If you’re craving a bold, comforting meal that comes together in one pan and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is the answer. Imagine tender slices of smoked sausage seared until golden, nestled with sweet bell peppers and onions, all tossed with fluffy rice that soaks up every last bit of savory flavor. This dish is as vibrant in color as it is in taste, making it a weeknight favorite that feels like a special occasion every time. Plus, with a prep-to-table time of just forty minutes, it’s the perfect way to bring everyone together without fuss or stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each component plays a crucial role in building flavor, color, and heartiness. Gather these essentials and you’re already halfway to a crowd-pleasing dinner!
- Smoked sausage (14 oz): Sliced into rounds, this is the star of the dish, lending a rich, savory depth and a hint of smokiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies, adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds earthiness and a bit of crunch to balance the other flavors.
- Yellow onion (1, sliced): Provides a mellow sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): A must for irresistible aroma and depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances the smoky notes and gives a gorgeous hue.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a Mediterranean touch and fragrant herbal flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick!
- Long grain white rice (1 cup): The perfect canvas to soak up all the bold flavors.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps it fluffy.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors—season to your liking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of green.
How to Make Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Let the pieces sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes—this is how you get those lovely caramelized edges that add so much flavor. Once browned on both sides, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out; those browned bits are pure flavor!), toss in your sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Stir frequently until the vegetables start to soften and the onions turn slightly translucent, about five minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything together for about thirty seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices become aromatic—this step unlocks so much depth in the Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice right into the skillet and stir well to coat each grain in those flavorful oils and spices. Let the rice toast for a minute or two; this helps ensure fluffy, separate grains and adds a subtle nuttiness to the final dish.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a thorough stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all those delicious juices and flavors as it cooks.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Once the rice is tender and the liquid has disappeared, return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sausage is heated through. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Your Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A generous handful of chopped fresh parsley wakes up the whole dish with its vibrant green color and mild, herby note. For extra flair, you can also add a few thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A lemon wedge on the side brings a bright, tangy lift that’s especially nice if you like a little acidity with your smoky, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
While this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe is a satisfying meal all by itself, it loves a simple green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. If you want to keep things cozy, serve it with warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last grain of rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or potlucks, spoon the dish into a large, colorful serving bowl and scatter extra herbs over the top for wow factor. For weeknight dinners, try serving it in individual bowls with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess. You can even stuff the mixture into roasted bell pepper halves for a fun, portable twist on the original.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe keeps beautifully! Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making those next-day lunches extra special.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to three months, and you’ll be so glad to have a delicious homemade meal on standby for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the rice and keep it moist. Alternatively, rewarm it gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of parsley to brighten it up before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a wonderful depth, you can substitute with turkey sausage, Andouille, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Will brown rice work in this recipe?
Yes, brown rice is a great whole-grain option for this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe. You’ll need to add about 1/2 cup more broth and increase the simmer time to around 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can easily leave them out for a milder version. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist on the Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe, use a plant-based smoked sausage and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get plenty of smoky, savory flavor!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can cook the entire dish ahead of time and reheat just before serving, or prep the sausage and veggies in advance to streamline your weeknight cooking. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe a try—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it never fails to impress and satisfy. Happy cooking!
Print
Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Rice recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender slices of smoked sausage are sautéed with sweet bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices, then combined with fluffy long grain white rice cooked in savory chicken broth. Garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and comforting flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings & Rice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, coating the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Cook the Rice: Add the long grain white rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the rice with the seasonings and oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the browned smoked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat the sausage through.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a whole-grain option, substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- For a creamy twist, top the finished dish with shredded cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
