Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner, this Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is perfect for you. It's a quick one-pan meal that's loaded with savory sausage, fluffy rice, and veggies, all seasoned to perfection. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal in a short amount of time. Stick around to learn how to make this simple yet flavorful skillet dinner, along with tips for customization, serving suggestions, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet?

A ground sausage and rice skillet is a simple, one-pot meal made by cooking ground sausage with rice and vegetables, all seasoned with spices to create a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s the perfect combination of protein, carbs, and veggies, making it a well-balanced, satisfying meal. You can make this recipe your own by adjusting the seasoning, switching up the vegetables, or using different types of sausage, making it a versatile go-to meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients List for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

Here's what you'll need to make this easy and delicious meal:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage (Italian, breakfast, or spicy sausage, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color, though red or green work best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, or you can substitute with other vegetables)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)

Seasonings and Extras

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for added depth)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

Garnishes (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Sliced green onions

Substitutions and Variations

This ground sausage and rice skillet is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand:

• Sausage Alternatives: You can use any type of sausage you like—Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, spicy sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Rice Substitutes: Brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Different Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute the peas with corn or green beans.
• Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For more spice, use spicy sausage and add hot sauce or more red pepper flakes.
• Cheese Topping: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese for a cheesy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed (some sausage varieties have enough fat to sauté the veggies). Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the rice toast for 1-2 minutes in the skillet with the vegetables. This step helps give the rice a slightly nutty flavor.
4. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
5. Simmer Until Rice is Cooked: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-18 minutes (for white rice) or 35-40 minutes (for brown rice), or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add the Cooked Sausage and Peas: Once the rice is cooked, stir the browned sausage back into the skillet along with the frozen peas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the peas are heated through and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Toasting the Rice: Skipping the step of toasting the rice with the vegetables can result in rice that is less flavorful. Toasting the rice adds a nice depth to the overall dish.
• Using Too Much Liquid: Be careful not to add too much broth or water. Stick to the recipe’s liquid measurements for the best results, as too much liquid can make the dish soupy.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Don’t overcook the onions and peppers in the sautéing phase. They should be soft but still have a bit of bite, so they maintain their texture in the final dish.
• Not Cooking the Rice Long Enough: It’s important to cook the rice until it’s fully tender. If you rush this step, you may end up with crunchy rice. If you find the rice isn’t quite done, add a little more broth and continue cooking until tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

This ground sausage and rice skillet is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs well with various sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or Caesar salad to add a fresh element to your meal.
• Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread or a dinner roll can be great for soaking up any extra sauce or broth in the skillet.
• Steamed Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your meal, serve the skillet alongside steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach.
• Tortillas or Pita Bread: For a fun twist, serve the skillet with warm tortillas or pita bread, and let everyone make their own wraps.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet

• Serve in the Skillet: For a rustic presentation, serve the dish directly from the skillet at the dinner table. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
• Individual Bowls: For a more polished presentation, ladle the sausage and rice mixture into individual bowls and top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Stuffed Peppers: Another unique presentation idea is to hollow out large bell peppers and stuff them with the cooked sausage and rice mixture. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender, and serve as a main course.

Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe Tips

• Use a Large Skillet: Make sure your skillet or pan is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking to make the process smooth and easy.
• Season at Each Stage: Be sure to season the sausage, vegetables, and rice at each stage of cooking. This ensures the final dish is well-seasoned and flavorful throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice? Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice, but reduce the amount of broth or liquid. Simply add the pre-cooked rice at the same time you add the sausage back into the skillet, and cook until everything is heated through.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. This dish reheats well, so you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly. Store the cooked sausage and rice in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! You can substitute ground sausage with ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but they all work well.
5. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu in place of the ground sausage. Additionally, you can bulk up the dish with more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas.

Conclusion

This Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With just one pan and minimal prep time, it’s a no-fuss dish that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can switch up the sausage, rice, and veggies to make it your own. Give it a try and see how this delicious, hearty meal becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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