Sausage and Rice Recipe: How to Make

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Dive Into Comfort with Our One-Skillet Sausage and Rice!

Imagine a meal that’s both incredibly cozy and super simple to make. That’s exactly what you get with our delicious Sausage and Rice! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfying flavors right to your table.

Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and hearty, or for relaxed family dinners, this one-skillet wonder brings together savory sausage, fluffy rice, and a medley of flavorful seasonings. It all cooks up in one pan, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to! you’re a fan of Mediterranean flair, Cajun spice, or simple rustic fare, sausage and rice can be tailored to suit any taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, meal-prep ready, and easy to scale up for leftovers or a crowd.

✅ Key Highlights

• One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup!
• Customizable – Use your favorite sausage, seasonings, and veggies.
• Kid-friendly & hearty – A cozy crowd-pleaser.
• Meal-prep friendly – Stores and reheats well.
• Nutrition-packed – Protein-rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), sliced
• 1 ½ cups medium- or short-grain white rice (e.g. Arborio or Calrose)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prep ingredients: Slice sausage, dice onion, and rinse rice under cold water.
2. Cook sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Toast rice: In the same pan, add rinsed rice. Stir for 2–3 minutes until slightly toasted.
4. Simmer: Pour in broth. Add onions, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cook covered: Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Finish & serve: Return sausage to pan, fluff rice with fork, and stir gently. Garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Serving Ideas

Pair this dish with:

• Roasted bell peppers & zucchini
• Simple garden salad
• Creamy mushroom or Cajun sauce
• Crusty bread or cornbread

🔁 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave with splash of broth, or reheat on stovetop.

Flavor Twists

Pro Tips for Perfect Rice

• Rinse rice before cooking to reduce starch.
• Avoid stirring while rice simmers.
• Let rice rest, covered, 10 minutes after cooking.
• Use broth instead of water for more flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

For a lighter option, try lean sausage and brown rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not Browning the Sausage Enough: Don’t rush this step! Really browning the sausage adds a ton of flavor to your dish and creates those delicious bits at the bottom of the pan that will infuse the rice.
• Adding Too Much Liquid: Rice absorbs liquid, but if you add too much, your dish can end up mushy. Stick to the recipe’s liquid amounts. Remember, the sausage and any added vegetables will also release some moisture.
• Stirring the Rice Too Much: Once you’ve added the rice and liquid, try to resist constantly stirring it. Too much stirring can break down the rice grains and make your dish gummy. Just a gentle stir now and then is all it needs.
• Improper Heat Control: If the heat is too high, the liquid might evaporate before the rice fully cooks, leaving you with hard grains. If it’s too low, the rice might not cook properly or absorb flavor well. Aim for a steady simmer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use different types of sausage? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. You can use Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if your sausage needs more or less browning.

Q: What kind of rice is best for this one-skillet dish? A: A medium to long-grain white rice, like Basmati or Jasmine rice, works wonderfully. They cook up fluffy and absorb flavors well without becoming overly sticky.

Q: My rice is still hard/crunchy. What happened? A: This usually means the rice didn’t cook long enough, or there wasn’t enough liquid. Make sure your heat wasn’t too high causing the liquid to evaporate too quickly. You can add a small splash more hot liquid (broth or water), cover the skillet, and let it cook for a few more minutes on very low heat until tender.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this sausage and rice recipe? A: Yes, please do! This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients. Diced bell peppers, onions (if not already in your recipe), peas, corn, or even chopped carrots are great additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the rice, and softer ones like peas or corn towards the end of cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, sausage and rice makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you might want to add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Recipe Card

Sausage and Rice – Classic One-Pan Dinner

Time: 40 min | Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 1.5 cups short-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves
• Spices: paprika, oregano, salt, pepper
• Olive oil, fresh herbs (optional)

Steps:

1. Brown sausage, set aside.
2. Toast rice, add broth, seasonings, and aromatics.
3. Simmer 15–20 min covered.
4. Return sausage, fluff rice, garnish.

Customize with veggies or your favorite spices!

Save this recipe and follow for more cozy dinners!