Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and only requires one pan? This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that combines savory ground sausage, tender rice, and a mix of vibrant vegetables. It’s a budget-friendly dish that comes together in just about 30 minutes, and it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Read on to learn how to make this delicious dish, as well as some tips, substitutions, and variations to suit your family’s tastes.

this Recipe

What Is Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet?

A Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is a simple, one-pan recipe that features ground sausage as the star ingredient, along with cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful seasoning mix. It’s a versatile meal that you can customize with various types of sausage and your favorite veggies, making it both filling and nutritious. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, and it’s great for busy weeknights because it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

Ingredients List for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty and satisfying skillet meal:

• 1 lb ground sausage (Italian, breakfast, or spicy sausage, depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, depending on sausage fat content)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color, but red or yellow adds sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas (or other frozen vegetables like corn or carrots)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This dish is incredibly flexible, allowing you to modify it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Sausage Options: Use any type of ground sausage you like—mild Italian, spicy Italian, breakfast sausage, or even chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are all excellent choices. Fresh or frozen vegetables both work well.
• Rice Options: White rice cooks the fastest, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier alternative. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add more broth and cooking time.
• Cheese Lovers: If you love cheese, stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan at the end for a cheesy twist.
• Spice It Up: For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage and broth you use are gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this easy Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet? Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful meal your whole family will love.

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat (if your sausage is fatty, you may not need extra oil). Add the ground sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease if necessary, and transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings

Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables. Let the rice cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it gets slightly toasted. This will enhance the flavor of the rice. Add the paprika, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the rice and vegetables with the seasonings.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until it has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender. (If you're using brown rice, cook for 25-30 minutes, adding more broth if necessary.)

Step 5: Stir in the Frozen Peas and Cook the Sausage

Once the rice is nearly cooked, stir in the frozen peas (or other frozen vegetables). Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine everything. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and the sausage to fully incorporate into the dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste the sausage and rice mixture, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve the ground sausage and rice skillet hot, straight from the pan.

How to Cook Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to cook this easy skillet meal:

1. Cook the ground sausage until browned, then set it aside.
2. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in the same skillet until soft.
3. Add the rice and seasonings, and toast the rice for a few minutes.
4. Stir in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then simmer until the rice is cooked.
5. Add frozen peas and return the sausage to the skillet, cooking until heated through.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Toasting the Rice: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step—it only takes a couple of minutes!
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Make sure to cook the onions and peppers until they are soft, but don’t let them get mushy. They should retain a bit of their texture.
• Using the Wrong Rice: Keep in mind that different types of rice cook at different rates. If you’re using brown rice, you’ll need to cook it longer and add more liquid.
• Not Letting the Rice Rest: After the rice is done cooking, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid on to allow any remaining moisture to absorb. This will help the rice fluff up nicely.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving this Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet, you can keep it simple or dress it up for a more sophisticated presentation. Here are a few ideas:

How to Serve Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Family-Style Skillet: Serve directly from the skillet at the dinner table for a casual, rustic presentation.
• Individual Bowls: Dish out the sausage and rice into individual bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
• Optional Toppings: Offer toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even hot sauce for a flavor boost.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish to enhance the flavors and add a bit of acidity.
• Use Colorful Veggies: The bell peppers and peas already add a nice visual appeal, but you can enhance the dish by using a variety of colorful vegetables.

Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in individual containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Tips: This dish freezes well, so you can store any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little added water or broth.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the sausage and vegetable mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and add the rice and broth when you’re ready to cook dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish with leftover rice?
A: Yes! If you have leftover cooked rice, simply skip the step where you add raw rice and broth. Add the cooked rice toward the end with the peas and sausage, and cook just until everything is heated through.

Q: Can I use another grain besides rice?
A: Absolutely. You can substitute quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking times and liquid as necessary.

Q: How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, ground sausage and rice skillet will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a great dish for leftovers or meal prep!

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, ground beef, turkey, or chicken are great alternatives to sausage. Just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed since sausage usually has added spices.

Conclusion

This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a true weeknight winner. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and only requires one pan for cooking, making cleanup a breeze. With its savory sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies, spices, or sausage to make it your own. Try this recipe tonight for a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Print