One busy weeknight, I was in a rush. My stomach was growling, and I didn’t want to spend hours cooking. That’s when I thought of my quick sausage and rice skillet recipe.
It needed just a few things: smoky chorizo, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice. This dish promised to be tasty and fast to make.
Soon, my kitchen smelled amazing. The sizzling sausage and garlic filled the air. When I served it, my family loved it. They said it was their new favorite weeknight meal.
If you need a quick and tasty dinner, try making this sausage and rice skillet. It’s easy and delicious!
What is a Sausage and Rice Skillet?
A Sausage and Rice Skillet is a tasty dish made in one pan. It has sausage, rice, veggies, and spices. It’s easy to make and tastes great, making it a top choice for many.
This dish is like a simpler version of jambalaya. It’s easy to make and can be changed up with different sausages and spices. This makes it perfect for any time or taste.
This dish serves four people, with each serving being about 1.5 cups. It has 547.75 calories, 50.8 grams of carbs, and 22.23 grams of protein. The mix of Andouille sausage, bell peppers, and spices makes it smell and taste amazing.
When making this skillet, it’s important to know what you need. You’ll need white rice, chicken broth, and spices. It cooks quickly, in about 25 minutes, so you can make a tasty meal fast.
Why Choose a Skillet Meal for Dinner?
Skillet meals like the Sausage and Rice Skillet are great for busy nights. They cook in just 25 minutes with only eight ingredients. This makes them a hit for dinner.
They are also easy to clean up. This is a big plus for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time after dinner.
Skillet meals are very flexible. You can change ingredients to fit what you have at home. This makes dinner fun and new every time.
They are also good for you. The Sausage and Rice Skillet has proteins, veggies, and grains. It has 15 grams of protein and lots of vitamins. This helps keep us healthy while we’re busy.
Having a meal that’s easy to make and lasts a few days is a big plus. It saves time and effort.
In short, skillet meals are quick, easy, and healthy. They save time and let us enjoy dinner with our family.
Perfect Ingredients for Your Sausage and Rice Skillet
To make a great Sausage and Rice Skillet, pick the right ingredients. Andouille sausage, white rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh veggies are key. Here’s what I use for the best taste:
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
- 1 ½ pounds of cooked Italian chicken sausage, sliced into ¼ inch pieces
- 1 red onion, sliced thinly
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced thinly
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
- 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups of chicken stock, essential for cooking and moisture
- ¼ cup of thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
This mix gives you a dish that’s both tasty and healthy. It’s about 517 calories per serving. Cooking the sausage and veggies together adds rich flavors in 25 minutes. Use good chicken broth to keep the rice fluffy. Try these ingredients to make your own amazing skillet meal!
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Sautéing ingredients |
| Cooked Italian chicken sausage | 1 ½ pounds | Main protein |
| Red onion | 1 sliced | Adds flavor and texture |
| Red bell peppers | 2 sliced | Adds sweetness and color |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Enhances flavor |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 ½ cups | Carbohydrate base |
| Chicken stock | 3 cups | Add moisture for rice |
| Fresh basil | ¼ cup | Fresh garnish and flavor |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancement |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Depth of flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Overall seasoning |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Aromatic herb flavor |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Seasoning |
How to Make an Easy Sausage and Rice Skillet
I love making an easy sausage and rice skillet for dinner. It’s tasty and simple to make. This recipe serves 4 to 5 people and is a hearty meal. Let’s look at how to cook it, starting with the steps and tips for ingredients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Slice 14 ounces of sausage into medallions about 0.5 cm thick. Sauté the sausage for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until browned.
- Add 2 medium onions and 5 cloves of garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Incorporate 2 diced bell peppers and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, mixing well.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, 1.5 cups of uncooked long grain white rice, and 2.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and cover, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Prep and Tips
Good ingredient preparation makes cooking better. Start by slicing the sausage evenly for even cooking. Dice the bell peppers finely for quick and even cooking.
Choosing the right sausage can add flavor. If you want brown rice, adjust cooking time and liquid. Covering the skillet while simmering helps the rice cook right.
Flavorful Variations of Sausage and Rice Skillet
Trying new flavors in the sausage and rice skillet is fun. It lets me get creative in the kitchen. Here are two tasty variations to try.
Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
For a Cajun twist, I use Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. It makes a spicy dish that’s unforgettable. Red onion and bell peppers add sweetness.
The sausage and seasoning make the flavors complex. It’s like jambalaya, great for cozy nights.
Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet
For a lighter dish, try an Italian sausage skillet. Italian chicken sausage adds savory flavors. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add a nice touch.
I also add diced tomatoes and zucchini for freshness. It’s a vibrant twist on a classic skillet dish.
The Best Sausage to Use in Your Skillet Dish
Choosing the right sausage can make your skillet dish taste amazing. Andouille sausage is great because it’s smoky and strong. It’s perfect for Cajun-style dishes.
If you can’t find Andouille, beef kielbasa or bratwurst work well too. They let you pick the sausage you like best.
For my sausage and rice skillet, I use 14-ounce beef kielbasa. It adds a rich flavor. I also add three minced garlic cloves and two medium diced onions for extra taste.
Adding 14 ounces of black beans and 14 ounces of corn makes it healthy and tasty.
Using fresh sausage without preservatives makes your meal healthier. It keeps the taste good too.
Here are some sausages I suggest for skillet cooking:
- Andouille Sausage – Bold with smoky flavors
- Beef Kielbasa – A versatile option with rich taste
- Bratwurst – Mild and juicy, great for various dishes
- Smoked Sausage – Excellent for adding depth to your skillet meals
The sausage you pick changes how your dish tastes and feels. Trying different sausages can make your meal even better.
Cooking Techniques for a Perfect Skillet Dish
Learning skillet cooking techniques makes your dish special. Start by browning your main ingredient, like spicy Italian sausage. This adds a deep flavor. Cook the sausage for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s golden.
Then, add your veggies. Diced red onion and bell peppers make a colorful base. Sauté them for 5 more minutes to make them soft and flavorful. Keep the heat high to cook without burning.
After cooking the sausage and veggies, it’s time for the rice. Add brown rice, canned diced tomatoes, and water. Let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. This makes the rice tender and flavorful.
Stir often and scrape the bottom of the skillet. This helps cook everything evenly and prevents sticking. If using white rice, use less water and cook it faster.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers from Your Skillet Meal
After enjoying a delicious Sausage and Rice Skillet, I often find myself with leftovers. To keep my meals fresh, I store them in airtight containers. This way, they stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
When reheating rice and sausage, keeping it moist is key. I add a splash of chicken broth before reheating. This works well on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just stir now and then to warm it evenly.
Here’s a quick reference for storing and reheating:
| Food Item | Storage Duration (Refrigerator) | Storage Duration (Freezer) | Reheat Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 3 days | 3 months | 165°F |
| Cooked Sausage | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months | 165°F |
| Cooked Chicken | 3 days | 2 to 3 months | 165°F |
I make sure to refrigerate leftovers within 90 minutes after cooking. I never leave food out for more than 2 hours. Keeping my fridge cold helps prevent bacteria from growing. This way, my meals stay safe and delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Your Sausage and Rice Skillet
This sausage and rice skillet is even better with some creative ideas. Try it with crusty bread or fresh rolls. They soak up the sauce nicely and make the meal special.
A fresh green salad is a great match for the sausage’s strong taste. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a nice contrast to the rich flavors. Sautéed greens like spinach or kale add color and nutrition.
For a fancy touch, top your skillet with chopped green onions or parsley. It makes the dish look better and adds freshness. You can also serve different sauces or dips on the side. This lets everyone make their own flavor mix.
| Serving Suggestions | Description |
|---|---|
| Crusty Bread or Rolls | Perfect for soaking up flavorful sauce. |
| Fresh Green Salad | Provides a light contrast, featuring cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. |
| Sautéed Greens | Adds nutrition and color; spinach or kale works well. |
| Chopped Herbs | Use green onions or parsley for garnish to brighten the dish. |
| Sauces or Dips | Enjoy a variety of condiments for personalized flavor. |
Why This Recipe is Great for Meal Prep
The Sausage and Rice Skillet is a top pick for meal prep. It’s easy to make and keeps well. In about 40 minutes, it’s ready for 4 to 5 people, perfect for meal planning.
It’s also easy to clean up because it cooks in one pan. This means I spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying my meals.
This dish reheats great, keeping its tasty flavors for days. I often make a big batch for easy lunches all week. Adding baby spinach makes it even better.
Adding this recipe to my meal prep list means I always have healthy, tasty meals ready. It’s full of proteins and fiber, making it a great choice. It’s efficient and delicious!
