Hearty One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

Savory One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming skillet of smoked sausage and rice, packed with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Savory links nestled among fluffy grains create a meal that warms you from the inside out.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

This hearty recipe blends smoky meat, tender vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice into one delectable dish.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this meal a weeknight champion.

Each forkful promises rich, satisfying complexity that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Gather around the table and let this soulful one-pot wonder become your new dinner favorite.

Smart Storage Tips For One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Portion this dish into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, keeping meals fresh and convenient.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the rice maintains its moisture and sausage stays tender.
  • Freezing Hack: Freeze meal portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore texture.
  • Flavor Refresh Tip: When reheating, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs or a dash of hot sauce to revive the dish's original zesty profile and add a new layer of excitement to your leftover meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

For Protein and Flavor Base:
  • Smoked Sausage: Adds rich, smoky taste and hearty protein to create a satisfying main dish component with deep caramelized edges when browned.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and helps sausage develop beautiful golden-brown exterior while adding subtle fruity undertones.
For Aromatic and Seasoning Elements:
  • Garlic: Delivers pungent depth and authentic savory complexity to enhance overall recipe profile.
  • Onion: Contributes sweet, mellow foundation that builds robust background flavor and provides textural interest.
For Bulk and Texture Components:
  • Long Grain White Rice: Creates fluffy, tender base that absorbs surrounding flavors and provides comforting, filling texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Infuses gentle, rich liquid base that helps rice cook perfectly and adds layers of subtle seasoned moisture.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Elevates and balances all ingredient interactions, bringing out natural taste dimensions in each component.
For Brightness and Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Parsley: Sprinkles vibrant green color and introduces fresh, herbal note that cuts through rich, hearty dish elements.

Tools For One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

  • Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for sautéing sausage and cooking the entire dish in one vessel.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing smoked sausage into even pieces.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for cleanly cutting sausage into uniform slices.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning rice and liquid.

Steps To Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

  • Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Drop sliced smoked sausage into the hot pan and let it dance and brown for 3-4 minutes until edges get crispy. Scoop out the golden sausage pieces and set them aside on a plate.

  • Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Let them soften and release their fragrant magic, stirring occasionally until they turn translucent and smell amazing.

  • Build the Base

Pour in rice and stir it around to coat with the flavorful oil and onion mixture. Let the rice toast slightly to develop a nutty aroma.

  • Create the Liquid Layer

Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Sprinkle in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth. Stir everything together gently.

  • Simmer and Combine

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let everything simmer quietly for about 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

  • Final Fusion

Return the crispy sausage pieces back into the pot. Stir everything together, letting the flavors mingle and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming one-pot wonder into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips To Upgrade One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

  • Sausage Sear Secret: Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper caramelization and richer flavor on the smoked sausage's edges.
  • Low-Sodium Swap: Choose reduced-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium sausage to control salt content for health-conscious eaters.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for extra warmth and depth in the dish's flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the recipe's hearty essence.

Ways To Serve One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

  • Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this one-pot wonder as a complete meal that brings everyone together, with the smoky sausage and fluffy rice creating a comforting main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Colorful Side Accompaniments: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and extra nutrition, balancing the rich flavors of the smoked sausage and creating a well-rounded plate.
  • Quick Garnish Boost: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire dish and adds a touch of elegance to this simple meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Option: Pack this dish in a large serving container for gatherings, as it travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature, making it an ideal contribution to family reunions or community potlucks.
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Hearty One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe

Hearty One-Pot Smoked Sausage And Rice Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty one-pot smoked sausage and rice delights dinner tables with robust flavors from Polish culinary traditions. Saucy, satisfying ingredients blend seamlessly for quick comfort that connects family around warm plates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (500 g) smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, or any smoked sausage), sliced
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
  • 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Caramelize smoked sausage slices until golden brown, then set aside on a separate plate.
  2. Aromatics Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent, releasing their fragrant essence. Introduce uncooked rice, toasting the grains to develop a rich, nutty flavor.
  3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring rice is fully immersed. Gently fold in bell peppers, allowing them to soften and blend with the developing mixture.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Reintroduce the seared sausage to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice. Reduce heat, cover, and let the ingredients meld together, creating a harmonious one-pot wonder.
  5. Finalize and Serve: Once rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Let the dish rest briefly, then fluff with a fork to distribute sausage and vegetables evenly. Serve immediately while flavors are at their peak.

Notes

  • Sear Sausage Perfectly: Caramelize edges by cooking on medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan, ensuring rich golden-brown color and enhanced flavor profile.
  • Rice Absorption Technique: Toast rice grains before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent mushy texture, creating a more robust and separated grain structure.
  • Vegetable Variation: Swap bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables to adapt the recipe to available ingredients and preferences.
  • Low-Sodium Modification: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to create a heart-friendly version of the dish without compromising taste complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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