When you want a hearty dinner that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner is your answer. This one-pan meal combines savory sausage, tender rice, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even when you just want comfort food without the hassle.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it’s flexible, fast, and incredibly satisfying. You can make it with smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage. The rice absorbs all the flavors, creating a cozy, flavorful dish that tastes like it took much longer to prepare than it actually did.

If you’re searching for a simple, flavorful, and filling dinner, this skillet meal is a must-try.

Why This Recipe Works

There are a few reasons this dish is so popular:

One-pan cooking means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
Rice absorbs the flavor, creating a rich, hearty texture.
Sausage adds depth and spice without needing extra seasoning.
Vegetables add color and nutrition, making it feel balanced.
Creamy sauce makes it feel like a comfort meal, but still light enough for everyday dinners.

This recipe is also incredibly adaptable. You can swap ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. That’s the beauty of a skillet dinner—it’s forgiving and flexible.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this easy Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner:

1 pound smoked sausage (or chicken sausage), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sliced sausage. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add rice and spices

Add the rice to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes. This helps toast the rice slightly and adds flavor. Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.

4. Add liquids

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Add vegetables and sausage

Stir in frozen peas and carrots and the browned sausage. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes until vegetables are heated through.

7. Make it creamy

Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

8. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner

✅ Use the right rice

Long-grain rice works best for this dish because it cooks evenly and doesn’t get mushy. If you use brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid.

✅ Don’t skip the browning

Browning the sausage adds flavor and depth. It also creates delicious browned bits in the pan that make the rice taste amazing.

✅ Add veggies for balance

This dish is flexible. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients.

✅ Make it extra creamy

For a richer version, add a little cream cheese or more cheddar.

✅ Adjust spice level

If you like heat, add cayenne or hot sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the chili flakes.

Variations

Here are a few tasty ways to change up the recipe:

🌶️ Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice

Use Cajun sausage and add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy version.

🍅 Tomato-Basil Sausage Rice

Use diced tomatoes and fresh basil. Add mozzarella instead of cheddar for a lighter flavor.

🥦 Veggie-Packed Skillet

Add chopped broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can even stir in spinach at the end.

🧀 Cheesy Bacon Rice

Add cooked bacon bits and extra cheese for a decadent version.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better:

Serve with a side salad for freshness
Add a dollop of sour cream
Top with sliced avocado for creaminess
Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls

Storage and Meal Prep

This skillet dinner is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice looks dry.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Fun Facts

Sausage and rice dishes are common across many cultures because they’re simple, filling, and budget-friendly. In many countries, rice is paired with sausage or cured meats to make a hearty meal that feeds the whole family. This skillet version is a modern, quick adaptation perfect for busy lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying, Sausage and Rice Skillet Dinner is the perfect choice. It’s a comfort food classic that you can customize to your taste and make in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.