If you’re in the mood for a cozy yet quick meal that warms the heart, say hello to your new favorite: One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice. This dish combines savory smoked sausage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a sprinkle of spices for a hearty meal that’s on the table in less than an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish goes from stove to table in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only one pot to wash, cleanup is as effortless as the cooking process itself.
- Flavor-Packed: The smoked sausage infuses the rice with a rich, smoky flavor that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand, making it versatile and reliable
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Smoked Sausage: Opt for kielbasa or your favorite smoked sausage for a deep flavor.
- Onion: A diced onion brings a subtle sweetness after it’s sautéed to perfection.
- Red Bell Pepper: It not only adds a vibrant color but also a mild, sweet taste.
- Olive Oil: This helps in sautéing the sausage and vegetables to enhance their natural flavors.
- Spices (Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder): These spices elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor profile to new heights.
- Chicken Broth: Use a low-sodium option to control the salt levels while keeping the rice moist and savory.
- White Rice: Long grain rice works best, absorbing the broth and flavors beautifully.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a rich tanginess that complements the smoky sausage wonderfully.
Variations
Feel free to mix things up with this One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice! It’s easily tailored to fit any palate or pantry content. Let your creativity run free while staying true to the comforting essence of this dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the smoked sausage for chickpeas or a plant-based sausage to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicier Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who love extra heat.
- Different Grains: Experiment with brown rice or even quinoa for a different texture and nutritional profile.
How to Make One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by slicing your smoked sausage into rounds about ¼ inch thick — this is the perfect thickness for ensuring each bite is succulent. Dice your onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. In a small bowl, mix your spices and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Everything Good
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil then toss in your sausage slices. Cook until each piece is browned on both sides, then stir in your onions until they’re golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Now, introduce the chicken broth, rice, tomato paste, bell pepper, and pre-mixed spices to the pan. Stir everything well. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice
- Sauté Softly: Don’t rush sautéing the onion and sausage; let them gently caramelize for deeper flavor development.
- Broth Temperature: Ensure your broth is at room temperature before combining to maintain even cooking.
- Covering the Pan: Keep it covered while simmering to lock in moisture, crucial for perfectly tender rice.
- Garnish with Brightness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions will add freshness and color, finishing your dish beautifully.
How to Serve One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions brings a burst of color and freshness. Don’t forget a dash of lemon juice if you love a bit of tang in your bite!
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or buttery garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A crisp coleslaw or steamed green beans can complement the rich flavors as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice in a large, rustic ceramic dish for family-style dining or individual bowls for a more personalized dining experience. Either way, it’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When well-stored, the flavors continue to mingle, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers once cooled. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two months. Be sure to label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the rice.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, though it will require a longer cooking time and additional broth for the rice to cook properly.
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Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based alternative or protein of choice, such as chickpeas or tofu.
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What type of sausage works best?
Kielbasa or any robust, smoked sausage works best, as they impart a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Opt for your preferred type for different flavor nuances.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjust the spice levels by adding more garlic powder for a mild flavor, or include chili flakes or cayenne for an extra kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
If a delicious and comforting dinner sounds like your kind of culinary adventure, give One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice a try. It’s a delightful meal that’s easy, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your household. Gather everything together and enjoy a flavorful journey with this one-pot wonder.
Print
One Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful one-pot smoked sausage and rice recipe is a quick and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining smoky kielbasa, tender rice, and colorful vegetables, all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Meat
14 ounces smoked sausage like kielbasa – sliced into rounds
Vegetables
1/2 cup onion diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
1 red bell pepper diced
Cooking Aromatics & Spices
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Grains & Liquids
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup long grain white rice
Additional
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the kielbasa into small rounds about ¼ inch thick. Dice the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces between ¼ and ½ inch. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large sauté pan or 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on each side, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until beginning to brown and soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, add the rice, tomato paste, and the spice mixture. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20-23 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out; add a splash more broth if necessary.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- For extra vegetables, consider adding peas or diced zucchini during simmering.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before serving; if it’s not done, cover and cook a few more minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
