If you're looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, this Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need! Packed with savory sausage, tender rice, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this dish is a complete meal that’s both budget-friendly and ideal for busy weeknights. Best of all, it’s a one-pan recipe, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Ready to get cooking? Keep reading for everything you need to know!
What Is Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet?
Ground sausage and rice skillet is a versatile and hearty one-pan dish featuring flavorful ground sausage cooked with rice, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s similar to a stir-fry or a rice pilaf but with a unique flavor profile that comes from the savory sausage and simple spices. This dish is fully customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even switch up the type of sausage to suit your preferences.
Ingredients List for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily available at any grocery store. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand!
- Ground Sausage – 1 pound (pork, chicken, or turkey sausage all work well).
- Rice – 1 ½ cups of uncooked white rice (long-grain works best, but jasmine or basmati are good options).
- Onion – 1 medium onion, diced.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
- Bell Peppers – 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, diced.
- Carrots – 1 cup, diced (for sweetness and texture).
- Chicken Broth – 3 cups (for cooking the rice and adding flavor).
- Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons (adds depth and a touch of acidity).
- Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons (for a savory, umami punch).
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the veggies).
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon (for a smoky, mild kick).
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
- Optional Toppings – Chopped parsley, grated cheese, or sliced green onions for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this ground sausage and rice skillet is its versatility. You can modify the recipe based on what ingredients you have on hand or to suit your dietary preferences. Here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground sausage for ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Rice Options: You can use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier, whole-grain version. Note that brown rice will take longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the broth amount and cooking time.
- Vegetable Variations: You can use any vegetables you like! Zucchini, mushrooms, peas, spinach, or corn are all great additions to this dish.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs, cumin, or chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella) toward the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a simple guide to making this delicious ground sausage and rice skillet. With just one pan and a few easy steps, you'll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving a little bit of the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and toss in the diced onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring it into the vegetables. This step helps to "toast" the tomato paste and deepen the flavor. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This adds extra flavor to the rice before adding the liquid.
- Pour in Broth and Soy Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring everything to combine. Make sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check the rice occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.
- Add the Sausage Back In: Once the rice is fully cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with your choice of fresh parsley, green onions, or grated cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful one-pan meal!
How to Cook Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
The beauty of this dish is that it’s cooked all in one pan, making it incredibly simple and convenient. The key steps are browning the sausage, sautéing the vegetables, toasting the rice, and simmering everything together in a flavorful broth. This method ensures that all the flavors meld together, creating a deeply satisfying meal. You can cook this dish on the stovetop in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick but delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: Be mindful of the cooking time for the rice. If you overcook it, the rice can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once the liquid is absorbed.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: While some fat from the sausage adds flavor, too much can make the dish greasy. Drain excess fat after browning the sausage.
- Using Uncooked or Crunchy Vegetables: Make sure the vegetables are sautéed until they soften. Hard or undercooked vegetables can ruin the texture of the dish.
- Skipping the Toasting Step: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid helps to enhance its flavor and texture, so don’t skip this important step!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving this hearty ground sausage and rice skillet, presentation matters! While it’s a simple dish, a few touches can make it look as appealing as it tastes:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich, savory dish.
- Add a Cheese Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, top the skillet with a layer of shredded cheese, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
This ground sausage and rice skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas for how to serve this dish:
- With a Salad: A crisp side salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing complements the rich flavors of the skillet.
- Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a balanced meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
This dish may be a one-pan meal, but you can still get creative with how you present it! Here are a few ideas to make your skillet dinner stand out:
- Serve in the Skillet: Present the dish directly from the skillet at the table for a rustic, family-style meal.
- Use Colorful Plates: Bright plates can make the dish look even more appetizing, especially with the vibrant colors of the peppers and carrots.
- Top with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh herbs, diced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for a polished look.
Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe Tips
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Double the ingredients and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheese just before serving to make the dish extra creamy and comforting.
- Use Pre-Cooked Rice: If you're in a rush, you can use pre-cooked or leftover rice. Just reduce the broth to about 1 cup and cook everything until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use brown rice instead of
white rice?**
A: Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need more liquid. Adjust the cooking time and broth as needed.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of extra broth to keep it moist.
Q: Can I freeze ground sausage and rice skillet?
A: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Q: What type of sausage should I use?
A: Any ground sausage works! Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even chorizo can be used to suit your taste preferences.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Conclusion
This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe is a delicious, versatile, and quick meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to garnish with your favorite toppings!
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Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This ground sausage and rice skillet recipe is a quick and hearty meal made in just one pan. Packed with savory sausage, tender rice, and colorful vegetables, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. A satisfying dish for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into pieces.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in rice, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap white rice for brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
- You can use any sausage variety—spicy, sweet, or Italian—for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
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