Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring smoky sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and tender rice simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth sauce. This recipe combines simple ingredients for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Sausage and Vegetables

13 ounces (369 g) smoked sausage (beef or pork), sliced into rounds
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips (any color)
1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)

Rice and Liquids

2 cups (370 g) uncooked white rice
8 ounces (227 ml) can tomato sauce
4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper as a substitute)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a heavy bottom pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides. This step develops a rich, savory flavor crucial to the dish’s base.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the pan with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes. This process infuses the sausage and oil with aromatic flavors.
Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, lightly toasting the grains. Toasting enhances the texture and helps the rice absorb more flavor from the broth and seasonings.
Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Add the creole seasoning (or cayenne pepper substitute), then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Check occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if necessary to prevent drying.
Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra bell peppers if desired for added color and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Use any color bell peppers to vary the dish’s sweetness and appearance.
To make it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce at the end.
Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
For a gluten-free option, double-check the sausage ingredients to ensure no gluten-containing fillers are used.