Sausage and Rice Skillet – A Flavorful, Easy One-Pan Meal

I love a tasty meal, but I love an easy one even more. Sausage and Rice Skillet is here! This dish has a lot of flavor, only needs one pan to make, and tastes like it was made at home, which makes you want to eat more (or more—I won’t judge). This recipe is a must-try if you want to cook for your family, plan meals for the week, or just want something easy but tasty.

Why You Will Love This Rice and Sausage Skillet

Quick and Easy: You can cook everything in one pan, so cleaning up is easy.
It’s full of flavor: the smoky sausage, sautéed peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce make every bite taste great.
You can change this recipe to fit your tastes by adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or extra protein.
Comforting and filling, the mix of rice, sausage, and vegetables is enough to make a full meal on its own.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup white rice (uncooked)
2 tsp olive oil
12 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 small white onion (quartered and sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp kosher sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
5 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (divided)
1 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Let’s Get Started Cooking Right Away!

Cook the rice: Let’s start by cooking the rice. In a small saucepan, prepare the white rice according to the package instructions. To make the rice, you’ll need 1 1/4 cups of white rice. The easiest way to do this is to follow the directions on the package. Most of the time, you boil water, add the rice, cover it, and let it simmer until it is fluffy and just right. Once it’s done, set it aside while we move on to the next step.
Pro Tip: For even more flavor, cook your rice in chicken broth instead of water. It adds a subtle depth that makes a big difference!
Brown the sausage: Now for the star of the show—12 oz of smoked sausage. I love using smoked sausage because it already has so much built-in flavor. It gets beautifully crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced sausage in an even layer. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until you get that gorgeous golden-brown color. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! If the sausage slices are too close together, they’ll steam instead of brown. Give them space to crisp up!

Sauté the vegetables: Time to add some color! You’ll need: 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small white onion, quartered and sliced. In the same skillet (with all that delicious sausage flavor left behind), toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage.
Pro Tip: If you like a little extra heat, throw in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies!
Make the sauce: The secret to making this dish rich and satisfying is the tomato-based sauce. It’s simple, but it brings just the right amount of tanginess, warmth, and spice. Reduce the heat to medium, so things don’t cook too quickly. Add 5 tablespoons of tomato paste directly into the skillet. Pour in 3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and whisk everything together. Whisk until combined and let it simmer for 1 minute. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bit of smoky heat. Stir in paprika and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Stir well, making sure the spices are fully incorporated into the sauce.
Pro Tip: If you love a little extra kick, feel free to double the cayenne pepper! It adds a gentle heat that complements the smoky sausage beautifully.
Combine everything: This is the best part—bringing all those incredible ingredients together! Add the cooked rice into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful. Return the browned sausage and sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the sauce evenly coats the rice, sausage, and veggies. Let it cook on low for about 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. At this point, the dish is nearly ready! The rice is infused with the smoky tomato sauce, the sausage adds its bold, meaty goodness, and the peppers and onions bring sweetness and texture.
Garnish & serve: Now, for the finishing touch—fresh parsley. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the top of the skillet. Give everything one last gentle stir to mix in the fresh, herby taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot! Serve it right away while it’s still hot, and enjoy the smell of seasoned rice, garlic, and smoky sausage.
Pro Tip: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the entire dish. If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro works great as well!

Ways to Customize This Dish

One of my favorite things about this Sausage and Rice Skillet is how flexible it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Swap the Sausage: Try andouille for extra spice, kielbasa for a milder flavor, or even chorizo for a bold, smoky taste.
Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach would be delicious additions.
Make It Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese at the end for a creamy, melty finish.
Go Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

Minimal Cleanup: Everything happens in just one pan, which means less time washing dishes!
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The smokiness of the sausage, the richness of the sauce, and the sweetness of the peppers come together in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a ton of flavor, you can swap it out for different types based on your preference. Here are some great options:
- Andouille sausage – for a spicy, Cajun twist.
- Kielbasa – for a mild, smoky flavor.
- Chorizo – for a bold, spicy, slightly tangy taste.
- Chicken or turkey sausage – for a lighter version with less fat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This is an excellent meal prep recipe. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice from drying out and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze this dish?
You sure can! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a pan with a little extra broth.
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet meal is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try pairing it with:
- A fresh side salad – a light, citrusy salad balances out the richness.
- Garlic bread – because carbs make everything better!
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus – to add more veggies to your plate.
- A fried or poached egg on top – trust me, this takes it to the next level!
How can I make it spicier?
If you love a little extra heat, you can:
- Double the cayenne pepper in the recipe.
- Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies.
- Use a spicier sausage like andouille or hot chorizo.
- Drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. If using brown rice, cook it separately before adding it to the skillet, just like with white rice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the sausage and use a plant-based alternative like smoked tofu, soy chorizo, or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the best results.

Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Make This Sausage and Rice Skillet Tonight!

This Sausage and Rice Skillet is comfort food at its best—quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with smoky, savory goodness, with just the right amount of spice and freshness from the herbs. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup (because who has time for a sink full of dishes?).

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal prep-friendly dish, or something delicious to feed your family, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple, flexible, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Now, it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and tell me how it goes! Did you make it more fun? Spice it up? Swap in different ingredients? Drop a comment and share your experience—I’d love to hear about it!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your Sausage and Rice Skillet!