If you're looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious meal, this Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect solution. This one-pan wonder is loaded with savory sausage, fluffy rice, and flavorful vegetables that make it a complete meal for any day of the week. Whether you're cooking for a family or just want something simple for yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a flavorful dish that's sure to satisfy. Keep reading to learn exactly how to make this satisfying skillet meal!

What is Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet?
Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is a versatile and easy-to-make meal that combines ground sausage, rice, and various vegetables in a single pan. The result is a hearty and filling dish that's packed with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this skillet recipe is both delicious and adaptable. You can tweak it to include your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a go-to for anyone looking to create a customized meal.
Ingredients List for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this tasty meal:
- 1 lb ground sausage (Italian, breakfast, or spicy)
- 1 cup of uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for cooking the rice)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or corn, optional)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is how versatile it can be. Here are some possible substitutions and variations that you can try:
- Protein Substitutes: Don’t have ground sausage? No worries! You can substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground beef. Each type of meat will bring a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well in this dish.
- Rice Varieties: White rice is commonly used, but you can swap it for brown rice, jasmine rice, or even wild rice. Just remember that the cooking time for different types of rice may vary.
- Vegetables: Don’t like bell peppers or peas? Feel free to swap them with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots. You can also add a handful of baby spinach toward the end of cooking for a boost of nutrition.
- Spices and Herbs: For a spicier version, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage. You can also play around with the herbs by adding fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro.
- Cheesy Addition: Want a cheesy twist? Add a cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) to the skillet after the rice has cooked. Stir until melted and enjoy a creamy, cheesy meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is easy to follow and only requires one pan for cooking. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it into the vegetables for about 1 minute. This helps toasting the rice for extra flavor. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Skillet: Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid. If using brown rice, you may need to add an extra ½ cup of broth and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Add the Sausage and Peas: Once the rice is cooked, stir the browned sausage and frozen peas (or corn) back into the skillet. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and everything is well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Your Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is now ready to serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is relatively simple, here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Overcooking the Sausage: Be careful not to overcook the sausage when browning it. Cook it until it's just browned, as overcooked sausage can become tough and dry.
- Using Too Little Liquid: It’s important to have enough broth to properly cook the rice. If you find that the rice isn’t fully cooked when the liquid is absorbed, you can add more broth or water, a little at a time, until the rice reaches your desired texture.
- Not Covering the Skillet: When cooking the rice, make sure to cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. This helps trap the steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
- Undercooking the Vegetables: To avoid crunchy onions or peppers, make sure they are softened before adding the rice and broth.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Your Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is not only a hearty and satisfying meal, but it can also be presented in a visually appealing way. Here are some ideas on how to serve and present this dish:
- Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the rich flavors of the skillet. You can also serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables for extra fiber and nutrition.
- Crusty Bread: Serve this dish with a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce. Garlic bread or a baguette works perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
This skillet dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:
- Family-Style: Place the skillet in the center of the table and allow everyone to serve themselves. It creates a warm, casual atmosphere that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, spoon portions of the sausage and rice mixture onto individual plates and garnish each plate with herbs or a lemon wedge for brightness.
- Meal Prep: Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet makes great leftovers and can be used for meal prep. Pack it in individual containers for easy, reheat-and-eat meals throughout the week.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet
Presentation can take your dish to the next level. Here are some creative ways to present your Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet:
- In a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, it adds a rustic, homey feel to the presentation. Serve straight from the skillet for a down-to-earth vibe.
- Color Contrast: Use colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, green peas, and bright tomatoes to make the dish visually appealing. The more vibrant, the better.
- Garnish with Citrus: A lemon or lime wedge on the side can add a pop of color and a hint of acidity that brightens the flavors.
Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe Tips
Here are a few expert tips to make sure your Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet turns out perfect every time:
- Pre-Cook Sausage for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, you can pre-cook the sausage in a cast-iron skillet to get a good sear before adding it back to the dish later.
- Broth Boost: Use a good-quality broth for cooking the rice. The better the broth, the more flavor your rice will absorb, giving the whole dish a richer taste.
- Rice Texture: If you prefer your rice to be a bit creamier, you can stir in a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking. This gives the dish a risotto-like consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Place the cooled dish in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Yes, you can use instant rice to speed up the cooking process. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and reduce the amount of liquid slightly.
Conclusion
Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, filling, and incredibly versatile meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to make a quick weeknight dinner or are looking for a dish that can be easily customized to your tastes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with savory sausage, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables, it's a dish that everyone will love. Now that you have all the tips and instructions, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy your delicious, homemade Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet!
PrintGround Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe
This ground sausage and rice skillet recipe combines hearty ground sausage, rice, and savory seasonings for a delicious, one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, it’s easy to make and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: green onions, shredded cheese, hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Add optional toppings if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground sausage with turkey sausage or add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasonings and spice levels to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
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