containers. Pack with a small side salad or roasted vegetables. Grab-and-go lunches that keep you satisfied throughout the week.
• Spicy Brunch Twist: Top the dish with a sunny-side-up egg and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with hot sauce on the side for extra kick. Transforms the recipe into a hearty weekend brunch option.

Storing Sausage And Rice for Next Day

• Store leftover sausage and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled sausage and rice to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date of preparation.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed sausage and rice in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa are perfect because they add rich, smoky flavor and hold up well during cooking.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase cooking liquid and cooking time since brown rice requires more liquid and takes longer to cook. Add about 1/4 cup extra broth and extend simmering time by 10-15 minutes.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has mild spice from paprika, but you can adjust heat by choosing spicier sausage or adding red pepper flakes. For more kick, include diced jalapeños during sautéing.

Sausage And Rice Makes Dinner Easy

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This pasta bake delivers ultimate comfort food with rich, creamy layers of chicken, cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta that hugs every family member's taste buds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps transform dinner preparation from stressful to stress-free, making it perfect for busy households seeking delicious solutions.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins, adjust cheese varieties, or add vegetables to personalize this versatile dish that adapts to individual preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single baking dish that goes from stovetop to oven, reducing cleanup time and maximizing flavor potential with minimal kitchen effort.

Sausage And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Colombian sausage and rice brings robust flavors from South American culinary traditions. Spicy chorizo, fragrant rice, and fresh herbs combine for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Sear sausage slices until golden brown and crispy around edges, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, around 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate uncooked rice, stirring to coat grains with oil and vegetables. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper, toasting rice for 2 minutes to enhance flavor profile.
5. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, then reintroduce browned sausage pieces.
6. Elevate heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, covering skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
7. Allow mixture to gently simmer for 18-22 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs liquid completely and becomes tender. Avoid lifting lid during cooking process.
8. Remove from heat, let rest for 3-5 minutes, then delicately fluff rice with a fork to separate grains.
9. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild sausage depending on your heat preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap white rice with brown or cauliflower rice to make the dish more nutritious and lower in carbohydrates.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the recipe.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg