One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and filling meal, this One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice recipe will become a family favorite. Combining smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful veggies, this dish is a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup for you! Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Smoked Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown and crisp up around the edges. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the oil and drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the Onion and Bell Peppers: In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings

1. Toast the Rice: Pour the uncooked rice into the pot with the vegetables, stirring to coat it in the oil and letting it toast slightly for 2 minutes.
2. Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, Cajun or Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes

1. Add the Chicken Broth and Diced Tomatoes: Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
2. Return the Sausage: Add the browned smoked sausage back into the pot.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Check for Doneness: Once the rice is cooked, give the mixture a final stir and check the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
2. Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
3. Serve Hot: Dish up your one-pot smoked sausage and rice, and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!

Tips for Making the Best One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice

• Use a High-Quality Sausage: Since the sausage is the main protein in this dish, opt for a flavorful, high-quality smoked sausage. Andouille adds a spicy kick, while kielbasa brings a mild, smoky flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, you can leave it out or use a sweeter paprika.
• Don’t Skip Toasting the Rice: Toasting the rice in the oil with the veggies helps to bring out its nutty flavor and ensures that it doesn’t become mushy while cooking.
• Add Veggies You Love: This recipe is very adaptable. You can throw in some frozen peas, corn, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Use Brown Rice for More Fiber: If you want a healthier version, use brown rice instead of white. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the simmering time.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipe

• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you won’t have a pile of dishes to wash afterward.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of sausage, rice, and vegetables makes this meal both satisfying and nutritious.
• Packed with Flavor: Smoked sausage and seasonings like paprika and Cajun spices ensure this dish is bursting with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile: You can easily switch up the type of sausage or add extra veggies to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Sausage and Rice

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the sausage and rice.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices in the pot.
• Pickles or Sauerkraut: The acidity from pickles or sauerkraut can help cut through the richness of the sausage and rice, offering a nice contrast in flavors.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: To reheat individual portions, simply pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: You can also reheat the entire pot on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying, making it perfect for feeding your family or even prepping meals ahead of time. With smoky sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables all cooked in one pot, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of sausage?
   Yes! Feel free to substitute smoked sausage with andouille, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
2. Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
   Absolutely, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to simmer the dish for about 30-40 minutes instead of the usual 18-20.
3. What other vegetables can I add?
   You can add vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
   It depends on the type of sausage and seasonings you use. Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning will add some heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.
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   Yield: 4

   One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

   

   Print

   If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and filling meal, this One-Pot Smoked Sausage and Rice recipe will become a family favorite. Combining smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful veggies, this dish is a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup for you! Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.

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   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 25 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 12 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds
   • 1 small onion, finely chopped
   • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
   • 2 garlic cloves, minced
   • 1 teaspoon paprika
   • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 cup long-grain white rice
   • 2 cups chicken broth
   • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
   • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
   • Salt and pepper, to taste
   • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

   Instructions

   1. Cook the Sausage:

   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

   Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

   2. Sauté Vegetables:

   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

   Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

   3. Cook the Rice:

   Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it into the vegetables and spices, letting it lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.

   Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a boil.

   4. Simmer:

   Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

   Stir in the frozen peas (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Add the browned sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine.

   5. Season and Serve:

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

   Notes

   Sausage Options: You can use any smoked sausage like kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version.

   Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.

   Rice Substitution: Brown rice can be used, but the cooking time will increase. Adjust the liquid and simmer time accordingly.

   Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.