This Hearty One-Pot Sausage and Rice Dinner is a simple and filling meal. It features tasty sausage, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies all cooked together in one pot!
I love how easy this dish is to make; it’s all about tossing everything into one pot and letting it simmer. Plus, it means less cleaning up afterwards—yay!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage gives a nice kick, but kielbasa or turkey sausage are great choices too, especially for lighter options. You can even use veggie sausages for a meat-free meal!
Rice: Long grain white rice works well here, but brown rice or jasmine rice are good alternatives! Just remember that cooking times may change slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth is fantastic if you have it on hand. If you’re looking to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or fire-roasted canned tomatoes can also add a lovely flavor. If you like it spicy, try using tomatoes with chopped green chilies!
How Do I Keep the Rice From Getting Mushy?
To cook rice perfectly in this recipe, it’s crucial to rinse it first to remove excess starch. The rinsing helps prevent clumping and ensures the rice stays fluffy. Here’s how to do it:
- Place rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Toast the rinsed rice briefly in the oil and veggies before adding the broth; this adds flavor and helps it stay firm.
Additionally, simmer it on low with the lid on. This traps steam and cooks the rice evenly. Avoid opening the lid while it’s simmering, as this lets steam escape!
Hearty One-Pot Sausage and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hearty One-Pot Sausage and Rice Dinner will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So, expect to spend a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large deep skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook until browned on both sides, around 4-5 minutes. When done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pan with the remaining oil, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4 minutes until they get nice and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until the garlic smells wonderful.
3. Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir it with the veggies, letting it toast lightly for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice flavor to the rice!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and season everything with salt and black pepper to your taste. Give it a good stir!
5. Simmer:
Return the browned sausage to the pan and mix it all together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Finish Up:
Once the rice is cooked, take the pan off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps everything settle nicely. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Enjoy your warm, flavorful, and comforting one-pot sausage and rice dinner!
FAQ About Hearty One-Pot Sausage and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille or kielbasa are great choices, you can use any smoked sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage for a lighter option or even veggie sausages for a meat-free dish.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer—approximately 40-45 minutes. You may also need to add a bit more liquid, so check your rice package instructions!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stove until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help refresh the rice consistency!
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the vegetables! You can add diced zucchini, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly for firmer vegetables that may take longer to cook.
