Description

Smoked Sausage and Rice is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining browned smoked sausage with tender rice, sautéed vegetables, and savory spices. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, delivering a delicious Southern American taste with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to use later.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Toast the Rice: Add the long grain white rice to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the oils and spices. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly for added depth of flavor.
Add Liquids and Sausage: Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed completely.
Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Season and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use andouille or kielbasa sausage instead of regular smoked sausage.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the other spices.
Can substitute brown rice for white rice; increase the broth by ½ cup and extend cooking time to 40–45 minutes accordingly.