Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? This sausage and rice recipe is exactly what you need! Packed with savory sausage, tender rice, and a blend of spices, this dish is full of flavor and super easy to make. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Read on for the full recipe, tips, substitutions, and everything else you need to make the perfect sausage and rice dish!

What is a Sausage and Rice Recipe?
A sausage and rice recipe is a classic one-pot meal that combines savory sausage with fluffy rice, vegetables, and spices. The dish is highly customizable—you can use any type of sausage, from spicy Italian to mild chicken sausage, and incorporate a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s a comforting meal that’s both filling and easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.
This dish works great for lunch or dinner and can be easily doubled for leftovers. The beauty of sausage and rice is in its versatility—you can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients List for Sausage and Rice
To prepare the perfect sausage and rice, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are the essentials, but feel free to add extra veggies or spices depending on your personal preferences.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage (Italian, chicken, pork, or turkey, depending on preference)
- 1 cup of rice (white, brown, or basmati)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), with juices
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil of choice
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a spicy kick)
- ½ cup frozen peas (for added vegetables)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for a cheesy topping)
Substitutions and Variations for Sausage and Rice
One of the best parts about this sausage and rice recipe is how adaptable it is. If you're missing an ingredient or want to change things up, there are several substitutions and variations you can try.
Substitutions:
- Sausage: Swap pork sausage for turkey, chicken, or even vegan sausage to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Rice: Use brown rice or even quinoa if you prefer a healthier, whole grain option. Keep in mind that brown rice may take longer to cook.
- Vegetables: Add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also swap out bell peppers for other varieties or even use a frozen vegetable medley.
- Broth: If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a dash of bouillon can work in a pinch.
Variations:
- Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme for a spicier version. Andouille sausage is perfect for this style!
- Cheesy Sausage and Rice: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Healthy Sausage and Rice: Use lean turkey sausage and swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sausage and Rice

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare the perfect sausage and rice meal.
- Prepare the Sausage:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and add to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers are soft.
- Add Rice and Seasonings:
- Add 1 cup of rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains in the oil and vegetable mixture. This helps the rice absorb more flavor as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in paprika, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer, stirring to combine.
- Pour in Liquids:
- Add the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Simmer the Dish:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes (for white rice) or 35-40 minutes (for brown rice), or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Reintroduce the Sausage:
- Once the rice is tender, stir the cooked sausage back into the pan. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, so the flavors meld.
- Optional Add-Ins:
- If using peas or other vegetables, stir them in at this point and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the pan from heat and give everything a final stir. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sausage and Rice
Even though this dish is relatively simple, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid.
- Overcooking the sausage: Make sure to brown the sausage until it's just cooked through, but don't overdo it. Overcooking can make the sausage dry and tough.
- Undercooking the rice: Be sure to simmer the rice for the full recommended time. If the rice is still crunchy after cooking, add a bit more broth and continue cooking.
- Using too little liquid: The rice needs enough liquid to fully cook and become tender. If the pan starts to dry out while the rice is cooking, you can add more broth or water.
- Not seasoning enough: Rice absorbs a lot of flavor, so be generous with your spices. Taste as you go to ensure a flavorful dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips for Sausage and Rice
Presentation can elevate even the simplest of dishes. Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting your sausage and rice recipe.
How to Serve Sausage and Rice:
- Serve the sausage and rice hot in large, shallow bowls for an attractive presentation.
- For a family-style meal, you can serve it straight from the pan at the table. Place a large serving spoon in the skillet and let everyone help themselves.
- Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the heartiness of the dish.
Presentation Ideas:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color.
- Top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of sour cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side to make the meal even more satisfying.
Sausage and Rice Recipe Tips
Here are some expert tips to ensure your sausage and rice dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan will help prevent the rice from sticking and burning.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit off the heat for 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the rice to finish steaming and ensures it’s nice and fluffy.
- Customize the heat: If you like spicy food, add more chili powder or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Cook sausage separately: While it may be tempting to cook the sausage with the rice, browning it separately first ensures it’s flavorful and caramelized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just slice it and add it to the pan during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can also increase the vegetable content for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Q: What type of rice is best?
A: White rice cooks the fastest, but brown rice or even wild rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrients. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This sausage and rice recipe is a versatile, delicious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With its savory sausage, tender rice, and flavorful vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with variations, this one-pot wonder will soon become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your skillet and get cooking—you won’t be disappointed!
Try this recipe tonight, and don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
PrintSausage And Rice Recipe
This delicious sausage and rice recipe is an easy one-pot meal, combining juicy sausage with perfectly cooked rice and simple ingredients. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s packed with flavor and ready in under an hour!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (sliced)
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in rice and paprika, cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in cooked sausage, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage—spicy, mild, or chicken.
- For extra vegetables, add peas or carrots.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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