Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner was one of the first meals I learned to cook on my own. After years in kitchens from Bangkok to Berlin, it’s still a go-to recipe that brings me back to chilly fall evenings at home. My grandmother used to toss together sausage, rice, and pantry staples into a one-pan miracle that fed us all, and always had seconds. Now, this dish has become one of my readers’ favorites on Fresh Leaf Rezepte, and for good reason. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and full of nostalgia. Whether you’re winding down after work or cooking with kids, this meal delivers comfort in every bite. In this post, you’ll find everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to storage tips and easy variations (yes, even gluten-free!). It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t ask for much, just one pan, one bowl, and one happy table.
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Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner: Cozy One Pan Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner is a one-pan wonder full of smoky flavor, tender rice, and nostalgic comfort. A perfect go-to for busy nights, it’s budget-friendly, halal-friendly, and packed with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage (beef or poultry-based), sliced into coins
- Long-grain white rice
- Olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and brown for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add uncooked rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth, tomato paste (or diced tomatoes), paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Return the sausage to the pan, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork, garnish with parsley if using, and serve hot.
Notes
Use long-grain white rice for best texture. Avoid lifting the lid while simmering. For cheesy variation, stir in shredded cheddar after cooking. Reheats well, add a splash of broth when warming up leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: One Pan Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner uses affordable pantry staples plus a few fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Smoked sausage (beef or poultry-based), sliced into coins
- Long-grain white rice
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Bell pepper, any color, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
- Tomato paste or canned diced tomatoes
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Note: All ingredients used are naturally halal-friendly, so no substitutions are necessary.
Related: For more sausage-based comfort dishes, try this Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta or this hearty Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the sausage and vegetables
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove sausage and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Toast the rice
Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 2 minutes to develop a nutty flavor. This step makes a big difference in both taste and texture.
3. Add liquids and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and add tomato paste (or diced tomatoes), paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Combine and cook
Return the sausage to the pan, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer for 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all that smoky, savory flavor.
5. Finish and serve
Once the rice is tender and fluffy, fluff everything with a fork and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Tip: This recipe fits right in with our collection of Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes, made for real-life busy nights.
Tips for Success
- Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best as it stays fluffy. Avoid instant rice, it cooks too fast and can become mushy.
- Don’t skip the browning: Browning the sausage is key. It releases flavor into the pan, which enhances the overall taste.
- Low and slow: Once everything is simmering, keep the heat low and resist lifting the lid. Steam cooks the rice evenly.
- Stir gently: Fluff the rice rather than stirring vigorously to avoid breaking the grains.
Pro Tip: Have leftovers? This reheats beautifully and is just as delicious the next day.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Version
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner is naturally gluten-free, provided your sausage is certified gluten-free (most are). Always double-check the label.
Add a Southern twist
Stir in some Creole seasoning or a dash of cayenne for a smoky heat kick. A handful of chopped celery can also be added with the onions and peppers.
Cheesy comfort
Once the rice is cooked, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, cheesy version.
Veggie Boost
Want more veggies? Add frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Also check out: Our One Pan Sausage and Potatoes Dinner for another hearty one-pan option.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well! Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back moisture if needed.
FAQ
What kind of smoked sausage should I use?
You can use beef, turkey, or chicken smoked sausage. Choose a brand with natural casing for the best texture.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the broth to 3 cups and extend the cooking time to 35–40 minutes.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The smoky flavor is mild, and it’s a great recipe to introduce kids to new ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store in single-serve containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Conclusion
This Smoked Sausage and Rice Dinner brings everything you want in a weeknight meal: warmth, ease, flavor, and just the right amount of nostalgia. With one pan and simple ingredients, it proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again, especially when the weather cools and you’re craving something hearty. Add it to your regular rotation and don’t forget to check out Popular Dinner Recipes for more weeknight winners.