Savory One Pot Smoked Sausage Rice Recipe

Looking to simplify your busy weeknights with a meal that’s both hearty and hassle-free? Look no further than the flavorful and comforting One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice recipe. This dish has been a game-changer for me during hectic evenings when the chaos of schedules threatens to take over. With just a handful of ingredients, including smoky sausage, tender rice, and colorful bell peppers all cooked together in one pot, this recipe not only delivers on taste but also minimizes cleanup time. It has become a staple in my household, bridging the gap between activities and family time effortlessly.

The magic of this One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice recipe lies in its simplicity and universal appeal. From winning over the pickiest eaters to earning praise from even the toughest food critics, this dish has a way of bringing everyone to the table with smiles all around. The addition of paprika, oregano, and a medley of vegetables elevates the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with different variations like Cajun or Mediterranean twists, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate. Plus, with tips on meal prepping, serving suggestions, and even freezing options, this dish is truly a lifesaver for anyone seeking a delicious and convenient meal solution.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy weeknight meal: Perfect for busy evenings when you need something delicious on the table fast.
• Family-friendly and satisfying: Appeals to picky eaters and even gets compliments from the toughest critics.
• Versatile and customizable: Swap ingredients and add different veggies to create new flavor profiles and cater to different tastes.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Improves in flavor over time, ideal for meal prep and storing leftovers for future meals.

Why You’ll Love This Savory One Pot Smoked Sausage Rice Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by picky eaters and even the most discerning food critics in the family.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different sausage types, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup and minimal effort required—ideal for those hectic days.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The smoky sausage, tender rice, and savory seasonings create a delicious and comforting dish.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking and storing leftovers for easy reheating throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at potlucks, dropping off for friends, or serving at family gatherings.

Ingredients for Savory One Pot Smoked Sausage Rice Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1/2 cup onion, diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika will give more flavor if you have it)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14 ounces smoked sausage like kielbasa, sliced into rounds

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or chopped green onions

How to Make Savory One Pot Smoked Sausage Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep ingredients

Cut the kielbasa into ¼-inch thick rounds. Dice the onion and bell pepper into pieces between ¼ to ½ inch. In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; set aside.

Step 2: Brown the sausage

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides.

Step 3: Cook the onions

Cook onions until they start to brown and soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine all ingredients

Add chicken broth, rice, tomato paste, bell pepper, and the combined spices (paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to the pan. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Cook the rice

Bring the liquid in the pan to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20-23 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. It’s okay if there is a little liquid left, but the rice should not be runny.

Step 6: Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving.

Storage Tips

After cooking the one pot smoked sausage and rice dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve as it sits, making it a great dish for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out, then cover and microwave on medium power.

If you have extra portions or want to freeze some for later, portion the dish into individual containers, allow them to cool completely, and then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy the dish once more. This versatile recipe is not only great for weeknight family dinners but also for sharing with friends, taking on outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying a comforting and flavorful meal any time you need it.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the smoked sausage with other types of sausage like andouille for a Cajun twist or Italian sausage for a Mediterranean version. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the different sausage flavors. You can also experiment with adding different vegetables like olives, feta cheese, or zucchini to customize the dish to your preference.

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can replace the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or extra-firm tofu for a protein source. Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian. Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. Additionally, consider using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting this one pot smoked sausage and rice dish in individual mini cast iron skillets for a charming and rustic touch. This not only makes for an adorable presentation but also keeps the dish warm longer at the table, allowing everyone to dig in at their own pace. Top each skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a vibrant finish.

Another fun idea is to serve this hearty meal in hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful twist on stuffed peppers. After cooking the smoked sausage and rice mixture, spoon it into halved and deseeded bell peppers, then bake in the oven until the peppers are tender. This not only adds a colorful element to the dish but also infuses the peppers with the delicious flavors of the sausage and rice filling. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

FAQs for Savory One Pot Smoked Sausage Rice Recipe

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages like andouille for a Cajun twist or Italian sausage for a Mediterranean version. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the flavor of the sausage you choose.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually improves overnight as the flavors meld. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth, cover, and microwave on medium power to prevent the rice from drying out.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors of the vegetables used.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely! Portion the cooled dish into individual containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a little extra liquid when reheating to ensure the rice stays moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy days and a crowd-pleaser for family dinners. Its versatility allows you to get creative with different variations, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to impress guests, or something comforting to enjoy on a lazy Sunday, this recipe has got you covered. The heartiness of the smoked sausage and rice combination is sure to warm your soul and bring smiles to the faces around your table.

So, next time you’re in need of a reliable go-to meal that’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and loved by all, remember the magic of One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice. With its simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor, this dish has the power to turn ordinary evenings into memorable moments shared with loved ones. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor the satisfaction of creating a meal that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. Cheers to good food, good company, and the endless possibilities that a humble pot of sausage and rice can bring to your kitchen and beyond!

Savory One Pot Smoked Sausage Rice Recipe

One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice: A quick, flavorful lifesaver for busy weeknights, loved by even the pickiest eaters and perfect for meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time12 Minutes

Cook Time28 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1/2 cup onion, diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika will give more flavor if you have it)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14 ounces smoked sausage like kielbasa, sliced into rounds

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prep ingredients: Cut the kielbasa into ¼-inch thick rounds. Dice the onion and bell pepper into pieces between ¼ to ½ inch. In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; set aside.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides.
3. Cook the onions: Cook onions until they start to brown and soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine all ingredients: Add chicken broth, rice, tomato paste, bell pepper, and the combined spices (paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to the pan. Stir until well combined.
5. Cook the rice: Bring the liquid in the pan to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20-23 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. It’s okay if there is a little liquid left, but the rice should not be runny.
6. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving.