If you’re looking for a comforting, quick, and tasty dinner, One Pot Sausage and Rice is the answer! This easy-to-make, hearty dish combines savory smoked sausage with tender rice, seasoned perfectly with aromatic herbs and spices. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or preparing a cozy family dinner, this one-pot wonder delivers all the flavor without the hassle.
In this article, we’ll break down how to make this delicious sausage and rice dish, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor, and we’ll walk you through each step so you can prepare it to perfection. Read on to find out how to turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love One Pot Sausage and Rice
One Pot Sausage and Rice has all the qualities of an amazing meal: it’s simple, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a savory, aromatic dish on the table that will satisfy your hunger and leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
What’s even better? The smoked sausage provides a rich, savory taste, while the combination of onion, red bell pepper, and seasonings adds a beautiful depth of flavor. Plus, using one pot means you get all the delicious flavors melded together without a ton of dishes to wash afterward!
Ingredients for One Pot Sausage and Rice
This dish uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and satisfying meal:
Main Ingredients:
- 14 ounces smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into rounds – The star of the dish, the sausage adds a savory, smoky flavor that infuses the entire meal.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced (about 1/2 medium onion) – The onion adds a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – The red bell pepper adds color and sweetness to balance out the savory sausage.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This will be used to sauté the ingredients and bring everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor) – Paprika adds warmth and a smoky depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon oregano – This earthy herb enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the sausage and vegetables.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a slight heat to balance the richness of the sausage.
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium) – This provides the necessary moisture for the rice to cook and adds depth of flavor.
- 1 cup white rice (long grain) – Rice is the perfect vessel for absorbing the delicious sausage broth.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste – Tomato paste adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that ties everything together.
How to Make One Pot Sausage and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Sauté the sausage until it starts to brown and crisps up a bit on the edges. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
As the sausage starts to brown, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion should become translucent, and the bell pepper should soften, making the kitchen smell absolutely delicious.
The sausage will infuse the oil with its smoky flavor, and the onion and bell pepper will add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory sausage.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Now that your sausage and veggies are nicely sautéed, it’s time to season the mixture. Add the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure that the sausage and vegetables are well-coated in the seasonings.
The spices will start to bloom in the heat, releasing their aromas and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding a little extra paprika for more smokiness or some extra black pepper if you like a little heat.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth
Next, add the long-grain rice to the pot. Stir the rice into the sausage and veggie mixture and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps toast the rice slightly, which will add a bit of extra flavor to the final dish.
After toasting the rice, pour in the chicken broth. This will provide the moisture needed to cook the rice and infuse it with all the savory flavors. Also, add the tomato paste to the broth and stir everything well. The tomato paste will dissolve into the liquid, creating a rich, flavorful base for the rice to absorb.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, making sure that the broth is boiling gently. Once the broth is simmering, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all the savory liquid, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes with the lid on to allow the flavors to meld together.
After 5 minutes, take the lid off, and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. The sausage, veggies, and rice should be evenly mixed, and every bite will be bursting with flavor!
Serve the One Pot Sausage and Rice hot, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Nutritional Information
This One Pot Sausage and Rice dish is packed with flavor and makes for a balanced meal. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
This recipe serves 4 people, and each serving is both filling and flavorful, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best One Pot Sausage and Rice
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Choose the Right Sausage: The type of smoked sausage you use can really impact the flavor of the dish. Kielbasa is a great option, but feel free to experiment with other sausages like andouille or chorizo for a spicier kick.
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Adjust the Spices: If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For a milder dish, you can reduce the paprika or skip it altogether.
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Use a Sturdy Pot: Since this dish relies on even heat distribution to cook the rice properly, make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to avoid any burning or uneven cooking.
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Add Extra Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? You can add peas, carrots, or even spinach to the pot for added nutrients and flavor.
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Make it a One-Pot Meal: To make this a complete meal, add some frozen peas or corn towards the end of cooking to add color and sweetness to the dish.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Sausage and Rice
This dish makes great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store it, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the sausage and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it up when reheating.
Can I Freeze One Pot Sausage and Rice?
Yes, you can! To freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply thaw the dish in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Related Recipes You May Enjoy
If you loved this One Pot Sausage and Rice, here are some other delicious recipes you might enjoy:
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
- Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
Conclusion
One Pot Sausage and Rice is the perfect meal when you need something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. This dish is packed with savory sausage, tender rice, and a blend of aromatic spices that make every bite a treat. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, making it a weeknight dinner winner.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get started on this delicious, one-pot wonder. You’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal ready in no time that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you coming back for more!
Print
Savory One Pot Sausage and Rice – Easy Dinner in 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Sausage and Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines savory smoked sausage with colorful veggies and perfectly cooked rice. It’s an easy-to-make dinner that’s ready in just 40 minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights. The smoky sausage and spices bring incredible flavor to every bite, and the simplicity of cooking it all in one pot means minimal cleanup! Your family will love this satisfying, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup onion, diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup white rice (long grain)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
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Sauté the Sausage and Veggies:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until it starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened. -
Season the Mixture:
Stir in the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together to ensure the sausage and vegetables are well-coated in the seasonings. -
Add the Rice and Broth:
Add the long-grain rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly. Then, pour in the chicken broth and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. -
Cook the Rice:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. -
Serve:
Fluff the sausage and rice mixture with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and hearty One Pot Sausage and Rice!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- You can swap the smoked sausage with any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to use long-grain white rice for the best texture in this dish.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: One Pot Sausage and Rice, Sausage and Rice, Easy Sausage Rice, One Pot Dinner, Sausage Dinner, Smoked Sausage Rice, Simple Sausage Rice, Hearty Rice Dish, Weeknight Dinner