Sizzling Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty ground sausage and rice skillet meals bring comfort right to your kitchen table.

Savory aromas will start dancing through the room as you combine these simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners can become exciting culinary adventures with minimal preparation.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this one-pan wonder comes together without complicated techniques.

Protein-packed and satisfying, the dish promises to fill hungry bellies with warm, delicious goodness.

Spices and seasonings blend beautifully, creating layers of rich flavor in every single bite.

This recipe might just become your new go-to meal when craving something quick and delectable.

Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Overview

• Create a Hearty Family Meal: Packed with savory sausage, colorful vegetables, and filling rice, this dish delivers robust flavors and satisfying nutrition that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground sausage for chicken or turkey, experiment with different bell pepper colors, or add extra spices to match your family's taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a complete meal in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, perfect for busy households seeking delicious and convenient dining options.

Ingredients for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

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

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic trio that builds a robust and savory flavor base for the recipe.

• Rice: The main starch that provides a hearty foundation for the skillet meal.
• Chicken Broth: A liquid that helps cook the rice and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes: Add moisture and a slight tangy brightness to the dish.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a well-rounded and complex flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

Cooking Steps for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Brown the ground sausage in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring an even golden color throughout.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook And Absorb

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low.

Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the skillet meal hot directly from the pan.

Tips for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken stock when browning sausage to enhance the meat's richness and create deeper flavor layers.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy during the skillet preparation.
• Replace bell peppers with zucchini or swap onions for shallots to customize the dish based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• Substitute ground sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without compromising the recipe's overall taste profile.
• Incorporate red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to kick up heat, or choose mild sausage for a more gentle flavor experience.

Variations on Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace ground sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or crumbled tofu seasoned with fennel and red pepper flakes for a meat-free version.
• Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb alternative that maintains the same flavor profile and cooking technique.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and add black beans and corn for a Mexican-inspired rendition of the original skillet recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking chicken broth and seasoning labels to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

Serving Ideas for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this hearty skillet with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Top with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of sour cream to add creamy coolness and balance the sausage's richness.
• Veggie Boost: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh herbs like chives or basil for extra color and bright, fresh flavor that complements the savory dish.
• Leftover Magic: Pack cold leftovers in lunch containers for a quick and satisfying next-day meal that tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Storage Advice for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of broth or water, and stir gently. Cover and heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Spicy or mild ground Italian sausage is ideal, as it adds rich flavor and depth to the dish. Pork or turkey sausage can both work well depending on your preference.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, around 40-45 minutes instead of 18-20 minutes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by ensuring your chicken broth and sausage are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully to confirm.

Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground sausage and rice skillet combines robust flavors in one comforting pan. Savory sausage, tender rice, and aromatic herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage

Grains:

• 1 cup white rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces / 411 grams)

Liquids:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium temperature, coating the surface with olive oil.
2. Crumble ground sausage into the skillet, sautéing until achieving a rich, golden-brown color and completely cooked through.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onion, vibrant bell pepper, and minced garlic, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Add uncooked rice, gently mixing to combine all ingredients and ensure rice is well-coated with liquid and seasonings.
6. Reduce heat to low, securely cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and becomes perfectly tender.
7. Remove lid, gently fluff rice with a fork to separate grains and create a light texture.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
9. Serve immediately while the skillet dish remains piping hot, offering a robust and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap ground sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Consider using brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, hearty texture to the dish.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and choose lean sausage to create a heart-healthier meal without sacrificing taste and satisfaction.
• Quick chop vegetables the night before to streamline cooking process and ensure consistent, evenly sized ingredients for balanced cooking and presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg