If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss, then this Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how the smoky sausage mingles with tender rice and vibrant peppers, creating a comforting dish that’s ready in just about half an hour. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or need a satisfying weeknight dinner, you’ll find that this skillet recipe delivers big on flavor without a mountain of dishes to clean up afterwards.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Burst of Flavor: Smoked sausage and spices bring deep, savory layers that your taste buds will thank you for.
Versatile and Customizable: It’s easy to switch up the sausage type or seasonings to suit your mood or pantry.
Quick and Nourishing: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

A close-up of a black cast iron pan filled with cooked rice mixed with slices of reddish-brown sausage and thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers. The rice is orange-tinted, showing it is well-mixed with spices, and there are small green herb bits scattered throughout. The food looks scattered but well combined, with some pieces of sausage slightly browned on the edges for texture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet, hearty skillet dinner, quick weeknight meal, easy sausage rice recipe, one-pan sausage and rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe are simple, fresh, and work harmoniously to balance smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. I love using smoked sausage because it adds such a rich depth without needing extra seasoning, plus those bell peppers bring a nice crunch and color pop that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.

Flat lay of uncooked white rice in a small white ceramic bowl, a few slices of bright red bell pepper, several slices of vibrant yellow bell pepper, a small white onion quartered and sliced, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a few thick slices of smoky brown sausage, a small white bowl containing light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl with kosher sea salt, a small white bowl with paprika powder, a small white bowl with cayenne pepper, and a small bunch of fresh green chopped parsley—all arranged symmetrically and balanced—placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet, hearty skillet dinner, quick weeknight meal, easy sausage rice recipe, one-pan sausage and rice

White Rice: Use long-grain white rice for fluffy results; make sure to rinse if you prefer your rice less sticky.
Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil helps with browning and adds subtle fruitiness.
Smoked Sausage: I prefer smoked sausage because it adds a ton of flavor, but you can pick your favorite type—keep an eye on spice levels.
Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: These add both sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
White Onion: Thinly sliced to sauté and balance the peppers with a bit of sharpness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that irresistible aroma and punch.
Kosher Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Season to bring out all the savory goodness.
Tomato Paste: Adds a rich, slightly tangy base that ties everything together beautifully.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium lets you control the saltiness and deepen flavor without overpowering the dish.
Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: For warmth and subtle heat—adjust cayenne to your taste.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is — it’s really a blank canvas ready to fit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. Over time, I’ve tinkered a bit to make it suit whatever I have on hand or crave.

Italian Twist: Swap smoked sausage for Italian sausage and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning—I tried this and it turned out like a comforting Italian-style jambalaya.
Cajun Kick: Use Andouille sausage with some Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy version that my family absolutely goes crazy for on game day.
Vegetable Boost: Throw in chopped zucchini or mushrooms along with the peppers for extra veggies and texture; it sneaks more nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Rice Swap: Try brown rice or even quinoa for a nuttier profile and added fiber, but remember that cooking times and liquid ratios will vary.

How to Make Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice to Fluffy Perfection

I always start by cooking the rice separately in a small saucepan according to the package instructions. It saves time and ensures you get perfectly cooked rice that doesn’t get mushy later in the skillet. Once it’s tender and fluffy, set it aside and get ready to bring everything together.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the olive oil and wait until it shimmers—that’s a sign it’s ready. Lay in the sliced sausage pieces and let them brown on both sides, about 5 minutes total. I find leaving them undisturbed for a couple of minutes helps get that perfect sear. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers and the quartered onion slices. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften but still have a touch of crunch. Then add the minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant. This little step is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely irresistible! Remove the peppers and onion mixture and add it to the sausage off the heat.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Base

Back in the empty skillet, whisk together the tomato paste and about three-quarters of a cup of chicken broth. Let this simmer gently for about a minute to combine and deepen those flavors. Then sprinkle in the paprika and cayenne pepper. I like to taste at this point to adjust the heat, adding more cayenne if I’m feeling bold!

Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish Cooking

Now it’s time to reunite all the stars of the show. Stir in the cooked rice, browned sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, and the remaining chicken broth. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all those gorgeous flavors and textures. This part is quick—just let everything heat through for a few minutes until it’s piping hot and smelling like dinner heaven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving to freshen it up.

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Pro Tips for Making Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Patience on Browning: Don’t rush browning the sausage; a good sear locks in flavor and texture.
Adjust Seasonings Late: I like to add salt and pepper gradually and taste near the end to avoid over-salting.
Rice Consistency: Cooking rice separately gives you the freedom to control its texture, preventing a soggy skillet.
Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep peppers and onions slightly crisp to balance the soft rice and sausage texture.

How to Serve Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I typically top the skillet dish with fresh chopped parsley because it brightens all those deep flavors. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream when I want a creamy twist. If you like a bit of tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can work wonders.

Side Dishes

This skillet is quite a complete meal, but I often round it out with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Cornbread or crusty bread also pairs beautifully for soaking up all those tasty juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the sausage and rice skillet in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls—it makes the presentation extra cozy and inviting. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens brings a restaurant vibe right to your kitchen table. It’s amazing how small touches can elevate a humble skillet meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. This Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe will stay fresh for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing leftovers works well too! After letting the skillet cool completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It freezes nicely for 2-3 months and thaws without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

Whenever I reheat, I like to do it gently—either in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist or warmed slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. This method avoids dry or chewy sausage and keeps the rice fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this skillet recipe?

Absolutely! While white rice is recommended for its quick cooking and fluffy texture, you can swap in brown rice or even quinoa. Just keep in mind the cooking time and liquid amounts might need adjusting—brown rice usually takes longer to cook, so pre-cooking it fully before combining is best.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. This Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe reheats beautifully and stores well in the fridge or freezer. It’s filling, balanced, and tasty even a few days after cooking, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

You can! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans helps keep it hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild by default, thanks to paprika and a small amount of cayenne pepper. If you like it spicier, feel free to add extra cayenne or some chopped fresh chilies. If you prefer it mild, you can omit the cayenne altogether.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites—not only because it’s delicious and easy, but also because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of smoky sausage, tender veggies, and hearty rice brings comfort to any dinner table. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself reaching for it again and again, just like I do on busy nights or whenever I want something satisfying without the hassle. Happy cooking, friend!