This One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful vegetables cooked together in a savory blend of spices, this dish is both hearty and comforting. Best of all, it’s made in a single pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot meal for quick cleanup
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with smoky, savory flavors
- Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage), sliced into rounds
- Long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Bell peppers, diced (any color)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil or butter
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the rice, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with the spices.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and finish: Add the cooked sausage back into the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sausage and Rice: Use andouille sausage and add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Sausage Rice: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the broth to 1 cup.
- Veggie Boost: Add peas, spinach, or zucchini for extra vegetables and nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent dryness.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage all work well and add great flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any cheese or dairy-based toppings.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to stir the rice occasionally during the cooking process and use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, it’s mild. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or spicy sausage for more heat.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, reduce the broth by half and cook just until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
What vegetables go well with smoked sausage and rice?
Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, spinach, and peas complement the smoky flavors perfectly.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works well and makes the dish slightly lighter in flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients (except rice) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cooked rice just before serving.
How do I add more protein?
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans for an extra protein boost.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with smoky sausage, tender rice, and fresh veggies, it’s a hearty meal the whole family will love. Plus, with only one pot required, cleanup is a breeze—making this recipe a must-try for any home cook!
PrintOne-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice Recipe
This One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with smoky sausage, tender rice, and a blend of colorful vegetables, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes! Everything cooks in one pot for minimal cleanup, making it a hearty, family-friendly dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g (1 lb) smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, or any smoked sausage), sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
1. Sauté the sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add rice and seasonings:
- Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Simmer everything:
- Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if using) and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish the dish:
- Add the browned sausage back into the pot and stir to combine.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier option (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Swap smoked sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.