One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Are you searching for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner solution that minimizes cleanup? Look no further than this One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet! This recipe combines savory sausage, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, all cooked in a single pan for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal with just a few simple steps.
## Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet
* **Easy Cleanup:** The biggest draw is undoubtedly the single-pan aspect. Less dishes mean more time relaxing or tackling other tasks.
* **Quick and Convenient:** This recipe comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the vegetables, sausage, or spices to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of savory sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This dish utilizes affordable ingredients, making it a great option for budget-conscious families.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Sausage:** 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or your favorite sausage variety. You can use links or ground sausage.
* **Rice:** 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed. Basmati or Jasmine rice also work well, but may require slight adjustments to cooking time and liquid.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred).
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Spices:** 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, green onions.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into a single pan. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* **Rinse the Rice:** Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
* **Prepare the Sausage:** If using sausage links, remove them from their casings and crumble the sausage. Alternatively, slice the links into ½-inch thick rounds.
**Step 2: Brown the Sausage**
* Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet works exceptionally well, but any large skillet that can be transferred to the oven is suitable. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the rice mixture to a baking dish later.
* Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the sausage is no longer pink inside.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
* In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should become translucent, and the peppers should start to soften.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.
**Step 4: Add the Rice, Tomatoes, and Spices**
* Add the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Stir everything together to ensure the rice and vegetables are well coated with the spices and tomato juices.
**Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth and Sausage**
* Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, return the cooked sausage to the skillet, and stir to combine.
**Step 6: Simmer and Bake (or Simmer Until Done)**
* **Oven Method (Preferred):** Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Check the rice after 25 minutes; if it’s still too wet, continue baking for another 5 minutes.
* **Stovetop Method:** If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Check the rice periodically and add a splash of chicken broth if the skillet appears dry before the rice is fully cooked. Be careful not to lift the lid too often, as this releases steam and can affect the cooking time.
**Step 7: Rest and Fluff**
* Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven (or turn off the heat if using the stovetop method). Let the skillet rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and prevents it from becoming mushy.
* After resting, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Garnish the One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Sausage Options:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or even vegetarian sausage. Adjust the amount of seasoning accordingly. For example, chorizo is already quite spicy, so you may want to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, corn, peas, or spinach. Consider adding vegetables that have similar cooking times together. For example, add heartier vegetables like carrots or broccoli along with the onions and peppers, and add delicate vegetables like spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Spice It Up:** For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage, add more red pepper flakes, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Cheese, Please:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or mozzarella cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
* **Add Beans:** Include a can of drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for added protein and fiber. Add them along with the diced tomatoes.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Adjust Liquid:** The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the type of rice used. If the rice is still not cooked through after the recommended cooking time, add a little more chicken broth and continue cooking until the rice is tender.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Make sure to use a skillet that is well-seasoned or non-stick to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. If using stainless steel, keep a close eye on the skillet and stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and browning the sausage. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can save you time on busy weeknights.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
## Serving Suggestions
This One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with the following sides:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the savory skillet.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add extra nutrients and color to the meal.
* **Cornbread:** Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the dish.
## Recipe Card
**One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or your favorite sausage variety
* 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, green onions
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Ingredients:** Rinse rice, chop vegetables, and crumble or slice sausage.
2. **Brown Sausage:** Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:** In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. **Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Spices:** Add rinsed rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. **Add Chicken Broth and Sausage:** Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Return sausage to skillet and stir.
6. **Simmer and Bake (or Simmer Until Done):**
* **Oven Method:** Cover tightly and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
* **Stovetop Method:** Cover and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. Check periodically and add broth if needed.
7. **Rest and Fluff:** Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
8. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or green onions. Serve immediately.
## Nutritional Information (Estimated)
_Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes._
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
## Conclusion
This One-Pan Rice and Sausage Skillet is a winner for its simplicity, flavor, and minimal cleanup. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!